A Complete Guide on All Dental Tools Used by Dentists

A mouth mirror is a simple tool, but it’s one of the most important used by dentists. Mouth mirrors are usually made of stainless steel and have a long thin handle. At the other end is a small mirror (usually round). 

Mouth mirrors have three general uses:

• They allow dentists to view areas of the mouth that aren’t visible, such as back molars.
• With the smooth mirror surface, they can be used to gently move cheek and tongue tissue to get a better view of certain teeth and areas in the mouth.
• They can be used to reflect light from the dental chair light in order to illuminate teeth and areas of the mouth.

Also known as an explorer, a sickle probe has a long thin handle and a hook on the end that may be curved and sharp-looking. Sickle probes are used to explore the surface of the teeth and identify and caries (cavities), decay, tartar, biofilm, or other problems. 

Sickle probes scrape away plaque and provide insight into what’s going on in the more hidden pockets of the mouth and teeth.

Ultrasonic tooth cleaners use ultrasonic vibrations to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth. These cleaners are small and also release oxygen into the teeth, helping to further combat harmful bacteria and plaque buildup.

Some dentists and hygienists prefer ultrasonic cleaners to manual scalers because of their effectiveness, and patients tend to be less intimidated by them.

Molds are used to create customized dental products for you like crowns, aligners, and mouthguards. They’re trays that fit into the mouth and are filled with a soft substance. When you bite down, an impression of your teeth is pressed into the mold.

This impression gives your dental professional a clear image of your current bite and teeth, which can be used to create a treatment plan or product.

Handheld dental tools should never be used at home on your own. These tools are very sharp and require precision and training to be used safely and effectively. Using them at home can result in serious damage to your teeth and gums.

Risks include the following:

• Gum trauma or injury: Using a dental tool on your gums can easily result in cutting your gums or inner mouth, or pulling or poking gums too deeply. This can result in inflammation and permanent damage. When traumatized, gum tissue may recede. This can lead to serious oral health problems like exposed roots and gum disease.
• Damage to tooth enamel: The enamel is the protective layer on the teeth. Scraping your teeth on your own with a dental tool can result in a scraping off or wearing down the enamel. This damage is irreparable and can weaken the overall structure of the tooth and bite.
• Infection: Dental tools are carefully cleaned and sterilized before use in a dentist’s office. Using tools on your own can result in the spread of germs or bacteria in your mouth. Gums in particular may be prone to infection if prodded, cut, or irritated by a dental tool. 
• Pushing tartar or bacteria under the gum line: Without proper training, it’s easy to push tartar or other particles up under the gumline if trying to scrape plaque with a professional tool. This can lead to gum irritation and infection.

Professional dental tools should not be used at home. Trying a DIY plaque scraper or probe can result in cutting your gums or inner, cheek, or mouth. Even if you do not cut yourself with these tools, you may accidentally spread bacteria or push tartar below the gum line, where it can cause a serious infection.

While professional dental tools aren’t safe for home use, there are many effective and specialized dental products and tools that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and available for home use. These include the following:

• Specialized mouthwash and toothpaste: Whether you’re concerned about whitening your teeth, minimizing tartar stains, or caring for irritated gums, there’s a safe choice for your needs.
• Water and electric flossers: If you’re concerned with your gum health, ADA-approved water flossers have been shown to reduce gingivitis (early gum disease).
• Electric toothbrushes: ADA-approved electric toothbrushes effectively clean the teeth. Most have settings and options for your specific needs, such as gum care, sensitive teeth, and other issues. Ask your dentist for their recommendation for your teeth.
• Dental picks and interdental brushes: If flossing isn’t an option for you, or you find flossing difficult, flossing tools can help ensure you’re removing daily plaque buildup.