girl flossing her teeth to remove tartar

Tartar Removal: Tips and Techniques for Clean, Healthy Teeth

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Who would not like it if at-home care was all it took to keep a healthy smile? While daily brushing and flossing are essential, common issues like plaque buildup often need more attention. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and sugars, can quickly harden into tartar (or dental calculus), forming rough patches on teeth that are tough to remove at home. Tartar affects the look of your teeth and can lead to serious oral health problems, like gum disease and cavities, if ignored.

Read on to explore everything you need to know about tartar removal, from identifying its causes to preventing it to help you achieve a healthier smile. Whether they’re home remedies or professional care, learn the best practices for keeping tartar at bay.

What is Tartar?

Plaque, the sticky, colourless film of bacteria, usually forms on the teeth and gums while you eat or drink, especially sugary or starchy foods. If proper dental hygiene is not practised through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar within a few days.

Unlike dental plaque, tartar removal cannot be done with brushing and flossing. Plaque and tartar deposits can extend from above to below the gumline, causing inflammation that can lead to more serious issues like gum disease. Usually, professional dental cleaning is required from a dentist or dental hygienist to remove tartar properly.

Key Symptoms of Tartar on Teeth 

When trying to determine whether you have tartar buildup on your teeth, you will most probably notice it by how your teeth feel. Recognising the symptoms early can help prevent more serious dental issues. Here are a few key signs to watch for:

  • Yellow or Brown Stains: Tartar buildup above the gumline usually appears yellow or brown and grows larger if not removed. These stains are difficult to remove with regular brushing and indicate hardened plaque buildup.

  • Rough Texture on Teeth: When you run your tongue over your teeth, tartar may feel rough. This texture differs from the otherwise smooth feel and can be a sign that tartar is present.

  • Gum Inflammation: Tartar can irritate the gums, causing red or swollen gums. This inflammation around the tartar teeth is an early sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, which can worsen and cause bleeding gums if tartar is not removed.

  • Bad Breath: Since tartar becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, it can lead to persistent bad breath (halitosis) that does not improve with regular brushing or mouthwash.

What Causes Tartar on Teeth​?

While the main cause of tartar is the buildup of plaque and bacteria, several other factors play a role. Understanding these causes can help you take early steps to prevent tartar formation. Major factors that lead to tartar buildup on teeth include:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Following improper brushing and flossing methods allows plaque to build up on your teeth and later harden into tartar.

  • Sugary and Starchy Foods: High-sugar and starchy foods can fuel bacteria in the mouth, leading to increased plaque formation.

  • Tobacco Products and Smoking: The habit of smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can increase plaque and tartar formation and make tartar more noticeable.

  • Dry Mouth: Saliva is known for its ability to wash away food particles and neutralise acids in your mouth. The lack of saliva can thus increase plaque and tartar buildup.

  • Genetics: You might be more prone to tartar formation due to your genetic background, which makes your dental care routine even more important.

  • Misaligned Teeth: Having crooked teeth can be harder to clean, leading to plaque and tartar accumulation.

How to Get Rid of Tartar on Teeth at Home?

If you are wondering how to remove tartar from teeth, trying home remedies could be the first option that comes to your mind. While home remedies might seem like a good option, the most effective and safest way is to get help from a dental professional. If you do not remove plaque properly and it hardens into tartar, brushing alone would not be sufficient to remove it. 

When searching for ways to remove tartar at home, you may come across ‘do-it-yourself’ tartar-removal options, like dental tool kits, or natural remedies such as baking soda, white vinegar, and orange peels. Although these options are easily available, it is always best to consult your dentist for effective tartar removal rather than attempting these at-home solutions.

Effective Methods To Prevent Tartar Build-Up

Taking adequate measures to ensure good oral hygiene can help in preventing tartar buildup. Here are some common yet effective methods to help keep your teeth tartar-free:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen your tooth enamel. and reduces plaque buildup and tooth decay. You may pair it with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

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  • Floss daily: Flossing reaches areas between teeth where a normal toothbrush often cannot reach and reduces the chance of plaque accumulating.

  • Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash: Mouthwash with antibacterial properties helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, lowering the risk of plaque buildup.

