Are you noticing stubborn stains and a rough texture on your teeth that brushing just can’t seem to tackle? You might be dealing with tartar, a hardened buildup that not only discolors your smile but also poses risks to your oral health. While removing tartar completely at home can be challenging, understanding what it is, how to manage it, and when to seek professional help is crucial for maintaining a healthy and bright smile.
What is Tartar?
Tartar, scientifically known as dental calculus, is essentially hardened dental plaque. Plaque is that sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth shortly after eating or drinking. It’s a natural byproduct of bacteria in your mouth interacting with food particles and saliva. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it mineralizes and hardens into tartar. This hardened tartar becomes porous and rough, trapping stains and making your teeth appear yellow or brown, especially along the gumline.
Think of plaque as the soft, early stage and tartar as its hardened, more stubborn form. Tartar’s rough surface is more prone to accumulating more plaque and bacteria, creating a vicious cycle that can lead to further dental problems.
What Tartar Looks Like
Tartar is visually distinct from plaque. While plaque is often invisible or appears as a whitish, soft film, tartar is visible and has a hard, concrete-like texture. It typically appears as:
- Yellow or brown stains: Especially at the gumline or between teeth.
- Hard, rough patches: Unlike the smooth enamel of your teeth, tartar feels rough to the touch, often noticeable when you run your tongue over your teeth.
- Dark lines along the gumline: In more advanced cases, tartar can form dark brown or even black lines right at the edge of your gums.
Besides the visible signs, other indicators of tartar buildup and potential problems include persistent bad breath, red, swollen, or bleeding gums, and increased tooth sensitivity.
The Dangers of Untreated Tartar
Ignoring tartar buildup is more than just a cosmetic issue. Tartar creates a breeding ground for bacteria and makes it significantly harder to keep your teeth clean. Its porous nature allows it to absorb stains easily, worsening tooth discoloration over time. More importantly, untreated tartar can lead to a cascade of oral health problems:
- Tooth Decay and Cavities: Bacteria in tartar produce acids that attack your tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this acid erosion leads to cavities and tooth decay.
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Tartar buildup close to the gumline irritates and inflames the gums, leading to gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis damages the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loosening and eventual tooth loss.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): The bacteria thriving in tartar contribute to persistent bad breath that can be difficult to eliminate with just brushing.
- Receding Gums: Chronic inflammation from tartar can cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. This not only increases tooth sensitivity but also makes teeth more vulnerable to decay and further bone loss.
Can You Remove Tartar at Home?
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it becomes firmly attached to your teeth and cannot be effectively removed by regular brushing and flossing alone. While some at-home methods might help soften or loosen surface tartar, it’s crucial to understand that you cannot completely and safely remove tartar at home in the same way a dental professional can.
Attempting to aggressively scrape off tartar at home with sharp objects is highly discouraged. This can severely damage your tooth enamel, scratch your gums, and potentially introduce infections. Tooth enamel is the protective shield of your teeth, and once damaged, it cannot regenerate.
Therefore, while home remedies can play a supportive role in managing plaque and very early-stage tartar, professional dental cleaning is essential for thorough and safe tartar removal. The primary focus at home should be on preventing tartar buildup in the first place.
Effective Home Methods to Help Manage Tartar
While you can’t fully remove hardened tartar at home, several home remedies can help prevent plaque buildup, soften early tartar, and contribute to overall oral hygiene. These methods should be used cautiously and are not a substitute for professional dental care. If you experience any sensitivity or discomfort, discontinue use and consult your dentist.
Tartar Control Toothpaste
Using a toothpaste specifically formulated for tartar control is a simple and effective daily step. These toothpastes contain chemical agents like pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, or triclosan that help prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. They work by interfering with the mineralization process of plaque.
It’s important to note that while tartar control toothpastes can help prevent new tartar formation, they are not effective at removing existing, hardened tartar. Also, be wary of charcoal-based toothpastes marketed for tartar removal. Scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for tartar removal is lacking, and some may even be abrasive to your enamel.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface plaque and stains. It also has an alkaline pH, which can help neutralize acids in your mouth that contribute to plaque formation. Some believe it can soften early-stage tartar due to its abrasive nature.
How to use:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth.
- Alternatively, you can add a pinch of baking soda to your regular toothpaste.
- Rinse thoroughly with water after brushing.
Caution: Baking soda is abrasive, so use it gently and not too frequently (e.g., 1-2 times per week) to avoid enamel erosion.
White Vinegar
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties and may help to demineralize or soften early tartar. Using a white vinegar rinse can potentially inhibit bacterial growth and contribute to a cleaner oral environment.
How to use:
- Dilute white vinegar by mixing 2 teaspoons with 2 cups of warm water and a pinch of salt.
- Swish this solution in your mouth for a few minutes as a mouthwash, after or between brushing.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water afterward to remove the vinegar taste and acidity.
Caution: Vinegar is acidic and prolonged or excessive use can erode tooth enamel. Use this method sparingly (e.g., once or twice a week) and avoid if you have open wounds or sensitive gums.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help inhibit plaque formation and soothe inflamed gums often associated with tartar buildup.
How to use:
- Aloe vera mouthwash: Mix aloe vera juice with water in equal parts and use as a daily mouthwash.
