Everyone has dental plaque. That is why good oral hygiene practice is essential. When you visit a dentist’s office for a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will use a plaque removal tool to eliminate hardened debris and food from your teeth. These devices can be a plaque scraper or ultrasonic tooth cleaner. In any case, you can consult your dentist about the procedure needed for your condition. Keep reading to find out how dental cleaning tools work, including the simple ways to remove plaque at home, the danger of DIY scraping, and more. You can visit Carindale Family Dentist’s clinic near Mt. Gravatt if you want to make sure that your teeth is healthy.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria and sugars that constantly forms on teeth. Microbes in plaque create acids after you eat or drink, which can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities and gum disease.
In addition, plaque can build up under the gums on tooth roots and damage the bones that hold the teeth. If untreated, this sticky film can harden into extreme tartar. Excellent oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, helps remove plaque.
Who Might Be Bound To Get Plaque and Tartar?
Though all of us can get plaque, you might develop more plaque and tartar than usual if you:
- Have dry mouth because of medications or health conditions
- Consume a great deal of sweet or starchy foods and drinks
- Have a history of head or neck radiation
- Use any tobacco products
In addition, know that plaque buildup in your dentures, or any restorative appliances like crowns and bridges, is also possible, especially if you smoke or use any tobacco products. Therefore, you need to quit smoking or be sure to visit your dentist regularly.
How Dental Scaler Works
When you go to a dental office for a professional cleaning, the dental care professionals will utilize small dental tools. These are commonly known as plaque scrapers, and the dentist uses them to remove tartar from your teeth.
Furthermore, plaque scrapers are pointed toward one side. Some are bent to reach the rounded surfaces of your teeth. In any case, during dental scaling, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and under the gum line.
The Dangers of DIY Scraping
Though plaque should be removed to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay, it should never be tried at home. Remember that only a dental professional, a dental hygienist, or a dentist is the right person to do plaque scraping. Common dental problems you can encounter if you continue using a plaque scraper at home include:
Gum Recession
Since a plaque scraper is sharp, an improper application can harm the fragile gum tissue. Injury to the gum tissue of any sort is not just painful, yet it can likewise prompt gum recession. If you notice visibly shrinking gums, visit Pyrmont’s trusted clinic, Sydney Laser Dental, to help treat and improve your oral health condition.
Tooth Sensitivity
Once your infected gum tissue symptoms subside, it will expose the roots of the teeth. From that point, you will start to encounter extreme tooth sensitivity.
Infection
Inappropriate utilization of a plaque scraper can cause dental infection. You can accidentally push down the tartar under the gum line, leading to gum infection. Dental tools need to be sterilized using an autoclave to avoid these issues.
Other Mouth Injuries
As mentioned above, the main trait of plaque scrapers is being incredibly sharp. Plaque scrapers are medical tools that require extensive training to learn how to properly use them. Incorrect use could cause injuries to your tongue, cheeks, or other soft tissues within your mouth.
How To Remove Plaque and Tartar At Home
Even though using a plaque scraper at home is not advisable, there are several ways to keep your teeth healthy between dental visits.
- Brush your teeth daily using a soft-bristled brush for two minutes, two
times a day. Brushing your teeth in a steady and calm motion for around 30 minutes will help to decrease the amount of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. - Floss your teeth once a day to make sure you are thoroughly cleaning every area inside your mouth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel against acid and decay.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, chewing raw vegetables can help to clean your teeth when brushing is not accessible.
- Include mouthwash in your oral hygiene habits. This helps clean your teeth in the hard-to-reach surfaces inside your mouth.
Managing Plaque Professionally
If you are worried about dental plaque, then it would be best to visit your dentist. If you do not have one, you can click here to book a dental appointment. A dentist can check your mouth to see if you have plaque, tartar, or other dental issues that need to be addressed. If necessary, a trained and licensed dental hygienist will use a dental scaler to remove plaque safely.
Remember that it is not wise to use a plaque scaler at home. There are different ways you can do at home to make your teeth healthy between professional dental cleanings. Proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing can help fight germs and maintain a dentist-clean feeling.
In addition, keep in mind that plaque removal is essential for good oral health, yet it is not a DIY project. If you are concerned about plaque, make sure to see a dental health professional for safe and optimal oral healthcare services.
References:
What is Plaque?
https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/patient-education/patient-materials/what-is-plaque
Sensitive Teeth.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
Oral hygiene habits and oral health status of female adolescents under state protection: a pilot study.
