Can I Scrape Plaque off My Teeth?

If dental plaque is not removed with brushing and flossing every single day, it hardens into tartar, also called dental calculus. The only way to remove the stubborn plaque and tartar is to have it scraped off at a dental cleaning, but you could be tempted to try it yourself. The following suggests why that is not such a clever idea.

The Risk of Plaque Scraping Yourself

During your visit to your dental office for an exam and teeth cleaning, the hygienist uses specialized hand tools to thoroughly clean your teeth. One of these tools is a dental scaler, also called a plaque scraper. Your hygienist uses the plaque scraper’s sharp cutting edges to scrape and scale each tooth around and beneath the gumline and the entire surface of each tooth. Deeper scaling below the gum surface is a process known as deep scaling or root planing.

Although a plaque scraper might be easily purchased in a store or online, it is not a wise idea to use it yourself. Since these plaque scrapers are quite sharp, any improper use can easily damage your delicate gum tissue. Trauma to gum tissue is not only painful, but it can also result in receding gums, which expose the sensitive roots of the teeth. The sharp plaque scraper can also easily cause an injury to your cheeks, your tongue, or other soft tissues. The improper use of a plaque scraper can also easily lead to an infection. Or you might accidentally push tartar under your gumline, resulting in more gum issues.

Removing Plaque Safely

Plaque scrapers are extremely specialized dental tools, and it takes significant training to learn how to use and master them safely. Dental hygienists attend college for two years, where they learn how to use the tools of their trade.

If you might be concerned about plaque buildup, simply see your dentist. Your dentist will examine your mouth to determine if you have plaque, tartar, or other dental problems that should be addressed. If determined to be necessary, plaque can be removed safely and quickly by either your dentist or hygienist.

While it is not a promising idea to try using a plaque scaler yourself, there are simple things you should do at home every day to keep your teeth healthy in between your checkups. The practice of brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily is foundational to your efforts.

Plaque removal is imperative for good oral health, but it is not a Do-It-Yourself project. If concerned, make an appointment with your dentist and dental hygienist for safe, proper oral healthcare treatment.

Prevention of Plaque is the Correct Approach

Dental plaque is an annoying, frequent problem, yet has an amazingly easy solution, which is to simply prevent it from forming with your daily hygiene and regular dental checkups. You could also add antiseptic mouthwashes to kill the bacteria that cause plaque. You should have an exam and your teeth cleaned at least twice a year. Your dentist and hygienist will give you recommendations on how to reduce plaque and protect your oral health.

Related Article: Will Hardened Plaque Go Away?