How to Remove Tartar from Teeth
Have you recently noticed that your teeth look less white or are changing color? If so, the reason could be tartar buildup. All of us experience plaque, which is natural, but some people are more prone to developing tartar. This can be due to diets and lifestyle habits we’ve adopted today. Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and habits like smoking can lead to increased tartar formation.
A healthy smile is something everyone deserves. There are steps you can take to maintain that confident smile. We’ve prepared this guide to show you how to remove tartar from your teeth, the natural ways to do it, and the basic dental tools you can use at home.
What is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque on the teeth that contains trapped stains around your gum line. Plaque is a natural thin layer that forms soon after you eat or drink something. If you neglect to properly clean your teeth, this plaque hardens over time, leading to tartar and eventually tooth decay.
What If Tartar Is Not Removed On Time?
Tartar appears as a brown or yellow stain on the whites of your teeth. It can also be seen as a brown line around your gum line. Itchy or bleeding gums and bad breath are all symptoms of tartar buildup.
Tartar not only affects the appearance of your teeth but can also lead to serious oral health problems. Over time, brushing and flossing become less effective, and bacteria start thriving without hindrance. Gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis can occur, which are not easily treated. A slight discoloration is your sign to follow these preventive measures.
Ways to Prevent Tartar Buildup
The best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay is by maintaining a proper oral care routine, but your diet also plays a crucial role. As dental health experts say, bacteria in the mouth are uninvited fans of sugary or starchy foods. They feed on these particles and form plaque. Sticky sweets and snacks are their favorites as they tend to get stuck along the gumline. Here are a few foods to avoid:
- Candies
- Cakes and pies
- Soft bread
- Potato chips
- Dried fruits
Additionally, high-carb juices are also not good for oral health. Alcohol can contribute to tartar formation as it dries out your mouth. So, don’t compromise on water consumption or your daily brushing routine.
How to Remove Tartar from Teeth Without a Dentist
As we have discussed the diet to avoid tartar formation, we want you to know some easy ways to remove tartar or plaque at home. While it's always better to seek professional help, if things haven’t worsened, there are a few steps you can take initially. Keep in mind that these methods require time and consistent care. Here are some tips to help remove tartar from your teeth without a dentist:
Use an Interdental Scaler
A high-end interdental scaler can be helpful in removing plaque or tartar at home. If your tooth hasn't turned black yet, it’s time to grab your dental mirror and start looking for any yellow layers.
Steps to Use a Scaler:
- Checking for Tartar:
- Slide the probe point up and down along the root surface under the gum.
- Feel for rough spots—teeth without tartar will feel smooth.
- Using Cotton Gauze:
- Twist a corner of the gauze and press it between the teeth.
- The gauze lowers the gum and soaks up saliva, making it easier to see tartar.
- Using the Scaler:
- Hold the scaler between your thumb and fingers, like a pen.
- Slide the scaler into the gum pocket under the tartar.
- Pull the scaler with both power and control to remove tartar effectively.
Finally, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. It’s best to remove as much tartar as possible in one go, as leaving some behind can smoothen and harden, making it harder to remove later.
Use Gracey Curettes (for Advanced At-Home Care)
For those comfortable using dental instruments at home, Gracey Curettes are ideal for removing tartar from deep pockets around the teeth. They are designed to adapt to the tooth surface for targeted cleaning.
A Home Dental Kit
Having a dental kit at home, like the Dental Hygienists Instruments Tool Kit from Artman Instruments, provides you with professional-grade tools for managing plaque and tartar. Combined with regular brushing and flossing, these tools help keep your smile bright and healthy.
Choose Tartar-Control Toothpaste
There is no scientific evidence that charcoal-based toothpaste can remove tartar. Instead, use fluoride or pyrophosphate toothpaste, which can help break down plaque and strengthen enamel.
Floss Daily
Flossing is the best way to minimize calculus formation in hard-to-reach areas. Regular flossing helps control plaque buildup.
If, after trying all the methods we've discussed, you're still unable to remove the tartar, it’s time to seek professional dental treatment.
How Do Dentists Remove Tartar?
Dental professionals use several tools and techniques to remove tartar and restore oral health:
- Dental Scalers: Professionals use these to break down tartar layers.
- Ultrasonic Scalers: These tools operate on ultrasonic vibrations to quickly and comfortably break down tartar.
- Periodontal Probes: Dentists use periodontal probes to measure pocket depths and detect tartar-related diseases.
- Root Planing: A deep-cleaning procedure that removes tartar from beneath the gumline.
- Polishing: After scaling, the teeth are polished to remove surface stains and make it harder for plaque to adhere.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride is applied to strengthen enamel and protect against future tartar accumulation.
Natural Remedies to Remove Tartar at Home
While professional care is ideal, some natural methods can help soften tartar over time:
- Baking Soda: Neutralizes acids and prevents plaque from hardening into tartar.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Reduces bacteria and whitens teeth.
- Oil Pulling: Swishing oil (like coconut oil) for 10–15 minutes can help reduce plaque buildup.
Prevention is Key
While it's possible to remove tartar at home, prevention is still the best approach. Brush twice a day, avoid sugary foods, floss regularly, and maintain a balanced diet. If tartar persists, seeking professional dental help is essential.
For dental professionals, it’s important to choose precise autoclavable tools to ensure tartar removal without damaging teeth. Artman Instruments is a trusted source for high-quality dental tools designed for safe and effective treatment.