If you notice that your teeth look discolored or find plaque and tartar that build-up in your teeth gaps, then you are not alone. These areas are often more prone to plaque accumulation, which can eventually turn into tartar.
While at-home remedies can help, professional cleaning is the most effective way to remove tartar.
In this blog, we will understand in depth about tartar, if you can manage it at home, and how you can prevent it when you first identify them.
What is Tartar?
Also known as dental calculus, is a hardened plaque that forms when plaque—an invisible, sticky film of bacteria—mineralizes on your teeth. Plaque naturally develops after eating or drinking, particularly foods that react with bacteria in your mouth.
If you’ve ever skipped brushing and felt some soft coating on your teeth, that is the plaque that is starting to build up. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can discolour your teeth. It creates rough spots, and inflames your gums.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the general recommendation is to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Over time, tartar buildup can lead to more serious oral health issues, like gum disease and tooth decay, making it essential to address as early as possible.
What Does Tartar Look Like?
Tartar can appear as yellow, brown, or even black marks around your gumline or between your teeth. These stains can make your smile look dull, and can also contribute to bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and even cavities.
Tartar is easy to miss, especially in between teeth, but it becomes more noticeable over time. It can also cause red, swollen, or irritated gums. If you notice these signs, take action.
What Happens if Tartar is Not Removed?
If left unchecked, tartar can lead to more severe oral health issues. It makes brushing and flossing more difficult, and the bacteria trapped in tartar can erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
If tartar extends deeper into your gums, it can cause gum disease, leading to issues like gingivitis or even periodontal disease, which may result in tooth and bone loss.
Can You Remove Tartar at Home?
Once plaque has hardened into tartar, it can’t be removed with brushing alone. The best way to get rid of tartar is to consult with a dentist in Victorville CA for professional cleaning.
There are ways to reduce plaque accumulation at home, preventing tartar build-up before it becomes a problem. Keep in mind that these methods require consistency and caution:
- Brush with Tartar-Control Toothpaste:
Tartar-control toothpaste contains chemicals designed to help break down plaque before it can harden. Using this type of toothpaste consistently will give you an edge in preventing tartar formation. Avoid using charcoal-based toothpastes, as they have no proven scientific backing.
- Baking Soda:
Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help scrub away plaque. It also helps neutralize acids in your mouth that cause plaque formation. Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with water and gently brush your teeth. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as baking soda can be abrasive to your enamel.
- White Vinegar Gargle:
White vinegar is naturally antibacterial and can help soften tartar. Mix two cups of warm water, two teaspoons of white vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Gargle with this solution after brushing to help break down plaque. However, avoid this if you have open sores or wounds in your mouth.
- Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for combating plaque and tartar. You can mix aloe vera gel with baking soda and glycerin to create a paste, or you can use aloe vera juice as a mouthwash to fight bacteria and soothe irritated gums.
- Orange Peels:
High in Vitamin C, orange peels can help gently dissolve tartar and brighten stained teeth. Rub the inner side of an orange peel on your teeth and gums, concentrating on areas with tartar build-up. Alternatively, mash the peel with water to make a paste and use it to brush your teeth.
- Oil Pulling (Coconut Oil):
An ancient Ayurvedic practice, oil pulling involves swishing coconut oil around your mouth for 5–20 minutes. The oil helps remove plaque and bacteria, preventing tartar from forming. After swishing, spit the oil into a tissue (not the sink to avoid clogging your drain) and follow up by brushing your teeth.
- Sesame Seeds:
Sesame seeds are rich in calcium and help naturally scrub plaque off your teeth. Chew a handful of sesame seeds until they form a mushy consistency, then brush the mush over your teeth with a dry toothbrush for a couple of minutes.
Preventing Tartar Build-Up: The Key to a Healthy Smile
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to tartar. By keeping up with good oral hygiene and making smart lifestyle choices, you can minimize your risk of tartar formation:
- Brush your teeth twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed.
- Floss daily—especially in those hard-to-reach gaps between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly—at least twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. Regular professional cleanings help remove tartar that you can’t tackle on your own.
- Watch your diet—limit sugary, starchy, and acidic foods that encourage plaque formation.
- Drink water—this helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that cause plaque.
Keep Your Smile Bright and Healthy
While at-home remedies can help, nothing replaces the thorough care you’ll receive from a professional cleaning. Remember to brush, floss, and if you spot any signs of tartar, get in touch with Kelly Smile Dentistry in Victorville, 92395, CA.
Want to keep your teeth clean and tartar-free? Book an appointment with us at 760-946-6489 or schedule your consultation online. We will give your smile the professional care it needs.