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How to Remove Tartar from Teeth

If you’re worried about tartar buildup altering your smile, there are several strategies you can try at home to manage and even prevent it.

However, for safe and effective tartar removal, professional dental cleanings are your best bet.

Read on to learn what tartar is, why it’s important to address it, and how you can incorporate preventative measures into your daily routine.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, or dental calculus, is hardened plaque that forms when the sticky film of bacteria (plaque) on your teeth calcifies.

Plaque naturally builds up after eating or drinking, and if not removed regularly, it can mineralize into tartar.

This hardened deposit not only traps stains, leading to discoloration, but also forms rough surfaces along your gumline.

How to Recognize Tartar

  • Color Changes: Tartar often appears as yellow, brown, or tan deposits on your teeth. Near the gumline, it might even show up as black marks.
  • Texture: While plaque is initially invisible and sticky, tartar becomes hard and rough.
  • Warning Signs: Beyond discoloration, symptoms like red or irritated gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and an increased risk of cavities are all indicators that tartar may be present.

The Consequences of Untreated Tartar

Failing to remove tartar can lead to a cascade of oral health issues:

  • Hindered Oral Hygiene: Tartar makes it more difficult to brush and floss effectively, as its rough surface can trap more plaque.
  • Tooth Decay: The bacteria within tartar continue to produce acids that wear down your tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
  • Gum Disease: Tartar buildup can cause gingivitis (gum inflammation) and, if left unchecked, may progress to periodontal disease—a more severe condition where the gums recede and may eventually result in bone and tooth loss.

Professional Cleaning vs. Home Remedies

Once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed by simply brushing or flossing.

Professional dental cleanings are designed to safely and effectively eliminate tartar.

Although certain home remedies claim to reduce tartar buildup, these methods typically require consistent use over a long period and carry the risk of damaging your enamel if not done carefully.

At-Home Approaches for Tartar Management

While no home remedy can replace a professional cleaning, some methods may help control plaque formation and slow down tartar buildup:

  • Tartar-Control Toothpaste: Specially formulated toothpaste can help reduce the formation of tartar over time.
  • Baking Soda: Its mild abrasive properties may help remove surface stains and plaque.
  • White Vinegar & Aloe Vera: Both have natural antimicrobial qualities that may help inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Natural Preventatives: Some home remedies focus on preventing plaque from hardening. Examples include using orange peel, sesame seeds, coconut oil, or even chewing on guava leaves and fruit. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gum issues, steer clear of acidic solutions like vinegar.

Prevention: The Best Strategy

Preventing tartar buildup is far easier than dealing with its consequences. Here are some daily habits to maintain a healthy mouth:

  • Brush Regularly: Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque before it hardens.
  • Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline.
  • Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash: This can reduce bacteria in your mouth that contribute to plaque formation.
  • Routine Dental Visits: Schedule professional cleanings at least twice a year to catch and remove any tartar that might have formed.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of tartar buildup and maintain a brighter, healthier smile.

Final Thoughts

While at-home methods can offer some benefits in managing tartar, they are best used as a supplementary measure alongside regular professional dental care.

The key to preventing tartar is maintaining excellent oral hygiene and seeking professional advice when necessary. Remember, your smile is worth protecting.