What Is a Dental Scaler?
A dental scaler is the tool a dentist uses to scrape the plaque and tartar off of teeth. It€s a metal hand tool with an end shaped like a curved or hooked blade.
It sounds threatening, but it€s actually a super important tool in the dental tool belt. And you can actually get one for your at-home oral hygiene care kit too.
How To Use a Dental Scaler
After you get your scaler, get a feel for what it weighs and how it balances. Then stand in front of a mirror with bright lighting (this will help you see small stains and tartar).
Look very closely at your teeth. Find the visible stains and any tiny debris left over from flossing. Use a dental mirror (which you can also buy online) to see the backs of your teeth.
Once you find a stain, place the tip of the scaler against your tooth at the gumline. Slide the scaler away from the gum line and note any roughness along the surface of the tooth. This will be when the scaler catches on the surface €" this could mean you have tartar.
Continue to use this method for scraping every tooth with plaque and tartar buildup. Each tooth your scraped should have a smooth feel to it.
Once you€re done, rinse the scaler and dental mirror under the faucet and wash with soap or some other disinfectant. Dry them off and store them away.
