Removing tartar at home doesn’t have to be hard. With simple, safe tips, you can remove tartar and keep your teeth clean between dental visits. This guide shows how brushing, flossing, natural remedies, and smart tools can help remove tartar and prevent more from building up — though visiting a dentist remains the best and safest option.
What Is Tartar and Why Should You Remove It?
Tartar also known as calculus is a hard, rough layer that sticks to your teeth. It happens when plaque, which is a soft and sticky layer full of germs and tiny food bits, stays on your teeth for too long and hardens. Plaque is easy to clean away if you brush and floss regularly, but when it turns into tartar, it becomes very tough to remove because it sticks tightly to your teeth.
It often looks like yellow or brown spots on the surface of your teeth and makes your teeth look dirty and rough. It is important to remove tartar because removing it helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you leave tartar on your teeth, it can cause problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
What Is the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?
Plaque is a sticky, soft layer of bacteria and food particles that forms on your teeth daily. It is invisible or sometimes looks like a thin layer. When you brush your teeth well and floss, you remove this plaque before it can cause any harm.
Tartar is what happens when plaque is not cleaned away for a long time and turns hard. It feels rough and is stuck tightly on your teeth and near your gums. You cannot remove tartar by just brushing or flossing — you need special care.
Why Tartar Can Be Harmful to Your Mouth
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Gum Disease:
When tartar forms, it can make your gums red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This early problem is called gingivitis. If this isn’t treated soon, it can develop into a serious condition called periodontitis. This disease can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place, which might cause your teeth to become loose.
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Tooth Decay:
The germs trapped in tartar produce acids that wear away your enamel—the tough, protective outer layer of your teeth. When enamel gets damaged, cavities can develop and cause pain.
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Stains and Bad Breath:
Tartar looks yellow or brown, making your teeth look dirty. It also holds germs that cause bad breath.
Because of all these problems, it is very important to keep tartar away and remove it regularly.
Can You Safely Remove Tartar at Home?
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When You Can Try Home Remedies
If your tartar buildup is very small or just starting, you can try some of the safe and gentle ways at home to remove or stop tartar from growing further. These home methods work best when you also brush and floss carefully every day.
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When You Should Consider Visiting a Dentist
If tartar is thick or you face problems like your gums start hurting, bleeding, or feels sore, you should not wait and visit a dentist ASAP! They have special tools, skills, and years of experience that make it easy for them to remove tartar safely without harming your teeth or gums.
Trying to pick it off yourself when it is hard can lead to pain, infection, or damage, so professional care is best option you got.
How to Remove Tartar at Home: Simple and Safe Ways
Try Natural Home Remedies Safely
Some natural ingredients can help clean your teeth and reduce tartar buildup. But use these gently and not too often because some can be strong and might hurt your teeth if used too much.
- Baking Soda Paste: Baking soda is a gentle yet effective cleaner. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a soft paste. Brush your teeth gently with this paste for two minutes, then rinse your mouth well with clean water. Baking soda helps remove stains and softens tartar, but only use this once or twice a week to keep your enamel protected.
- Orange Peel Rub: The white part inside an orange peel has oils that fight germs. Rub this white part gently on your teeth for two minutes, then rinse your mouth. It helps fight tartar and also keeps your breath fresh.
- Aloe Vera Paste: Aloe vera gel has healing properties and it can kill bacteria. Mix a small amount of aloe vera gel with baking soda and gently brush your teeth for two minutes using the paste. Then rinse your mouth well with clean water to remove all the paste and bacteria.
- White Vinegar Rinse: Mix two teaspoons of white vinegar, one cup of warm water, and a pinch of salt. Swish the mixture gently around your mouth for nearly one minute before spitting it out. Rinse with plain water after. Use this only once a day because vinegar is acidic and frequent usage of this method can hurt your enamel.
- Coconut Oil Pulling: Take one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. Coconut oil kills germs that cause plaque and tartar. Once you’ve finished swishing, spit out the oil into the trash and thoroughly rinse your mouth with water. This is a gentle way to help keep your teeth clean.
