A dental scaler is a hand-held device that has a metallic end shaped like a hook or curved blade. While it may look like a fancy, professional-grade instrument, a scaler can be purchased online or in most retail stores (often packaged with another oral care tool, such as a dental pick) for less than $50 . Using a dental scaler may add some time onto your typical brush-and-floss routine, but it’s also an effective way to keep your teeth free of plaque and stains — if you use it correctly.