- Aloe vera and baking soda paste: Combine 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 4 teaspoons of glycerin, 5 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 cup of water to form a paste. Brush your teeth with this paste, using only a small amount, and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Caution: Ensure you are using pure aloe vera gel meant for oral use.
Orange Peels
The inner white part of orange peels is rich in Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and compounds believed to help break down tartar and fight plaque-forming bacteria.
How to use:
- Rub the inside of a fresh orange peel directly onto your teeth and gums, focusing on areas with tartar buildup.
- Alternatively, mash the inside of the peel with a little water to create a paste and use it to brush your teeth.
- Do this 2-3 times per week and always rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water afterward.
Caution: Orange peels are acidic and excessive use could potentially affect enamel over time.
Sesame Seeds
Chewing sesame seeds is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for oral health. The slightly abrasive texture of sesame seeds can help to gently scrub plaque and surface stains from teeth. They are also a source of calcium, beneficial for tooth enamel health.
How to use:
- Take a handful of sesame seeds and chew them thoroughly until they form a mushy paste.
- Using a dry toothbrush, gently brush your teeth and gums with this sesame seed mush.
- Continue for about 2 minutes and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
Spicy Foods
Eating spicy foods, especially those containing chili peppers, stimulates saliva production. Saliva is the mouth’s natural cleaning agent. Increased saliva flow helps to wash away food debris and bacteria, reducing plaque accumulation and the chance of tartar formation.
How to use: Incorporate spicy foods into your diet regularly.
Caution: While spicy foods can stimulate saliva, excessive intake might cause other digestive discomfort for some individuals.
Coconut Oil
Oil pulling with coconut oil is another Ayurvedic practice. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties due to its lauric acid content. Swishing coconut oil in your mouth is believed to trap bacteria and toxins, helping to reduce plaque and potentially prevent tartar formation.
How to use:
- Take about a tablespoon of liquid coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches all areas of your mouth and between your teeth.
- Spit the oil into a trash can (to avoid clogging drains) and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Follow with your regular toothbrushing routine.
Guava Fruit and Leaves
Guava fruit and leaves have anti-plaque properties and are known to be beneficial for gum health. Chewing guava leaves can help reduce gum inflammation often associated with tartar.
How to use:
- Guava leaves: Wash fresh guava leaves and chew on them for a couple of minutes daily, then spit them out.
- Unripe guava fruit: Cut unripe guava into pieces, add a pinch of salt, and chew on them once or twice a day.
Professional Tartar Removal: Why See a Dentist
While home remedies can be helpful adjuncts to oral hygiene, professional dental cleaning is the only effective and safe way to remove hardened tartar. Dentists and dental hygienists use specialized tools and techniques to thoroughly remove tartar without damaging your teeth or gums.
Professional Tartar Removal Procedures:
- Scaling: Using manual instruments (scalers and curettes) and ultrasonic devices, dental professionals carefully scrape and remove tartar deposits from the tooth surface, both above and below the gumline. Ultrasonic scalers use vibrations and water to break up and flush away tartar.
- Root Planing: If tartar extends below the gumline and gum disease is present, root planing may be performed. This procedure smooths the tooth root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth and prevent further tartar and bacteria accumulation in the pockets between teeth and gums.
- Polishing: After scaling and root planing, the teeth are polished using a rotary brush and polishing paste. Polishing removes surface stains and smooths the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to adhere in the future.
- Laser Tartar Removal: In some cases, lasers may be used to help remove tartar and kill bacteria, especially in gum pockets.
Why Professional Removal is Essential:
- Effectiveness: Dentists and hygienists have the training, experience, and specialized tools to remove all tartar, even in hard-to-reach areas.
- Safety: They perform tartar removal without damaging enamel or gums, minimizing the risk of sensitivity or injury.
- Early Detection and Prevention: Regular dental check-ups allow for the early detection of tartar buildup and gum disease, enabling timely intervention and preventive strategies.
- Personalized Advice: Dental professionals can provide tailored advice on oral hygiene practices and products best suited for your individual needs to prevent future tartar buildup.
Prevention is the Best Approach
Preventing tartar buildup is always better than trying to remove it once it has formed. A consistent and diligent oral hygiene routine is key to minimizing plaque and tartar accumulation.
Key Preventive Measures:
Daily Oral Hygiene Habits
- Brush your teeth twice daily: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes each time, paying attention to all tooth surfaces, especially along the gumline.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Ideally, floss at least once a day, preferably in the evening.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Choose an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash to further reduce plaque and strengthen enamel.
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings: Visit your dentist for check-ups and professional cleanings at least twice a year, or as recommended by your dentist. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar you may have missed, even with diligent home care.
Diet and Tartar Prevention
- Limit sugary and starchy foods: Bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugars and starches. Reducing your intake of sugary drinks, sweets, and processed carbohydrates minimizes the fuel for plaque formation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to rinse away food debris and bacteria in your mouth.
- Brush or rinse after meals: If possible, brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water after eating, especially after consuming sugary or starchy foods.
Conclusion
While some home remedies might assist in managing plaque and softening very early tartar, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. Effective tartar removal and the prevention of future buildup require a combination of diligent daily oral hygiene practices and regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings. Prioritizing prevention and seeking professional help for tartar removal are the best strategies for maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile and preventing more serious oral health issues down the line.
