6 Ways to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth Without a Dentist
Tartar buildup on your teeth isn’t just an unpleasant look. It’s potentially dangerous. That’s why it’s important to remove it from your teeth with or without a dentist.
It’s time to learn what tartar is, how you can prevent it, and what home remedies you can try before you go to the dentist.
What Is Tartar?
When you don’t practice proper dental hygiene, bacteria multiplies on your teeth in a sticky film called plaque. If not regularly removed, plaque hardens into tartar, also called calculus.
This is a hard, porous material under and above your gum line. Harder-to-reach areas and dental ridges are more at-risk of developing tartar buildup. Once tartar has built up, it hardens and a regular toothbrush can’t remove it anymore.
Left untreated, what happens underneath that hard substance can cause serious damage to your teeth...
Why Is Tartar Dangerous?
Tartar buildup directly leads to cavities and gum recession.
Cavities are permanent damage to your teeth’s enamel. If left untreated, tooth decay can mean that you need to lose your tooth. In rare cases, gum disease can also be fatal.
If you see tartar on your teeth, this means that bacteria are constantly eating away at your enamel. And you can’t brush it or scrape it off. This means that the damage continues to happen until the tartar is removed.
That’s why it’s crucial to have it removed.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Preventing tartar from building up is easier than removing it. All you need to do to prevent tartar buildup is to establish a healthy dental hygiene routine:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time.
- Make sure you brush hard to reach areas of your mouth as well.
- Brush the surface of your teeth as well as your gums.
- Floss and the use of mouthwash for optimal results.
Home Remedies to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth Without a Dentist
The first step you need to take when you notice tartar on your teeth is to change your oral health care routine. Instead of brushing once a day, you need to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent further buildup.
However, prevention alone isn’t enough. You also need to get rid of all the tartar on your teeth to
While the dentist is the most qualified at removing tartar, you can try home remedies to see if they work before you turn to a professional.
Some of these can be quite effective.
If these home remedies aren’t as effective as you’d like, you’ll need to contact a dentist to remove tartar. Your dental health depends on it.
Please, don’t try to remove tartar by brushing your teeth with something harsh or poking it with a sharp object. This will only cause injury or further enamel damage. Instead, try these home remedies to remove the tartar.
1. Baking Soda
When you’re brushing your teeth, try dipping your toothpaste into some baking soda. The hard crystals of baking soda can effectively scrub the tartar off your teeth without damaging your enamel.
As an added bonus, baking soda is also a popular home remedy for teeth whitening.
2. Target Tartar with Toothpaste
You can buy toothpaste made specifically to remove tartar. You can find this online or at a pharmacy. Simply follow the instructions and evaluate the results.
3. Electric Toothbrush
One of the most common debates in the dental world is the one between traditional and electric toothbrushes. But if you usually use a manual toothbrush and you still have tartar build up, try an electric toothbrush instead. Electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning your teeth, so you may have more luck with removing tartar naturally with one.
4. White Vinegar
Dilute some white vinegar with water, and swish it around your mouth. White vinegar is a natural bacteria killer, and it can effectively remove plaque buildup.
Keep in mind, it may not be the tastiest home remedy to remove tartar.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an incredible plant. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. And surprisingly, it’s also effective against tartar.
If you’re suffering from gum recession, apply some aloe vera on your gums. This can get rid of bacteria and slow down the development of tartar.
6. Cloves
Mix ground-up cloves with two tablespoons of vegetable oil, and swish it around your mouth. The anti-inflammatory properties of clove combined with the pulling effect of oil can remove tartar from your teeth naturally.
Can Tartar Break Off Naturally?
Once you tried these home remedies, you may be wondering how the tartar actually comes off.
Most of these home remedies stop the further spread of tartar. And some can even shave considerable portions of it off. However, it’s unlikely that they’ll remove all of the tartar at the same time with just one application.
Try to do these home remedies once a day along with proper dental hygiene to achieve the best results.
If you can feel tartar breaking off the back of your teeth, don’t worry. Calculus may fall off your teeth naturally.
However, if you feel something sharp, unfamiliar, or painful with your tongue at the place where your tartar used to be, it’s best to see a dentist.
It’s possible that the tartar breaking off is actually a chipped tooth. And that could mean further damage if not treated quickly. And the sharp edges of the remaining calculus can even cut your tongue.
Chipped teeth are a dental emergency. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment for it.
Why You Should Go to the Dentist to Get Tartar Removed
Trying home remedies doesn’t hurt. It’s worth trying everything to restore your dental health.
However, you may find that tartar is a lot more stubborn than it seems. In this case, a dentist or a dental hygienist needs to remove it.
Part of keeping your dental hygiene up is regular dental visits for a professional clean. Ideally, you should do this twice a year. However, you can go more often if tartar buildup is a recurring issue.
Get Tartar Removed Cheaper at the Dentist
Despite the dentist being the safest, quickest, and most effective way to remove tartar from your teeth, many people avoid going for a professional clean.
For some, it’s a fear of the dentist. For others, it’s the fear of the dental bill.
Dental cleanings are worth the money in the long run because they can prevent more serious and more expensive issues later.
Even so, it never hurts to save some money on your dental cleaning. And Carefree Dental is here to help you with that.
When you get a procedure at a participating dentist with a Carefree Dental Card, you can receive a discount of 15-50%* per visit in most instances. For only $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families, this is the best deal in dental.
Sign up for the Carefree Dental Card today and get your toothache examined cheaper!
* Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service and geographical area.
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
