Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hard deposit that forms on the teeth when plaque is left to build up and calcify. Tartar not only looks unpleasant, but it can also cause serious long-term damage to the teeth and gums. Regular check-ups at the dentist are the best way to remove or prevent tartar, but if you want to remove tartar from your teeth without going to the dentist, here are some tips:
1- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste is the most effective way to remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against acid that can decay teeth. Choose a toothpaste that contains 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride for adults and children over three. For children, use toothpaste specifically designed for their age to ensure they get the right amount of fluoride.
2- Floss daily and use an antiseptic mouthwash
Flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help to keep bacteria at bay in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Flossing can help to remove plaque and food particles that are stuck between the teeth, while mouthwash can kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Be sure to use mouthwash after brushing, as using it before can remove beneficial fluoride from your teeth.
3- Use natural remedies like brushing with baking soda or gargling with vinegar and water
Baking soda is a natural tooth-whitening agent that can also help to remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. To use baking soda for cleaning your teeth, mix a small amount with water to form a paste and brush your teeth with it. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing with baking soda, as it can be abrasive on the teeth if left on for too long.
Gargling with vinegar and water can also help to remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar. To use this method, mix equal parts water and vinegar and gargle the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards, as the vinegar can be harsh on the teeth and gums if left on for too long.
4- Use an electric toothbrush with a small circular brush
An electric toothbrush with a small circular brush can help to effectively clean each tooth individually and reach the gaps between them. According to a 2015 study, electric toothbrushes, especially those with counter-rotational and oscillating-rotating brushes, can be more effective at reducing gingival bleeding and inflammation compared to manual toothbrushes.
5- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, ideally three
Brushing your teeth for two minutes is the recommended amount of time to effectively remove plaque. However, many people typically only brush their teeth for 45 seconds. To ensure you’re brushing for the right amount of time, try using a timer or a toothbrush with a built-in timer. According to one study, brushing for three minutes removed 55% more plaque than brushing for 30 seconds.
6- Use dental floss and interdental brushes regularly
Flossing and using interdental brushes can help to clean between the teeth and gums, removing plaque and food particles that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Several studies have found that flossing plus toothbrushing is more effective at reducing mild gum disease (gingivitis) than
Several studies have found that flossing plus toothbrushing is more effective at reducing mild gum disease (gingivitis) than toothbrushing alone. Interdental brushes, which look like tiny mascara brushes, are used to gently clean between the teeth and gums.
7- Use antibacterial mouthwash regularly
Antibacterial mouthwash can freshen your breath, reduce plaque build-up, loosen any stubborn food particles, and reduce the risk of cavities. Use mouthwash during the day, such as after eating a snack or lunch, to freshen up your mouth. Be sure not to use mouthwash immediately after brushing, as it can remove beneficial fluoride from your teeth.
Some Natural Ways to Remove Tartar From Teeth:
1- Use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to make a paste
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria and remove plaque, while baking soda is a natural tooth-whitening agent that can also help to remove plaque. To use this method, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste, then brush your teeth with it. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards, as the mixture can be harsh on the teeth and gums if left on for too long.
2- Rub the teeth with a slice of lemon or orange
Lemons and oranges contain citric acid, which can help to soften and remove plaque from the teeth. To use this method, rub a slice of lemon or orange over your teeth, then rinse your mouth with water. Be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to remove any remaining citrus residue, as the acid can erode tooth enamel if left on for too long.
3- Chew on guava leaves or berries
Guava leaves and berries contain compounds that have antimicrobial and astringent properties, which can help to kill bacteria and reduce plaque. To use this method, chew on a few guava leaves or berries, then spit them out and rinse your mouth with water.
4- Use a mixture of salt and mustard oil
Salt is a natural antibacterial agent that can help to kill bacteria and remove plaque, while mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce gum inflammation. To use this method, mix a small amount of salt with mustard oil to form a paste, then brush your teeth with it. Be sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterwards, as the mixture can be harsh on the teeth and gums if left on for too long.
It’s important to note that while these natural methods may help to remove some plaque and tartar from the teeth, they are not a substitute for regular dental care and should not be used as a long-term solution. It’s still important to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Major Points to Prevent Plaque & Tartar:
Proper dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are essential for preventing the build-up of tartar and plaque on the teeth. However, diet also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
One of the most effective ways to prevent plaque is to reduce the intake of sugary and starchy foods, as bacteria in the mouth thrive on these types of foods and produce plaque as a result. Sticky sweet treats, savory snacks that get stuck between the teeth, and sugary drinks such as soda, alcohol, fruit juices, and sports drinks are particularly harmful for teeth. Even cutting down on these foods or brushing after consuming them can help reduce the risk of plaque.
In addition to a healthy diet, maintaining a thorough dental hygiene routine is crucial for preventing the build-up of plaque and tartar. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Using an electric toothbrush with a small circular brush can also be effective for removing plaque and reaching hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
Regular dental check-ups with a trusted dentist are the most important thing you can do for your teeth. If you don’t have a dentist, it’s important to find one who has the qualities of a great family dentist, such as compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuing education.
By following a healthy diet, practicing proper dental hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up.
#Additional Tips:
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can increase the risk of plaque and tartar build-up.
- Drink plenty of water, as it can help to flush away food particles and bacteria that contribute to plaque and tartar.
- Chew sugar-free gum, as it can stimulate the production of saliva, which can neutralize acid and wash away food particles.
- Use a tongue scraper or brush to remove bacteria from the tongue, as bacteria on the tongue can contribute to plaque and tartar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use mouthwash before brushing?
A: It is generally recommended to use mouthwash after brushing, as using it before can remove beneficial fluoride from your teeth.
Q: How often should I visit the dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups?
A: It is generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for professional cleanings and check-ups. However, the frequency of your visits may vary depending on your oral health needs. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the appropriate interval for your visits.
Q: Can I use natural remedies to remove plaque and tartar from my teeth?
A: While some natural remedies, such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, or lemon and orange slices, may help to remove some plaque and tartar from the teeth, they are not a substitute for regular dental care and should not be used as a long-term solution. It is still important to brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups.