- Strawberry or Tomato Rub: These fruits have vitamin C and natural acids that can help reduce tartar on your teeth. Mash one strawberry or a small piece of tomato, rub it on your teeth for 1-2 minutes, then rinse. Use this once or twice a week.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery help clean your teeth when you chew them. They act like a natural toothbrush for you and also make more saliva, which washes away germs.
Avoid Too Much Sugar and Starchy Foods
Eating lots of sugary foods like candy and soda feeds the bad germs in your mouth, helping them grow plaque and tartar. Starchy foods like chips can get stuck between your teeth and cause more problems. Limit how often you eat these, and always remember to brush your teeth thoroughly after meals.
Helpful Tools to Use at Home
Dental Picks and Interdental Brushes
These handy tools reach between your teeth to clean spots that brushing can’t. Using them carefully helps stop tartar buildup.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes clean better than manual ones because they move quickly and have special modes to fight tartar. Some have sensors to tell you if you brush too hard or miss spots. They make brushing easier and better.
How to Stop Tartar from Building Up at Home
Brush Your Teeth Well Every Day
Prevention is better than cure; by following the routine of brushing your teeth twice every day is the best way to stop tartar — once in the morning and once before bed. Go for a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush every side of your teeth mainly the front, back, and the chewing surfaces on top.
Brush for at least two minutes each time. Brushing well removes plaque before it turns into tartar.
Floss Every Day
Flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Take around 18 inches of floss and move it gently up and down between your teeth to clean properly. Wrap the floss around the sides of your teeth and under the gums to remove tiny bits of food and germs.
Flossing every day helps stop tartar from building up in those tight spaces.
Use Tartar-Control Toothpaste
Some toothpastes are specially made to save you from tartar buildup by prevention. These toothpastes include ingredients that make the process of turning plaque into tartar slow. Using tartar-control toothpaste regularly for a longer period of time makes your teeth smoother and cleaner without need of visiting dentist.
Choose toothpastes that carry the Australian Dental Association (ADA) approval to ensure they are tested for safety and effectiveness.
Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps clean areas your toothbrush and floss might miss. Use a mouthwash that contains ingredients like chlorhexidine or tea tree oil, which kill the germs that cause plaque and tartar buildup.
To use mouthwash properly:
- Measure about 20 millilitres (4 teaspoons) of mouthwash and pour it into a cup.
- Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds so it reaches every area.
- Spit it out (don’t swallow it)
- Try not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after using mouthwash so it can work well.
Daily use of antiseptic mouthwash helps keep your gums healthy and stops tartar from growing.
What Not to Do: Stay Safe!
Don’t Try Scraping Tartar Yourself
Some people try to scrape tartar off with knives or needles, which is extremely dangerous. This can hurt your gums, cause infections, or damage your teeth. Only dentists should remove tartar with their special tools.
Don’t Overuse Rough Substances
Using too much baking soda or other abrasive things can wear down your enamel and make your teeth sensitive. Always handle home remedies with caution and stick to safe guidelines.
How to Stop Tartar from Coming Back
Eat Healthy and Live Well
Eat less sugar, drink plenty of water, and don’t smoke. These habits keep your mouth healthy and stop tartar from coming back.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
See your dentist every six months. Dentists can remove tartar that you can’t clean at home and find problems early. Regular check-ups keep your smile healthy and bright.
Final Thoughts: You Can Start at Home, But Ask for Help When Needed
You can start removing tartar at home by brushing well, flossing, and using safe remedies. Along with removal of tartar these methods can keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. But if the tartar is thick or your gums start hurting, always visit your dentist for safe, professional care.
Taking care of tartar keeps your mouth happy, your smile bright, and your breath fresh!
Need Help? JJ Smiles Is Here for You
If you want help in removing tartar or need a professional cleaning, our team of expert dentists at JJ Smiles Dental & Implant Centre is always ready to take care of you. Our team offers gentle and safe dental care to support the health of your teeth and gums.
Call us on 07-5529 7567 or book online to schedule your appointment and let’s keep your smile beautiful!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient is different, and results may vary. Please consult with a qualified dentist at JJ Smiles Dental & Implant Centre or your healthcare provider to determine what treatment is right for you.
