A tartar scraper, also known as a dental scaler, is a specialized hand instrument designed to remove hardened dental plaque, or calculus, from the surfaces of teeth. Tartar is a mineralized deposit that forms when plaque is left on the teeth, and it cannot be removed effectively by simple brushing or flossing. While these tools are typically used by trained dental professionals during routine cleanings, the availability of at-home versions has led many individuals to attempt self-scaling between appointments.
Risks of Self-Scaling
Attempting to remove tartar at home carries risks due to the specialized nature of the tool and the lack of professional training. The metal tips of dental scalers are sharp, and improper handling can cause trauma to the delicate gum tissue. This can lead to painful lacerations, localized inflammation, and gum recession, which exposes sensitive tooth roots and increases the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Uncontrolled force or incorrect application angle may scratch the tooth enamel, creating microscopic defects that make teeth more susceptible to staining and decay. Unintentionally pushing tartar deposits further beneath the gum line is also a risk. This action can create or deepen periodontal pockets, trapping bacteria and leading to a serious infection, such as a gum abscess. Finally, achieving the necessary level of sterilization to prevent introducing foreign bacteria is nearly impossible with common household methods, elevating the risk of oral infection.
Essential Preparation and Setup
Before the scaler touches the tooth, preparation of both the instrument and the environment is required to minimize the risks of injury and infection. The metal scaler must undergo high-level disinfection, as household cleaning is inadequate for oral tools that may break the skin barrier. A common method involves scrubbing the tool to remove debris and then submerging it in boiling water for a minimum of 30 minutes to kill most bacterial spores.
The working area must be properly illuminated; a bright, focused light is necessary to visualize the calculus, which often appears as yellow or white deposits. Accessing the back and inner surfaces of teeth, particularly the lingual surfaces where tartar frequently accumulates, necessitates the use of a small dental mirror. To ensure a clear field of vision and better control, cotton rolls or gauze can be used to manage saliva flow and keep the working area dry.
Precise Technique for Tartar Removal
The safe and effective use of a tartar scraper relies on mastering the correct grip, angulation, and motion. The instrument should be held using a modified pen grasp, which provides maximum control and tactile sensitivity. This grip must be stabilized by establishing a fulcrum—a finger rest placed firmly on an adjacent tooth or nearby surface—ensuring the hand remains steady throughout the procedure.
The working end of the scaler must be adapted to the tooth surface at an angulation ideally between 70 and 80 degrees. This angle allows the cutting edge to engage the calculus effectively without scraping the enamel or damaging the gum tissue. Removal is performed using short, powerful pull strokes directed away from the gum line, moving toward the chewing edge of the tooth.
Avoid pushing the instrument into the gum or using long, continuous scraping motions, as these are ineffective and likely to cause tissue trauma. The strokes should be controlled, overlapping, and no longer than two to three millimeters, ensuring the tip-third of the cutting edge remains adapted to the tooth surface. Work systematically, focusing on one quadrant and one tooth at a time, checking for smoothness after each section to confirm the calculus has been fully removed. After scaling, the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water or an antiseptic mouthwash to flush out any dislodged fragments.