Dental Professionals: What is the proper way to use a scaler?

Question

I have one and want to scale my teeth, but I do not really know how to use one. Are you supposed to lay the scaler flat on the surface of the tooth or are you supposed to use the tip of the point? How do you remove tartar? Please provide me with a detailed explanation

Thanks.

Answer 1

no....you should leave this to the professionals....you may cause harm to your gums, let alone a dirty instrument, do you know where it has been....it is not sterile...

Answer 2

Yes,   please,  please,  don't try this yourself.   If you bought it at the store it isn't really even a real scaler like the dental professionals use.  If you slip,   or place it at the wrong angle,  you can do more damage than good,  and you can really rip up your gums.   Plus,   if you do have tarter,  you are not going to be able to get the right angle to do it yourself,  let someone else do it safely and properly and sterile.