Be Your Own Dental Hygenist (Dentek Scaler & Pick Dental Hygiene Pack)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Dentek Scaler & Pick Dental Hygiene Pack
Date:	29/07/09 (80 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Professional feel, quality metal that wont damage tooth enamel

Disadvantages: Tricky to use

A slightly strange thing to review maybe, but I came across these a few weeks ago and thought I'd give them a go and review them because it's a cheaper way to be your own dentist at home & see some instant results.

Dentek are a popular and expert brand with a range of dental care products, which my dentist gave the thumbs up for. I've seen similar non-branded versions of dental scalers, some of which have been very cheap in pound shops. I opted for Dentek even though it's more expensive, because I didn't want to risk doing further damage to my teeth. I trust that the metal used by Dentek is quality and is shaped in such a way that is designed for personal use, and I didn't want to risk cheap metal that may be too sharp or blunt and damage the enamel on my teeth.

This is a set of 3 items: A dental scaler, dental pick, and a mirror on top of a long stick. Looking at them, they look very similar to what you'd find your dentist use. It comes with a cardboard back which has the instructions, and a hard plastic covering on the front.

Once you've opened the packet up, it's a good idea to read through the instructions rather than just take to your teeth like a maniac. I thought it should be nice and simple, just use where you can see any stains or plaque, but to get the best results without causing damage there are certain ways of angling the sticks and using them.
Both sticks have long plastic handles and a metal 'scaler' or 'pick' at the top.

The scaler is the flatter metal, and Dentek claims this 'effectively removes plaque, tartar, and stains to keep teeth white'. The dental pick is more curved with a sharper point, and this 'safely dislodges food particles and plaque between teeth'. Personally, I think that it's best to brush your teeth, use mouthwash and floss first. These are more for tackling plaque and stains.

Both instruments are made from 'soft steel', designed to clean teeth safely without damaging tooth enamel.

How To Use: Scaler - hold pick so top of curve is flat against tooth, gentle pull away from gum line toward the biting edge of tooth. Pick - start at gum line between teeth and gently pull away from gum. This is easier said than done, and requires a few tries and a bit of patience, because you don't want to push to hard or go too quickly and have an accident. There are also simple diagrams on the back of the cardboard with these instructions.

If you have visible signs of plaque then these should do the trick, and even if you don't they should help to ensure that between and around your teeth and kept free from it. There is a warning on the back that you should be careful not to swallow anything that's removed, noting that some 'elements in dental plaque may cause clotting/increased risk of heart disease in some people'. It's therefore best to use in the bathroom and rinse your mouth afterwards. The picks should also be washed, but using warm water and then allowing them to air dry.

These cost around £5.99 in Boots, though I found mine in the reduced section for £2.99. At £6, they're quite pricey, but when it comes to taking care of your gnashers it seems like a reasonable investment. I would recommend these in addition to your dental hygiene routine, (for adults only), though they take a bit of time to get used to.

Summary: At £5 these are worth trying for a fraction of the price of regular dental hygenist cleaning