How to Remove Tartar at Home: Safe and Effective Methods

Ever run your tongue over your teeth and felt a rough, gritty patch? That’s likely tartar, also known as calculus, a hardened form of plaque that can lead to serious dental problems. While regular dental cleanings by a professional are crucial, what if there were ways to help manage and even remove some of that tartar build-up at home?

Tartar isn’t just a cosmetic issue that stains your teeth; it’s a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause gum disease (gingivitis), cavities, and even periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. Maintaining good oral hygiene and tackling tartar buildup proactively is vital for protecting your teeth and gums and preventing more serious and expensive dental treatments down the line. Learning how to supplement professional cleanings with home care can empower you to take control of your oral health.

What are some safe and effective ways to remove tartar at home?

Can I really remove tartar at home, or do I need a dentist?

No, you cannot effectively and safely remove tartar at home. While good oral hygiene can prevent tartar buildup, once it has hardened, it requires professional dental cleaning to be removed properly and without damaging your teeth or gums.

Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it mineralizes and hardens into tartar. This mineralization process usually takes place within a few days. Unlike plaque, which is soft and easily removed with a toothbrush, tartar is firmly attached to the teeth and can only be scraped off with specialized dental instruments during a professional cleaning. Attempting to remove tartar at home with tools not designed for the task can lead to enamel damage, gum recession, and even infection. Dentists and dental hygienists use instruments like scalers and ultrasonic devices specifically designed to break down and remove tartar without harming the surrounding tissues. These tools allow them to reach areas you can’t access at home, such as below the gumline, where tartar often accumulates. Trying to replicate this process yourself is highly risky and can cause more harm than good. Furthermore, a professional cleaning includes polishing your teeth, which smooths the surfaces and makes it harder for plaque and tartar to adhere in the future. Prevention is key; maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine to minimize tartar formation and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

What are the risks of trying to remove tartar myself?

Attempting to remove tartar at home carries significant risks, primarily damaging your teeth and gums. Without professional training and specialized tools, you can easily scratch the enamel, causing irreversible sensitivity and creating rough surfaces that attract even more plaque. Furthermore, you risk gum recession, infection, and potentially loosening your teeth.

Trying to scrape away tartar with makeshift tools like fingernails, dental picks purchased online, or even hard toothbrushes can lead to serious consequences. These methods often involve excessive force and imprecise movements, increasing the likelihood of enamel erosion. Enamel is a protective layer, and once damaged, it cannot regenerate. This damage can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold, as well as a higher risk of cavities. Additionally, aggressive scraping can injure the gums, leading to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually gum recession, exposing the tooth roots and making them vulnerable. Dentists and hygienists have specialized instruments and training to remove tartar safely and effectively. They understand the anatomy of the teeth and gums and use precise techniques to minimize damage. Incorrectly removing tartar can also push bacteria deeper into the gums, causing or worsening periodontal disease (gum disease), which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, it’s best to stick to removing plaque through regular brushing and flossing and leave tartar removal to the professionals.

Which natural remedies claim to remove tartar, and are they safe?

Several natural remedies are claimed to remove tartar, but none are scientifically proven to effectively eliminate hardened tartar deposits. While some, like oil pulling, baking soda, and certain fruits, might help loosen surface stains or prevent further plaque buildup, they cannot replace professional dental cleaning. Moreover, some home remedies, like excessive use of abrasive substances, can actually damage tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Safety depends heavily on the specific remedy and how it is used.

While the internet abounds with anecdotal evidence, it’s crucial to understand that tartar, also known as calculus, is a hardened mineral deposit firmly bonded to the tooth surface. This mineralization process requires professional tools and techniques to safely remove. Home remedies might address surface-level issues, such as plaque removal, which is the precursor to tartar, but they simply cannot dissolve or physically break down the hardened structure of existing tartar. Attempting to do so with abrasive agents can cause irreversible damage to the enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth. Many purported natural tartar removal methods focus on preventing further plaque buildup and maintaining good oral hygiene. Oil pulling, using coconut or sesame oil, might reduce bacteria and plaque but won’t eliminate existing tartar. Baking soda, a mild abrasive, can help remove surface stains but should be used sparingly to avoid enamel erosion. Fruits like strawberries are sometimes mentioned due to their malic acid content, which can help whiten teeth, but they are unlikely to impact established tartar. Ultimately, the safest and most effective way to remove tartar is through regular dental cleanings performed by a qualified dental professional using specialized instruments. Ignoring professional care in favor of unproven home remedies can lead to more significant and costly dental problems in the long run.

