Sir, recently, a friend messaged asking my opinion on a 'DIY ultrasonic tooth cleaner' after deciding that since the dentist is closed she may need to take dental care into her own hands.

I was surprised to discover that commercially available is an 'electric plaque reduction tool'.

These tools were advertised as being designed to effectively reduce dental plaque, dental calculus, hard tartar, stains and help decrease bacteria in the mouth. The design appears similar to that of an electric toothbrush but with a sharp, scaler tip attached rather than a brush head. These devices don't produce water; however, some are advertised as capable of vibrating at a rate of 12,000 times per minute. This tool if used incorrectly has serious potential to cause damage to the periodontal tissues and dentition and I advised my friend accordingly. It is worthwhile readers being aware of these kinds of tools that are available to patients so that the appropriate advice can be given.