If you have ever been to the dentist, you have probably had your teeth cleaned, which means you have experienced several of the tools that dentists use. Water, suction, electric brushes, and more are all part of the cleaning routine, but you may have found yourself wondering why dentists will use a small sharp tool to scrape across your teeth.
Dentists call the tool in question a scaler or a scraper. It will remove plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and in your gum line. After a physical exam of your mouth, a dental hygienist will use a scaler on each of your teeth.
The more plaque or tartar build-up you have, the longer this process will take. Generally, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the portion unless you have a significant amount of tartar on your teeth and in your gum line. Most patients only report sensations of discomfort, pressure, or scraping rather than pain.
Is Scraping Necessary?
Yes, scraping your teeth is a necessary part of the cleaning process. Even if you have an excellent oral health routine, you still may miss some mild plaque build-up.
Plaque naturally builds on your teeth throughout the day and night, which is why it is important to brush and floss daily. Plaque can coat every surface of your mouth because it is sticky and, in that plaque, lives bacteria.
There is always a healthy number of bacteria that lives anywhere in your body. But if it is too much, it can cause problems for your health. These bacteria create an acid that will then eat away at the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, which can leave you vulnerable to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
If you have a lot of plaque or tartar on your teeth, your dentist may even use the scraper to slightly reshape your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed from your teeth, it can harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove at home.
Tartar is one of the substances that is scraped off during your dental cleaning. If tartar remains on the teeth, it can inflame the gums and cause them to recede. Small pockets form around the teeth as the tartar builds, increasing the risk of infections.
Have an Efficient Daily Routine
If you are not a big fan of your dentist and dental hygienist scraping around your teeth and gums, devote more time to your daily dental hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and after meals is just one part of a good routine.
You should consider flossing to be just as important as brushing. It gets in between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach, and it cleans below your gum line.
Since plaque can stick to any surface in your mouth, think of adding mouthwash to your routine. If you missed any plaque or bacteria, mouthwash could reach any surface. The more steps you take in your daily routine, the better off you will be.
FAQs
Dentists call the tool in question a scaler or a scraper. It will remove plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and in your gum line. After a physical exam of your mouth, a dental hygienist will use a scaler on each of your teeth. The more plaque or tartar build-up you have, the longer this process will take.
Why does the dentist scrape my teeth? ›
Scraping is a process that involves the removal of hardened plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth. It's a common dental procedure that can help prevent tooth infection and decay. Scraping is a part of a deep cleaning procedure performed by dentists that typically takes up to an hour.
What is it called when they scrape your teeth? ›
Scaling is the process that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth's surface and in the gum pockets below the gum line that form as a result of gum disease. Not only does this remove bacteria, but it also helps to reduce gum inflammation.
Why is there a scrape on my tooth? ›
Tooth abrasion occurs when something hard rubs against your teeth and scratches the enamel. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, poking around your teeth with a toothpick and scraping teeth with dentures or retainers are some of the more common ways that tooth abrasion occurs.
What do dentists use to scrape teeth? ›
During a dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will use a scaler to remove any hard deposits of plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth. They'll use the pointed or curved tip of the scaler to scrape away the buildup from the tooth surface and the gumline.
Is teeth scraping painful? ›
A dental cleaning is typically a painless procedure because there is no cutting or injecting involved. In some cases, the doctor may drill a tooth if there is a small cavity and put some filling or a sealant. In such cases, there may have tooth pain for a day or two and some teeth sensitivity as well.
What is the white stuff when I scrape my teeth? ›
Dental calculus is another name for tartar. Tartar might be off-white or yellow at first. But after a while, it will take on the color of whatever foods or substances you consume.
Is periodontal scraping painful? ›
If the scaler is used during supragingival scaling (scaler won't disturb the tissues) then it won't hurt; however, if there is some sticky plaque stuck in the gum line pockets then it may hurt while pulling out the plaque. That's why some local anesthesia is used during subgingival scaling.
What not to do after scaling teeth? ›
Your teeth may be sensitive to extreme temperature and sweet items. Stick with warm meals and drinks until the sensitivity reduces. Minor bleeding may occur while brushing but it will stop after two or three days. Avoid hot meals for a while, and do not rinse out your mouth, as it could prevent proper healing.
What are the benefits of scraping teeth? ›
Regular scraping helps prevent these issues. Cavity Prevention: Removing plaque and tartar also helps prevent cavities by eliminating the bacteria that contribute to decay. Fresh Breath: Bacteria in tartar can contribute to bad breath. Scraping helps improve oral odor.
Misaligned bite: In some people, bruxism may happen because either a person's bite is not aligned or they have missing teeth. Irritation in the mouth may also contribute to grinding or clenching. Stress: One of the main causes of bruxism in adults, whether it occurs during sleep or when awake, is stress.
Why do dentists pick your teeth? ›
Pick at your teeth with that hook? The instrument, called an explorer, enables the dentist to find soft places in the enamel that could be cavities. It's also used to check the edges of fillings and crowns for gaps or roughness. Want to do treatment when nothing is bothering you?
Can I scrape tartar off my own teeth? ›
Scraping tarter off your own with other tools is not a good idea. Because these tools require special training to use properly, you could do more harm than good to your smile. Without proper training, you could injure your gums, which can lead to infection. In addition, harsh tools can damage the enamel on your teeth.
Why do they scrape my teeth at the dentist? ›
Dentists call the tool in question a scaler or a scraper. It will remove plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and in your gum line. After a physical exam of your mouth, a dental hygienist will use a scaler on each of your teeth. The more plaque or tartar build-up you have, the longer this process will take.
Can scaler damage teeth? ›
Scaling will damage the tooth surface:
Well, you need to know one thing: some specific instruments are specifically designed to scrape off and break down the hardened deposits on your tooth surface.
What does a dental scaler look like? ›
A scaler is used to remove the plaque and tartar that are left behind. It looks sort of like a long metal stick that is bent at one end. Like the sickle probe, a scaler doesn't feel entirely comfortable, but it should not cause much actual pain.
Is it bad to scrape plaque off your teeth? ›
Gum Injury: Improper use of scraping tools can injure your gums, leading to infections, gum recession, and increased sensitivity. Risk of Infection: Without proper sterilization, self-removal tools can introduce harmful bacteria into your mouth and bloodstream, posing significant health risks.
Does it hurt when the dentist shaves your teeth? ›
A skilled dentist will select diamond bur sizes depending on the condition and position of each tooth, removing minimal amounts of tooth enamel. The dentist will avoid aggressive preparation that affects the dentin beneath your enamel. Tooth preparation should not be painful.
Why did my dentist shave my teeth? ›
Your dentist may suggest clinical dental shaving for: Cosmetic treatments that enhance the appearance of your teeth or prepare for the placement of veneers or other restorations. Issues with an improper bite or jaw pain may benefit from dental shaving used to improve evenness.
