How to Remove Tartar from Teeth (2024)

Taking care of your teeth should always be a priority. Without good oral hygiene and checkups with a dental professional, you may be at risk for conditions such as gum disease.1Getting tartar removed from your teeth is one way to stop gum disease from forming.1

How can you remove tartar from your teeth and prevent it from forming? Continue reading to learn more about tartar and how it can be removed.

What Is Tartar and How Can it Affect You?

Your mouth is full of different kinds of bacteria. When bacteria stay on the teeth for too long, they form a film called plaque.1 If not thoroughly removed, acid from plaque bacteria can break down the enamel of your teeth, leading to cavities.2 Plaque that is not thoroughly removed with brushing and cleaning in between teeth (flossing) will eventually harden to become tartar, also known as calculus, which makes it more challenging to keep your teeth clean.1,2

When plaque and tartar collect above your gum line, the tissue of your gums may become inflamed and bleed easily. This is an indicator of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that can be easily reversed through daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings from a dental professional.3 However, if tartar is not removed or left untreated, gingivitis may advance to periodontitis, which can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.3 If periodontitis is not treated, the bones, gums and tissues that support your teeth may be destroyed, and you may lose your teeth.3

You’ll know when gum disease has started to affect your oral health if you experience any of the following symptoms:3

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Overly sensitive teeth
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Gums that are tender or bleeding

These symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem and can negatively affect the long-term health of your teeth and gums. Taking the steps to remove tartar from your teeth and prevent it from developing in the first place can go a long way toward the health of your mouth.

How to Remove Tartar from Your Teeth

Only a dental health professional can safely remove tartar and stop the periodontal process.1 While some cultures may tout the benefits of oil pulling on improving oral health, the ADA cannot recommend it as a dental hygiene practice due to lack of supporting scientific evidence.4

Once plaque has turned into tartar, it should be treated by a dentist, dental hygienist or periodontist who will remove it through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing.3 During this process, tartar is removed from above and below the gum line or on the root of the tooth.3 In some cases, a laser may be used to clear away hard-to-remove tartar.3

How to Prevent Tartar

You can prevent the buildup of plaque and keep it from hardening into to tartar by regularly visiting your dentist and practicing good dental hygiene at home.2 prevention is the key to oral health and your hygienist will show you the proper way to brush and floss.

some tips for preventing tartar and avoiding gum disease include: 2,3,5

  • Floss gently at least once a day.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush that isn’t too large for your mouth. The Sensodyne Sensitive Care Toothbrush is a great soft-bristled option that provides an optimal cleaning.
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum Mint Toothpaste.Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum can help relieve sensitivity and improve gum health through effective plaque control.
  • See your dental professional at least every 6 months for a thorough cleaning and oral exam.
  • Avoid sticky, sugary foods and snacking between meals.
  • Don’t smoke.

Understanding how tartar forms and how it can harm your teeth may lead you to take better care of your teeth. As with many dental issues, prevention is the key to a healthy mouth, teeth and gums.

How to Remove Tartar from Teeth (2024)

FAQs

How to remove calcified plaque? ›

Use Calculus removal toothpaste– For effectively eliminating the teeth calculus, a calculus-control toothpaste should be used. These toothpaste have an active element of pyrophosphates and fluoride. Fluoride in your toothpaste helps in killing the bacteria and germs present in your mouth.

What will dissolve tartar on teeth? ›

Naturally antibacterial, white vinegar will help to demineralise or soften tartar if used once or twice daily as a mouthwash. Swish a mixture of 2 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and a pinch of salt around your mouth for a few minutes. Do this after or between brushing your teeth.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve tartar? ›

Using hydrogen peroxide in caring for teeth and gums eliminates harmful bacteria. This cuts down the formation of plaque and tartar. This powerful antiseptic can deteriorate the bacteria in plaque. Some dentists use hydrogen peroxide as a more efficient way to remove the plaque and tartar from teeth.