How often should I be brushing and flossing to prevent tartar buildup?

To effectively prevent tartar buildup, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals, and floss at least once a day. Consistent adherence to this routine disrupts the formation of plaque, the sticky film that hardens into tartar.

Brushing removes food particles and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Using a fluoride toothpaste is crucial as fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in plaque. Pay close attention to all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces, as well as along the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate. Aim for at least two minutes each time you brush, using gentle, circular motions. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under your gumline, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. These are prime locations for tartar to develop if plaque is left undisturbed. When flossing, use a clean section of floss for each tooth, gently sliding it up and down and curving it around each tooth in a “C” shape to reach below the gumline without snapping the floss. While these habits are crucial for prevention, remember that professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove existing tartar. Even with excellent home care, some areas are difficult to reach and require professional tools. Regular dental checkups and cleanings, typically recommended every six months, are your best defense against significant tartar buildup and related oral health problems.

What kind of toothbrush is best for removing tartar at home?

No toothbrush can effectively remove existing tartar at home. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that strongly adheres to the teeth and requires professional removal by a dentist or dental hygienist using specialized tools. Toothbrushes are designed to remove plaque, the soft, sticky film that *precedes* tartar formation.

While no toothbrush will scrape off tartar, selecting the right brush *can* help prevent further buildup. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. Soft bristles are gentle on gums and enamel, preventing irritation and erosion that can make it easier for plaque to accumulate. The smaller head allows you to reach all areas of your mouth, including hard-to-reach places where tartar tends to form, like the back teeth and along the gumline. Focusing on proper brushing technique, such as using short, gentle strokes and holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, is more important than the specific type of toothbrush. Regular brushing (at least twice a day), flossing daily, and using an anti-tartar toothpaste containing fluoride are your best defenses against plaque hardening into tartar.

Is there a special toothpaste that helps remove tartar?

Yes, there are toothpastes specifically formulated to help prevent and control tartar buildup. These toothpastes typically contain ingredients like pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, or triclosan which help to inhibit the formation of new tartar and may soften existing deposits, making them easier to remove during brushing.

While these toothpastes can be helpful in preventing the *formation* of new tartar, it’s important to understand that they *cannot* completely remove existing, hardened tartar. Once plaque has hardened into tartar (also called calculus), it is firmly attached to the teeth and can only be effectively removed by a dental professional using specialized tools during a cleaning. Think of it like trying to scrub cement off of a surface – toothpaste is good for daily maintenance and preventing new cement from sticking, but you’ll need professional tools to remove set cement. Using a tartar-control toothpaste regularly, along with consistent brushing and flossing, is a good strategy for maintaining oral hygiene and slowing down the rate at which plaque hardens into tartar. However, it’s crucial to continue scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist to ensure thorough removal of tartar and to maintain optimal oral health. These professionals can access areas that are difficult to reach at home and have the right instruments for safely and effectively removing hardened deposits.

How can I tell if I’ve successfully removed tartar at home?

Unfortunately, you generally can’t reliably remove hardened tartar (calculus) at home. Tartar is strongly bonded to the tooth enamel and requires specialized tools and expertise to remove without damaging your teeth. Attempting to scrape or pick at tartar yourself will likely be ineffective and could easily harm your gums or teeth, leading to sensitivity, enamel erosion, or even infection. The sensation of roughness on your teeth is more likely to be plaque, which you can remove. Tartar, on the other hand, will feel very hard and firmly attached, impossible to dislodge with a fingernail or a home dental tool without significant force.

While the removal of *hardened* tartar should be left to a dental professional, understanding the difference between plaque and tartar can help you assess your oral hygiene. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. You *can* successfully remove plaque at home with regular brushing and flossing. If you feel a persistent roughness on your teeth *after* brushing and flossing thoroughly, and it doesn’t come off easily, it’s highly likely that’s tartar. You can visually inspect your teeth, particularly along the gumline, for hard, yellowish or brownish deposits – this is another sign of tartar. Ultimately, the best way to determine if you’ve successfully addressed any potential tartar buildup is to visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups and professional cleanings. They have the tools and training to accurately identify and safely remove tartar without damaging your teeth or gums. These cleanings are a crucial part of preventative dental care.

And that’s it! You’ve got the know-how to tackle tartar at home. Remember, consistency is key, so make these tips a regular part of your routine. Thanks for reading, and we hope these tips leave you with a brighter, healthier smile. Be sure to check back soon for more helpful dental advice!