How To Effectively Use Your Dental Scaler

14 January 2016 by Jeremiah Barnett

A dental scaler is a metal instrument that is used to clean the parts of your teeth hidden underneath your gum line. It is used by your dentist, or you can purchase one on your own to clean tartar buildup between your semi-annual cleanings. Before you use your dental scaler on your own, be aware of these 3 tips that will help you use the tool effectively.

Clean Both The Front and Back Side Of The Teeth

A common mistake people make when performing dental hygiene is focusing on a great-looking smile. It can cause somebody to take shortcuts when it comes to oral hygiene, which includes ignoring the backside of the teeth that nobody will see.

Tartar that collects on the backside of teeth can provide a breeding ground for bacteria. This lingering bacteria can also make it likely the front side to have bacteria buildup from plaque. It helps to use a small dental mouth mirror to help you use the dental scaler when cleaning behind your teeth as well.

Clean The Dental Scaler Using Hot Water After Each Use

Always keep in mind that you are using a dental scaler to clean off bacteria from your teeth, and if you do not give the dental scaler a proper cleaning after each use, all that bacteria will stay on the instrument. It's very possible that you can bring that bacteria back into your mouth the next time that you use it.

Since the dental scaler's metal surface is so small, you may find it difficult to scrub it using soap. That's why you should always rinse off the dental scaler using very hot water, which will be effective at killing the bacteria that is lingering on the metal. While you can certainly use some soap as well, remember that using hot water will be much more effective than rinsing with cold water or not rinsing it at all.

Avoid Being Too Rough With The Gums

If you press too hard with your dental scaler, it will cause unnecessary bleeding and irritation. Try setting the scaler close to the gums without coming in contact with them, then start scraping the tooth. Progressively move the scaler further into the gum line to remove more plaque. You do not need to scoop the plaque out from underneath your gums, and it's best to start slowly.

Regular use of your dental scaler can help promote great oral health and improve your smile. Speak to your dentist or visit a site like http://greeleydentalhealth.com if you have more questions about using one.

Share

About Me

When I reached the end of the era of natural teeth, it was time to make a decision. Would I go with dentures or dental implants? After discussing the issue with my dentist, I finally settled on the implants. The decision did not come easily. Like many forms of cosmetic dentistry, implants do not fall into the great-teeth-in-an-hour category. It was when I realized that the implants would offer benefits that I could not get with dentures that things finally began to fall in place. If you are about to face a similar decision, let me help you. I'll share what I learned about implants and why I decided they were right for me. From there, you can weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision that is right for you.