  • Limit sugary and starchy foods: Eating a more balanced diet and drinking plenty of water after meals can help prevent plaque buildup.

  • Quit smoking or using tobacco: Quitting tobacco use can greatly reduce the risk of tartar buildup and improve overall oral health.

  • Consider using an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes are found to be more effective at removing plaque than manual ones, making it easier to prevent calculus on teeth from forming.

  • Visit your dentist regularly: Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for removing any plaque or tartar that has formed.

Benefits of Regular Tartar Removal 

Regular plaque and tartar removal is important for maintaining good oral health and a confident smile. Here are some key benefits of regular tartar removal:

  • Prevents Gum Disease: Tartar removal can reduce gum irritation and the chance of developing gum diseases, from gingivitis to more severe forms like periodontitis.

  • Reduces Bad Breath: By removing tartar regularly, bacterial growth can be reduced considerably, which can result in keeping your breath fresher and more pleasant.

  • Protects Enamel: Regular tartar removal helps reduce the wear down of tooth enamel and prevent tooth sensitivity and other issues like cavities.

  • Improves Appearance: Tartar often appears as yellow or brown stains on teeth, which can affect the brightness of your smile. Routine removal helps maintain a clean, white appearance.

  • Prevents Tooth Decay: Tartar promotes bacteria that produce acids, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Removing tartar limits bacteria, prevents cavities, and protects overall oral health.

  • Lowers Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Research links gum disease with other health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. By removing tartar and reducing the risk of gum disease, you may also be supporting better overall health.

Why a Dental Professional is Best For Tartar Removal?

While a good at-home oral care routine is essential for effective tartar removal, visiting a dental professional is the best choice. As plaque hardens into tartar, it can be difficult to remove with standard brushing and flossing. Here is why consulting a healthcare professional to remove tartar is essential:

  • Advanced Tools and Techniques: Dental professionals may perform advanced dental cleaning to remove tartar effectively and safely from both above and below the gumline.

  • Thorough Cleaning for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Tartar forms in hard-to-clean spots, like below the gumline or between teeth. Dentists can reach these areas to make sure all tartar buildup is removed.

  • Protection Against Gum Disease: Tartar can lead to gum disease. Getting it removed by a dentist can lower the risk of gum inflammation and prevent it from turning into more serious issues like periodontal disease.

  • Minimises Damage to Tooth Enamel: Trying to remove tartar on your own can damage your tooth enamel or irritate your gums. A dental professional can remove tartar without harming your tooth structure or gums, preserving your natural enamel.

  • Personalised Oral Health Advice: Dental professionals can provide personalised advice on preventing tartar buildup, such as recommending effective products and brushing techniques. This guidance can help you keep your teeth tartar-free between cleanings.

To conclude, maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent tartar buildup and ensure healthy teeth and gums. While brushing and flossing help manage plaque, consulting a dental professional is ideal for thorough plaque and tartar removal and long-term gum health. If cost is a concern, there are several affordable dental care options available. Government-subsidised treatments are available at reduced rates, where final-year dental students of the National University of Singapore provide supervised care at lower costs. By combining regular oral care with professional cleanings, you can keep your teeth cleaner, healthier, and free from tartar.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is tartar removal painful?

    2. Tartar removal is not typically painful, though it may cause some discomfort for certain people. If you have significant tartar buildup, swollen gums, or sensitive teeth (often due to gum recession exposing the roots of your teeth), you might feel more discomfort when your dental hygienist removes the tartar.

  2. Can you scrape tartar off your own teeth?

    3. Scraping tartar off from your teeth on your own is not a good idea. As regular brushing and flossing cannot help in removing them, they can be safely removed by a dentist or hygienist using special instruments. Trying to remove tartar at home can damage your teeth enamel and make them more susceptible to cavities.

  3. How do you remove hardened tartar?

    4. To remove hardened tartar, visit a dental professional for effective cleaning. At home, maintain oral hygiene by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash.

  4. Do gums grow back after tartar removal? 

    5. Gums do not usually grow back after tartar removal. However, removing tartar can help reduce gum inflammation, allowing your gums to reattach to the tooth surface. This may help to reduce pockets around your teeth.

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