How To Remove Tartar At Home

How to remove tartar and plaque naturally

We know that tartar buildup is a major problem for your teeth. It can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, not to mention the pain you feel when it’s time to get a cleaning at the dentist. If you have tartar buildup on your teeth, you should schedule an appointment with Sloan Creek Dental to have it removed professionally as soon as possible. Our professional teeth cleaning services include dental cleaning, scaling, and root planing for those who need help removing tartar buildup and wish to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you can’t see a dentist right now, here are some things you can do at home to remove tartar and prevent it from building up in the future.

What is Tartar

Tartar is a buildup of plaque on your teeth. It contains bacteria, food debris, and saliva, which can cause tooth decay and damage the tooth enamel if it isn’t removed. Tartar is usually a yellow-brown color and forms when plaque, which is colorless, remains uncleaned from teeth for an extended period of time. It takes about two weeks to form, but some people can develop it much faster if they’re already in the process of building up tartar. The good news is that tartar is easily removed by visiting your dentist for a professional dental cleaning. In severe cases, removing tartar may require dental prophylaxis (deep cleaning) to remove the hardened biofilm below the gum line. They’ll use a special tool called a scaling agent to scrape off any tartar that has built up on your teeth. 

There are different types of tartar:

  • Calculus or dental calculus: This is the most noticeable type of tartar because it’s done in layers that build up over time, and it’s also the hardest to remove.
  • Plaque: Plaque is the soft, sticky film that forms on teeth when food or drink gets stuck between your teeth and gums. You can prevent plaque from forming by brushing your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste and flossing between them at least once a day. 

Natural Remedies to Remove Tartar at Home

Removing tartar using these natural methods are generally safe, it is important to be cautious and not rely on them as the only means of dental hygiene. Ingredients like baking soda and lemon juice can remove tartar from teeth, but their acidic content will also wear down the enamel on your teeth. To maintain a healthy smile with white teeth, it is better to prevent tartar buildup with a good oral care routine than to remove it after it has hardened.

There are several methods to get rid of tartar from the comfort of your own home. Some of these methods will help prevent tartar buildup before it even begins, while others can be used to remove existing tartar.

Man Brushing Teeth

Baking Soda to Remove Tartar

If you want to get even more out of your toothbrush, try adding some baking soda to your routine. Baking soda has been shown to help fight tartar buildup and whiten teeth. 

To do this, simply dampen a toothbrush with lukewarm water and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto it. Brush your teeth as you normally would, and leave the baking soda on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off and brushing again. Baking soda may not be tasty, but it can neutralize harmful acids from things like sodas and foods, kill bacteria and whiten teeth.

Removing Tartar with White Vinegar

One way to remove tartar is by mixing white vinegar in a glass of warm saltwater. The solution can then be gargled once a day to help remove tartar that has formed between the teeth and gums.

To create this solution, use two tablespoons of white vinegar, a cup of warm water, and a teaspoon of salt. Mixing the solution and the acetic acid in the white vinegar will help kill bacteria and prevent infection.

Orange Peel

Orange peels or other vitamin C rich foods can be used as a natural way to get rid of tartar. Simply rub the inside of an orange peel along your teeth and gum areas, or mash up the orange peel and mix with water to make a paste.

This mixture can then be brushed onto teeth with a toothbrush. The vitamin C and antimicrobial properties in the orange peel will help cut through plaque and tartar and kill microbial growth on teeth.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant that can be used for many health benefits, but did you know that it can also remove tartar from the teeth? Although it may have a bitter taste, aloe vera gel can help reduce the amount of tartar buildup and bacteria in the mouth when it is rubbed against the teeth.

To do this, put a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 4 teaspoons of glycerine (found in most toothpaste), 5 tablespoons of baking soda, a drop of lemon essential oil, and a cup of water into a bowl. Mix everything together until it’s smooth, and use this mixture to clean your teeth. This will help gradually remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

How to Prevent Dental Plaque

Taking care of your teeth shouldn’t be something you dread. Let’s look at ways you can prevent plaque buildup, and help you keep your smile looking its best.

Healthy Diet

Going the healthy route is the best way to avoid dental problems, and this means avoiding starchy foods and sugary snacks and drinks. Sugar not only helps plaque stick to teeth, but it’s also a necessary ingredient for bacteria to grow. Once the bacteria have a food source, they can eat and multiply. This causes bad breath, tooth decay, and can also lead to infection.

If you’re worried about losing your taste for sweets, other options are out there for you. One of the best things about eating healthy is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor! You can still enjoy desserts or sugary foods without worrying about your teeth as long as you stick with natural ingredients instead of processed sugars like high fructose corn syrup and brush after eating.

Healthy Snack alternative fruit

Brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth is very important to preventing plaque and part of your oral health. It helps keep your mouth clean and healthy, which can help prevent cavities and other problems. You can either use a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. An advantage of an electric toothbrush is that the oscillating brush is more effective in combating plaque and gum disease.
Here are some effective tips for brushing your teeth:

  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. If you have braces or dentures, you may want to use an adult-sized toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Make sure you brush all parts of your teeth, including the backs of your teeth and the front.
  • Brush gently in small circles over every surface of each tooth.
  • Brush twice a day, once before bedtime and once in the morning after breakfast.

Flossing your Teeth

dental floss

In addition to brushing twice a day, it goes without saying that flossing helps dislodge food particles stuck between your teeth; it also prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque, which lead to cavities and tooth decay. Tartar doesn’t just form in the easy-to-reach areas of your mouth; it also accumulates in hard-to-reach places. After you’re done brushing and flossing, don’t forget to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Why a Dental Professional Is Best

We all know that brushing your teeth is an integral part of a good oral hygiene routine, but it’s not the only thing you can do to keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape. While regular visits to the dentist may not seem like a natural home remedy, they are always essential to improve oral health. At Sloan Creek Dental, we advise our patients to come visit us every six months for their teeth cleaning. Going in for a teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment regularly is a great way to fight off tartar and plaque. Plus, when you visit your dentist regularly, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to tell you if there are any dental concerns you should be aware of.

Common Questions About Tartar on Teeth

Several factors can contribute to tartar buildup on your teeth, including braces, dry mouth, crowded teeth, smoking, and aging. Some people are naturally more susceptible to tartar buildup than others. If you have concerns about tartar on your teeth, let your dentist know for some suggestions on preventing it.

Tartar buildup is a common problem that can be caused by a wide range of factors, including eating high amount of sugary foods, smoking, chewing tobacco, and brushing and flossing infrequently. Genetics, stress and age also contribute to tarter build up.

Tartar buildup on teeth can lead to a number of oral health problems, including bad breath, loss of tooth enamel, poor oral health, cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. You should have your tartar removed as soon as possible to avoid these dental problems.

Looking for Healthy Teeth in Fairview or Allen, TX?

If you have tartar buildup and you think you need to brighten up your breath or smile, our team is here to answer all of your treatment option questions to find the right dental solution for healthy teeth. To schedule your appointment, contact Sloan Creek Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. You can reach us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440

Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.

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