Tartar buildup can stain teeth, cause bad breath, and make you feel self-conscious. That’s why many seek natural ways to remove this discoloration at home. Food particles promote the growth of bacteria, forming a thin film known as plaque. Plaque builds regularly and is readily removed with brushing and flossing, but when left unchecked, it hardens into tartar, which is one of the main causes of gum problems.
Once formed, tartar firmly attaches to the tooth surfaces and can’t be removed by standard brushing. You can prevent plaque buildup with a strong oral care routine and home habits like oil pulling and an occasional diluted lemon rinse. However, you can’t fully remove hardened tartar at home and still need professional dental cleaning to restore a truly fresh smile.
How Does Tartar Affect Your Teeth and Gums
Tartar that can develop on your teeth or gums can cause;
- Gum irritation or gum disease (periodontitis)
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
- Tooth discoloration
- Sensitivity
- Cavities and enamel erosion
Can You Remove Tartar at Home? Possible or Not!
You can’t completely remove tartar (dental calculus) at home, but you can reduce its buildup by controlling plaque every day. Many people scrub too hard or try harsh DIY tricks, which can irritate gums, cause bleeding, and damage enamel, without fixing the tartar problem.
It is recommended to choose professional dental treatment to safely get rid of hardened tartar and protect your teeth and gums.
So, if complete tartar removal requires a dental professional, what can you do at home?
You can manage plaque growth, which is a precursor to tartar. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste daily, flossing once daily and using antibacterial mouthwashes all assist in decreasing plaque accumulation and tartar formation. The safest and most efficient method to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to combine regular oral home care with dental cleanings.
How to Reduce Tartar Buildup Naturally | DIY Methods
Here are some effective remedies that can help you target plaque formation initially.
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a simple and cost-effective ancient practice that uses swishing oil to help reduce oral bacteria. Study shows that daily sesame oil pulling reduced plaque and gingivitis over two months compared to distilled water. However, oil pulling cannot remove hardened tartar (dental calculus) and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental cleaning.It may be used as a complementary oral hygiene practice alongside brushing and flossing.
How to Do It: Take 1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil and swish the oil around your mouth for 5-10 minutes. Spit it out and rinse with warm water.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda’s mild abrasive properties help remove soft plaque and surface stains, but they cannot remove hardened tartar.
How to use it: To use baking soda safely, mix half tablespoon of it with water to make a paste. Gently brush it for one to two minutes and then rinse well. Use this method only once or twice a week, and avoid it if you have sensitive teeth, gum recession, or enamel erosion.
3. White Vinegar Rinse
White vinegar’s acidic qualities can help reduce bacteria and loosen soft plaque, but this method does not work on hardened tartar. It can weaken tooth enamel if used improperly or more frequently.
How to use it: To prepare a safe rinse, mix one tablespoon with one cup (240 ml) of water to make a mouthwash. Use this only once or twice a week and avoid it if you have gum disease, enamel erosion, or sensitive teeth.
4. Citrus Fruits (Lemon/Lime)
Citric acid, which is found in citrus fruits like lemon and lime, helps reduce oral bacteria and soft plaque but it cannot get rid of hardened tartar and professional dental procedure can remove it safely.
How to use it: To use safely, mix one teaspoon of fresh juice with one cup of water, and after swishing, rinse with plain water. Use it just once a week and avoid it if you have mouth sores, gum recession, sensitive teeth, or enamel erosion.
5. Proper Brushing Technique
Electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively. Electric toothbrushes reduce plaque by up to 21% over time and by roughly 11% in the first three months. Both manual and electric brushes can be useful, but electric brushes frequently assist users in maintaining the right amount of pressure and time. Use the circular motion technique when brushing and avoid scraping.
Useful Tip: For optimal results, replace brushes or heads every three to four months.
How to Prevent Plaque From Turning Into Tartar
Tartar prevention begins with consistent daily oral care. The key is to remove plaque and the yellow film on your teeth early, before it mineralizes into tartar (calcified deposits) that you can’t brush off.
- Daily habits: Brushing at least twice a day for a full two minutes. Choose the right fluoride toothpaste, or one that mentions anti-calculus ingredients (pyrophosphate, zinc salts) can help prevent plaque formation.
- Flossing plays an equally essential role. A water flosser helps with plaque buildup and interdental cleaning.
- Rinse wisely: Antiseptic mouthwashes help prevent mineral deposits, and complement brushing and flossing for a more comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
- Watch what you eat: Limit sugary and starchy foods. Instead, choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to promote oral health. Drinking water after meals prevents tartar by washing away food particles and bacteria.
- Avoid smoking: Avoid smoking because tobacco increases tartar formation and staining.
- Regular dental cleaning: Even perfect home care can’t remove plaque properly. Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar and enable early detection of dental issues.
Why You Should Consider Tartar Removal by a Dentist
Professional dental cleaning, also known as dental scaling, is essential for maintaining optimal oral health, as it uses specialized equipment and expertise that go much beyond what regular brushing and flossing can do.
- Mineralized Tartar can’t be removed at home: Even with good oral hygiene practices, plaque can accumulate and eventually harden into tartar. Dental professionals effectively remove tartar from hard-to-reach areas using specialized instruments.
- Prevents gum disease: Tartar accumulates bacteria that irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) and periodontitis. Professional removal helps to prevent this issue early.
- Protect teeth from decay: Bacteria in tartar produce acids that erode enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, especially along the gum line, where it is hard to detect and treat.
- Early detection of problems: Routine dental checkups during tartar removal, dentists spot early signs of cavities, gum disease and oral infections.
- Improves appearance: Tartar causes yellow or brown stains, and removing it professionally makes teeth smoother and cleaner.
- Helps to maintain overall health: Oral bacteria are linked to systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes complications. Professional cleaning helps to reduce infection chances and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
In short, professional removal is a crucial preventive measure that protects teeth and gums. Regular cleanings, every six months, are key to long-term health. However, people with severe tartar accumulation or gum disease could need more frequent appointments.
Schedule Your Free Dental Visit Today!
Take the next step toward a healthier smile—book your free initial consultation at Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic. Our highly experienced dentists provide professional tartar removal using advanced, gentle techniques designed for your comfort.
FAQs
Can I remove tartar myself with a dental scraper?
While dental scrapers are available for purchase, using them on yourself is risky. It requires ultrasonic scalers, a proper angle, and a technique that only a professional knows. Without these, you can damage your gums, cause bleeding, or push tartar deeper below the gumline.
How long does it take for tartar to form after brushing?
Tartar can begin forming within 24-72 hours after plaque hardens. This is why daily brushing and flossing are crucial. The longer plaque sits on your teeth, the more likely it is to mineralize and become tartar.
Will natural remedies completely remove tartar?
No, natural remedies cannot remove existing tartar that has already hardened. However, they can help prevent future tartar buildup by reducing plaque accumulation. Once tartar forms, only professional scaling by a dentist can remove it.
How often should I get professional tartar removal?
Most people benefit from professional cleaning every 6 months. However, if you’re prone to heavy tartar buildup or have gum disease, your dentist may recommend every 3-4 months.
