20 Nov How to Remove Tarter without a Dentist
Tartar is one of the more common dental problems, and it can creep up on you without warning. Soft Plaque is a layer of bacteria which forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed completely, it can harden into Tartar (calculus, a yellow or brown deposit which adheres to teeth surfaces and the gumline. Although a professional dental cleaning is the safest and most effective method to remove tartar from teeth, many people seek out at-home solutions to help manage the buildup in between appointments or to learn what they can do outside of the clinic.
This blog will explore safe and research-backed methods for reducing plaque at home, preventing tartar formation, improving your oral hygiene, etc. It’s important to be clear up front. Once the tartar has completely calcified, it is impossible to remove at home. You can still take steps to soften the deposits and prevent them from forming. This will improve your dental health.
Understanding Tartar – Why it Forms
Plaque that is left on the teeth for too long can lead to tartar. The following factors can increase the buildup:
(i) Brushing incorrectly is a bad technique
(ii) Not flossing daily
(iii) Foods high in sugar or starch
(iv) Smoking
(v) Dry Mouth
(vi) Oral hygiene is not maintained properly
Tartar hardens into a rough surface which attracts more plaque. This creates a vicious cycle leading to gum inflammation, bad odor, and early stage gum disease.
Can Tartar be removed at home?
The research clearly shows that completely hardened tartar can only be safely removed with professional dental tools. Dentists can remove deposits safely by using ultrasonic scalers or specialized tools.
You can .
(i) Stop new tartar formation
(ii) Reduce plaque so tartar buildup slows down
(iii) Soften surface deposits
(iv) Improve gum health
If you want to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth between dental appointments, these steps are vital.
1. Use a Tartar Control Toothpaste
It has been proven that toothpastes containing zinc citrate or pyrophosphates can help reduce tartar by reducing the mineralization of teeth.
Look for the following ingredients:
(i) Zinc citrate
(ii) Pyrophosphate compounds
(iii) Fluoride (to strengthen enamel)
(iv) Baking soda (gentle polishing effects)
The toothpastes do not remove tartar but help to break down plaque, preventing it from hardening.
2. Brush Your Teeth With A Soft Bristled Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes have been shown to be more effective than manual brushes at removing plaque. The following benefits are included:
(i) Better plaque removal
(ii) Brushing more consistently
(iii) Use the timer to brush for 2 minutes.
(iv) Deeper cleaning with oscillating and sonic movements
(v) Brush gently along your gumline where plaque and tartar are most likely to form.
3. Dental Floss: Your Most Powerful At-Home Tool
Most people who struggle with tartar don’t floss every day. Even the best toothbrushes cannot clean between teeth. Every day flossing is beneficial.
(i) Reduce plaque formation
(ii) Prevent gum inflammation
(iii) How to prevent tartar between teeth
If you find it difficult to use traditional floss, try this:
(i) Water flossers
(ii) Floss picks
(iii) Interdental brushes
Water flossers have been shown to reduce gingival bleeding and plaque when used regularly.
4. Try a mild baking soda rinse (not abrasive)
It is common to misunderstand baking soda. Although scrubbing with baking soda too hard can damage enamel, it is safe to use when used correctly.
A gentle baking soda rinse can:
(i) Neutralize acids
(ii) Reduce the bacterial activity
(iii) Help soften plaque
How To Use:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with a cup of warm water, and then rinse for 30 seconds.
Do not use it to aggressively scrub your teeth.
5. Antiseptic Mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwashes help control bacteria before they turn into tartar.
Search for:
Chlorhexidine is only for short-term use.
(i) Cetylpyridinium chloride
(ii) Essential oil mouthwashes
(iii) When used correctly, these products reduce plaque and improve gum health.
6. Add Oil Pulling To Your Routine
Oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil can reduce bacteria and plaque.
Benefits:
(i) Reduced bacterial activity
(ii) Fresh breath
(iii) Reduced gum inflammation
(iv) Swish one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for five to ten minutes and then spit out the excess.
7. Oral Health: Eat foods that support oral health
Foods rich in fiber and crunchiness help to naturally scrub teeth, stimulate salivation and increase saliva.
Some good options include:
(i) Apples
(ii) Carrots
(iii) Celery
(iv) Leafy greens
(v) Nuts
Avoid eating sugary foods, sticky sweets and frequent snacking. These feed bacteria that cause plaque.
8. Quit smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for the formation of tartar. Smoking reduces saliva, increases bacteria growth and weakens the gums. Smokers tend to develop more tartar and more quickly.
9. Keep up with your dental hygiene
Plaque forms daily, even if you are a diligent oral health care practitioner. Consistency is key to preventing tartar.
(i) Brush twice a day
(ii) Floss once daily
(iii) Use antibacterial mouthwash
(iv) Water is essential for good health.
(v) Limit sugar
Preventing tartar is much easier than removing it at home.
Why you still need a dentist for complete tartar removal
Tartar will eventually build up in areas that are difficult to clean, even with the best of home cleaning routines. Dentists remove tartar safely and without damaging enamel or gum tissue using specialized tools.
If the tartar is not treated:
(i) Gum disease can develop
(ii) The bad breath gets worse
(iii) Teeth can loosen
(iv) Cavities can form when bacteria is trapped in tartar.
Most people benefit from a professional cleaning every six to twelve months.
Final Thoughts
You can’t remove all tartar, but you can reduce plaque and tartar, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and prevent the formation of tartar with the right habits. Your best defense against dental problems is good oral hygiene.
FAQs
Q: Is it possible to remove fully hardened tartar at home?
No. Professional dental tools are required to safely remove fully calcified tartar.
Q: Is baking soda safe to remove tartar?
When used in a mild way, it’s fine. But scrubbing too hard can damage the enamel.
Q: Can electric toothbrushes prevent tartar?
Yes, an electric brush is helpful in preventing tartar.
Q: Can oil remove tartar?
It does not remove tartar, but it helps reduce bacteria and plaque.
Q: How often should my teeth be professionally cleaned?
The average person needs dental cleaning every six to twelve months. However, those with gum diseases may require more frequent visits.
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