If your teeth feel rough and your gums bleed for no reason, you might have tartar. The good news? It’s easy to treat—and in this guide, I’ll show you what actually works and what to avoid to keep your smile healthy.
A Complete Guide to Removing Tartar from Your Teeth
Do you notice that when you glide your tongue over your teeth, the surface doesn’t feel smooth and can be quite rough and uncomfortable at times? Moreover, you may even experience bleeding gums without any discernible cause, Removing Tartar
You probably have tartar
As a dentist, I can confirm that tartar is one of the most prevalent oral conditions, but fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to treat. Its removal is crucial not only for improving the appearance of your teeth but also for preventing more severe issues like bone loss, tooth mobility, tooth loss, and halitosis. Indeed, tackling tartar buildup is a routine task for us in the dental profession.
In some patients, tartar buildup can be more frequent, occurring every three months or so. This heightened occurrence may be attributed to habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, certain foods, and medications that increase saliva acidity, leading to faster mineralization of bacterial plaque that forms tartar that is why you need to start Removing Tartar
As a dentist, I also have concerns about the various at-home methods people use to remove tartar. In this regard, I will provide guidance on which methods to use and which ones to steer clear of, as some of them may cause more harm than good.
How to remove tartar?
1. Bicarbonate with Lemon:
To start, it’s crucial to understand that substances like baking soda and lemon do not soften calculus or tartar. Tartar is a hardened material that requires mechanical force to remove. Unfortunately, the combination of baking soda and lemon is not only ineffective in removing tartar but can also cause harm. Lemon’s acidic properties can cause enamel erosion, leading to tooth sensitivity, loss of shine, and yellowing. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid this method altogether.
2. Vinegar
Similarly, vinegar is an acidic substance that’s often believed to “soften” tartar, much like the previous example. However, this is a misconception, and using vinegar to remove tartar can cause enamel damage without delivering the desired results. Therefore, it’s best to steer clear of this approach.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a potent agent for teeth, and not only is it harmful and causes erosion, but it’s also toxic and can result in soft tissue burns. In my professional opinion, seeking the assistance of a dentist is a much more efficient and cost-effective approach compared to attempting these at-home experiments, which can be not only more expensive but also pose a considerable risk to our overall health.
4. Habits
Beverages such as coffee, tobacco, tea, and certain foods tend to promote the formation of tartar. While I would recommend eliminating these items altogether, I understand that it may be challenging to do so, and it requires considerable effort and willpower. Therefore, a straightforward approach to prevent recurring tartar buildup is to brush your teeth before consuming them.
This strategy works because bacterial plaque initially forms as a white film on teeth, particularly after consuming sweet and sticky foods. If we consume coffee or smoke with this plaque still attached to our teeth, it will solidify and form tartar. However, by brushing our teeth beforehand, we can prevent plaque from sticking, and in turn, avoid tartar buildup. It’s a simple method that you can try at home, and I’m confident that you’ll appreciate the results!
5. Fruits
Firm fruits like apples and melons that are low in sugar content and have peel containing fiber offer a mechanical cleaning action that aids in removing food residues and preventing tartar. It’s important to note that this method shouldn’t replace regular tooth brushing, but it can certainly supplement it. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to developing strong teeth that are more resilient to cavities and tartar buildup.
6. Cleaning at home, improve cleanliness
I have a fantastic tip that will undoubtedly assist you in combating tartar. If you notice an abundance of tartar, it’s crucial to visit your dentist for either ultrasound or tray whitening to eliminate it.
After leaving the dentist, your mouth feels fresh and clean, but as time goes by, that feeling fades away. The reason for this is often due to improper tooth brushing. Here’s a tip to help you with this: try brushing your teeth without toothpaste first and running your tongue over your teeth, paying special attention to the back of your lower teeth and the small teeth that are harder to reach. Do you feel any roughness? Keep brushing until the surface feels completely smooth, and then floss the area. Once your teeth feel smooth, apply the toothpaste. You’ll immediately feel the difference – your mouth will feel fresher, and the sensation will be similar to the one you experience after a professional cleaning appointment with your dentist.
7. Cleaning with the dentist:
Although it may sound obvious, the most crucial piece of advice is to never attempt to substitute a professional dental cleaning with homemade remedies. Trying to remove tartar at home can cause severe damage to your mouth, and the stones will continue to accumulate. Furthermore, if tartar begins to form below the gum line, it can lead to bone and root damage, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss over time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek the help of a dental professional for a cleaning appointment, as it is a simple and affordable way to maintain good oral health.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tartar, Answered by a Dentist
Plaque is a soft, sticky film made up of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it’s not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which is much more difficult to remove and can only be treated by a dental professional.
No. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be brushed or flossed away. DIY methods like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon can actually damage your enamel and irritate your gums. A professional cleaning is the safest and most effective solution.
For most people, every 6 months is ideal. However, if you’re prone to tartar buildup, smoke, or have other risk factors, your dentist may recommend cleanings every 3–4 months.
Several factors can speed up tartar buildup: poor oral hygiene, smoking, acidic saliva, sugary foods, and even certain medications. Your lifestyle plays a big role in how fast plaque turns into tartar.
Yes. If left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease, bone loss, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. It also contributes to bad breath and stains on the teeth. That’s why regular cleanings are essential.
Crunchy fruits like apples can help clean your teeth between meals, but they’re not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Think of them as a helpful bonus—not a complete solution.
Brush twice a day (ideally with an electric toothbrush), floss daily, avoid smoking and sticky sugary foods, and see your dentist regularly. Also, brushing before drinking coffee or tea can reduce the risk of plaque hardening.
Not usually. Professional cleanings are gentle and safe. If you have sensitive gums or a lot of buildup, your dentist may recommend numbing the area or breaking the cleaning into two visits for your comfort.
Yes, if oral hygiene isn’t maintained. That’s why it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations and adjust habits that contribute to rapid tartar formation.
It’s never too late. The sooner you schedule a cleaning, the better your chances of preventing long-term damage. Your dentist will assess your current oral health and recommend a personalized plan to get back on track.
