Maintaining overall health and well-being requires excellent oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can cause a number of health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even heart disease since the mouth serves as the body’s entry point.
Sometimes it is not possible to maintain good oral hygiene just by brushing hence using teeth-cleaning tools can aid in providing adequate and proper maintenance of oral health. In this blog, we will discuss how can you clean your own teeth using teeth-cleaning tools
Steps to cleaning your teeth with dental cleaning tools
Using teeth cleaning tools to clean your teeth can be an efficient approach to keeping your teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and tartar accumulation. The steps to cleaning your teeth with such tools are as follows.
- Gather up your tools which can include a dental mirror, a scaler, and a curette. These tools can be bought online or in a dental supply shop.
- Choose a well-lit space to work and position yourself so you can see your teeth clearly in the mirror.
- Use the dental mirror to inspect your teeth and identify spots where tartar or plaque has accumulated.
- Use the scaler to remove any plaque or tartar buildup by holding it at a 45-degree angle to your teeth. Working your way up from the gum line to the top of the tooth. To prevent harming your teeth or gums, be gentle and take your time.
- Use the curette to remove any remaining accumulation after using the scaler to remove the bigger plaque or tartar deposits. As bacteria can hide below the gum line, the curette is made to reach there.
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to eliminate any bacteria or debris that may have gotten loose during the cleaning procedure.
- Work your way around your mouth, repeating the procedure on every tooth.
Risk factors
If teeth cleaning tools are not used properly, cleaning your teeth might be dangerous. The purpose of these instruments is to eliminate plaque and tartar accumulation, but if they are misused, they can harm your teeth and gums. The following are some potential risks with using dental cleaning tools on your teeth:
- Gum tissue injury can result from improper use of the scaler or pick, which can cause bleeding and pain.
- Damage to the enamel can result from improper or excessive use of dental instruments and can result in tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and decay.
- Bacterial infections can result from using unclean or improperly cleaned instruments after each use.
- If a sharp teeth-cleaning tool is used with excessive force, it may cause pain and sensitivity by damaging the nerves in your teeth.
- Small plaque or tartar pieces that are mistakenly ingested or breathed and become trapped in the throat or lungs might cause digestive or respiratory difficulties.
Conclusion:
Teeth cleaning tools can be helpful in getting rid of plaque and tartar accumulation, but regular trips to the dentist for thorough cleanings and exams should still be made. It’s also essential to handle the tools carefully and cautiously to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Additionally, it is preferable to get your teeth cleaned by a certified dentist because this could reduce the chances of potential risks. At our clinic Lifesmiles, our dentists have the knowledge and training necessary to safely clean your teeth and assist you in maintaining excellent oral hygiene. We believe in educating and briefing our patients on easy oral hygiene instructions which include brushing twice a day, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and never​ missing routine dental checkups.