How to scrape calculus off teeth at home? ›

In the same way that baking soda's mild abrasiveness allows it to remove grime and build-up from household surfaces, it can also be effective to scrub build-up from tooth enamel. To use this method, create a paste consisting of water, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Then, simply brush your teeth, using the mixture.

What dissolves calcified plaque? ›

Vitamin D3 (a cholecalciferol) is a vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium. This vitamin works alongside Vitamin K2 to help pull calcium deposits from your arteries. Oily fish is the best source of Vitamin D3, including rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, and sardines.

Can you pick off hardened plaque? ›

Tartar is hardened dental plaque. Without proper oral hygiene, tartar can build up on your teeth and lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar. You can't remove it with brushing and flossing alone.

What breaks down tartar fast? ›

You can get rid of tartar quickly by using a mixture of baking soda and tea tree essentials. Use this mixture as a mouthwash.

How long does it take for baking soda to remove tartar? ›

Removing Tartar with Baking Soda

Leave the baking soda on for at least fifteen minutes before rinsing. While not exactly tasty, baking soda can neutralize harmful acids from things like sodas and foods while also killing bacteria and whitening teeth naturally.

How do you remove hardened tartar without a dentist? ›

Wet your toothbrush, put baking soda on its bristles, and use it to brush your teeth. Allow it to rest for 10 – 15 minutes before rinsing your mouth. Brushing your teeth daily with baking soda will help remove tartar and whiten your teeth. However, avoid using it in excess as it can harm your tooth enamel.

How to clean your own teeth like a hygienist? ›

Our guidance for you to clean your own teeth like a hygienist, is to adopt this committed mindset.
  1. Brush your teeth twice a day. ...
  2. Consider the benefits of an electric toothbrush. ...
  3. Change your brushes regularly – both manual and electric. ...
  4. Use dental floss or a set of interdental brushes. ...
  5. Choose a fluoride toothpaste.

What toothpaste breaks down calculus? ›

Conclusions. Aragonite toothpaste can remove calculus, prevent calculus formation, and improve gingival health.

Is it okay to scrape plaque off teeth? ›

Although plaque scrapers can be purchased in some stores and online, it's not a good idea to use them yourself. Because plaque scrapers are sharp, improper use can damage the delicate gum tissue. Trauma to the gum tissue isn't just painful, it can also cause receding gums, exposing the sensitive roots of the teeth.

Can calcified plaque be reversed? ›

"Unfortunately, plaque buildup cannot be fully reversed," says Dr. Rozo.

How do you dissolve calcification naturally? ›

What Will Dissolve Calcium Deposits?
  1. Lemon Juice. This is something that you can find in the produce section of your grocery store. ...
  2. White Vinegar. ...
  3. CLR. ...
  4. Muriatic Acid. ...
  5. Faucets and Shower Heads. ...
  6. Sinks, Tubs, Porcelain Toilets, and Ceramic Tile. ...
  7. Drains and Pipes. ...
  8. Glass.
Jan 9, 2020

Can hardened plaque be removed from arteries? ›

Atherectomy is a peripheral intervention that opens arteries blocked by plaque. During atherectomy, your provider uses a catheter (a long, narrow tube) with a sharp blade, laser or rotating device on the end to scrape away, dissolve or break up plaque without making a large incision.

How to remove calcium deposits on teeth at home? ›

Here is the thing, once you develop calcium deposits, there is nothing you can do at home to get rid of them. Instead, you will need to address the problem with your local dentist. While you can purchase dental tools for scaling and deep cleaning, it is best to leave it to the professionals with years of experience.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6143

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Merrill Bechtelar CPA

Birthday: 1996-05-19

Address: Apt. 114 873 White Lodge, Libbyfurt, CA 93006

Phone: +5983010455207

Job: Legacy Representative

Hobby: Blacksmithing, Urban exploration, Sudoku, Slacklining, Creative writing, Community, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.