Tartar scratches
definition
Tartar scratches (Scaler) are instruments that are used to remove tartar independently. They are made of metal and consist of a handle and a sharp, pointed working shaft. This can be used to scratch along the tooth and remove the tartar that has become attached. Such similar instruments are also used in professional tooth cleaning and are extremely effective.
Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when using it, as the sharp edges can quickly injure the gums or damage the tooth enamel. Correct technique is therefore an important part of removing tartar.
Read more on the topic: Tartar
How do you use the tartar scraper correctly?
Since incorrect use of the tartar scraper can quickly damage your teeth and gums, it is important to learn how to do it correctly.
At best, the techniques learned should be demonstrated to the dentist, who will then examine them and possibly give further advice.
The first important point is the direction of movement. The movement should always be carried out from areas close to the gums towards the tooth crown. This avoids injury to the gums. In addition, care must be taken not to apply the scratch below the gum line.
Another point is the sharp point. This should not be used to remove the plaque as the risk of damaging the enamel is high. Instead, the sharp-edged surface is used. This should have an angle of 70-80 ° to the tooth surface. Sharper angles should be avoided as this can damage the tooth enamel.
Risks of tartar scratch
Since the scratches are very sharp instruments and can often slip off in inexperienced people, injuries to the gums are not uncommon. This then inevitably leads to bleeding and if a little more force is used, parts of the gingival papillae can be cut off, which then pose an aesthetic problem.
In addition, incorrect use can damage the tooth enamel, which can then no longer heal.
People who suffer from a weakened immune system or heart disease should urgently refrain from using tartar scrapers, as the bleeding caused bacteria in the oral cavity to enter the bloodstream and cause endocarditis, for example, which is a serious medical situation.
Injury to tooth enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest material in our body and therefore very robust. Even so, the metallic tip of the tartar scraper can damage the enamel. Since tooth enamel, unlike bone, cannot regenerate, the damage caused remains. With frequent use of the scratch, the upper layer of the enamel is systematically removed and so the tooth loses more of its protective coating from time to time. If you scratch notches in the enamel, bacteria can use these niches and ultimately cause tooth decay there. So if you injure your tooth enamel, you should see a dentist who can smooth the area again.
You might also be interested in: How can you rebuild tooth enamel?
What types of tartar scratches are there?
In dentistry, there are basically two different types of tartar scratches. These are curettes and scalers.
They differ at the ends. The curettes have a rounded end and are therefore gentler on the gums. They can be used in the dental office to remove tartar and plaque from the gum pockets.
Scalers are pointed at the end and should therefore only be used above the gums to avoid injuries. In addition to the two main types, there are additional subgroups. Here the number of shafts and turns varies. These are used in different places. The more tortuous a tartar scratch, the better it is suitable for the posterior area. Less curved scratches can be used on the front teeth.
However, these distinctions do not play an important role in domestic use, since purchasing a whole set with different shapes is not worthwhile. In addition, when removing tartar on your own, using the tartar scraper in the area of the molars is not recommended, as you have poor visibility and the risk of injury is high.
How expensive is a tartar scraper?
The cost of a tartar scraper varies by model, but is broadly acceptable.
Prices start at a few euros and are below the cost of an electric toothbrush. So if there is no fear of this type of tartar removal, you can get yourself such a tartar scraper.
When buying, it is best to make sure that the instrument is labeled as a medical product and is actually suitable for removing plaque. Otherwise you can risk unnecessary injuries without effectively removing tartar.
