Tartar (also known as dental calculus) forms on the teeth when plaque is left to build up and harden. Tartar doesn’t just look unsightly; it can also cause serious long‑term damage to your teeth and gums.
If you want to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth without going to the dentist, this article explains how you can help at home. The most effective way to reduce plaque and tartar buildup is to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Daily flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash help control bacteria in hard‑to‑reach areas. Some natural home remedies, such as brushing with baking soda or rinsing with diluted vinegar, may also support your routine. In this article, you’ll find tips to reduce plaque buildup, prevent tartar, and support tartar cleaning without seeing a dentist.
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Steps for Cleaning Teeth Tartar
The most important thing you can do for your oral health is to brush your teeth twice a day and see your dentist regularly for professional tartar removal. However, if you can’t see a dentist, or you want to keep your teeth in the best possible shape between checkups, the tips below will help keep your teeth thoroughly clean:
Brush Thoroughly with an Electric Toothbrush
To help with tartar control, choose an electric toothbrush with a small, round brush head so you can easily clean each tooth individually and reach the spaces between them. According to clinical research, although both manual and electric toothbrushes can remove plaque, “electric toothbrushes—especially those with oscillating‑rotating action—can be more effective in reducing gum bleeding and inflammation.”
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Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel against acids that cause cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven in many studies to effectively control tooth decay.
Toothpastes contain different levels of fluoride. Adults and children over three years old should use a toothpaste with about 1350–1500 ppm fluoride.
For younger children, use a toothpaste specifically formulated for their age group to ensure they get the appropriate fluoride level. If you’re not sure which toothpaste is best for you and your family, talk to your dentist when you go for tartar cleaning.
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Brush for at Least Two Minutes (Ideally Three)
The “two‑minute rule” for brushing is widely recommended. However, many people actually brush for only about 45 seconds. The amount of plaque removed increases significantly with longer brushing time, so aim for at least two minutes, and up to three if you can.
Use Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes Regularly
Many studies have shown that “flossing in addition to toothbrushing reduces mild gum disease (gingivitis) much more effectively than brushing alone.”
Most people know that flossing helps clean the tight spaces between teeth. Interdental brushes take this a step further. These tiny brushes look a bit like small mascara wands and are used to gently clean between the teeth and along the gumline.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash Regularly
Antibacterial mouthwash offers several benefits: it can freshen breath, reduce plaque buildup, help dislodge trapped food particles, and lower the risk of tooth decay.
Using mouthwash immediately after brushing can rinse away the beneficial fluoride from your toothpaste, so it’s better to use it at a different time of day—for example, to freshen your mouth after a snack or lunch.
Following the five steps above will help keep your teeth very clean and healthy between professional dental checkups.
It’s important to note that you should avoid using certain at‑home tartar removal tools, such as dental scalers or scrapers. Dentists train for years to safely use professional instruments like scalers. Trying to use them yourself can cause serious problems, including infections and injuries to your gums or other soft tissues.
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Ways to Prevent Tartar and Plaque Buildup
The best way to control plaque and tartar is to follow a proper oral hygiene routine, as described above, and to visit your dentist regularly. Diet also plays a major role in preventing plaque and tartar.
Cutting down on sugar and refined starches is one of the most effective ways to reduce plaque. Oral bacteria feed on sugary and starchy foods and produce by‑products that create that fuzzy feeling on your teeth known as plaque.
Unfortunately, many foods that bacteria “love” are sticky sweets and savory snacks that easily get trapped between your teeth. Even simply reducing these foods—or brushing soon after consuming them—can help lower your risk of plaque buildup, including:
– Candy and sweets
– Ice cream
– Cakes and pastries
– Dried fruit
– Potato chips
– Bread
Certain drinks also promote plaque formation, including sugary soft drinks, alcohol (which can dry out your mouth), fruit juices, and high‑carbohydrate sports drinks. All of these can contribute to plaque accumulation.
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The dental clinic at Batal Specialized Complex is equipped with advanced tools and technology to help anyone suffering from tooth pain get relief in the hands of highly skilled dentists. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment at the dental clinic at Batal Specialized Complex.
Dental Consultations Available to Help with Tartar Removal
Real‑world data show that the most important habits for maintaining oral health are brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly for professional tartar cleaning. However, if you can’t see a dentist as often as recommended, or you want to keep your teeth in excellent condition between visits, you can support your oral health by:
– Eating a balanced, healthy diet
– Avoiding sticky sweets and sugary soft drinks
– Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
– Using dental floss to remove food debris between teeth
– Using mouthwash to help reduce bacteria
– Using a fluoride toothpaste to maintain tooth health and reduce cavities and gum inflammation
This structured, professional approach focuses on guiding the public with practical information and advice on oral care and maintaining a healthy mouth.
Dentists provide a wide range of services to remove tartar and clean teeth, as well as counseling patients on how to keep their mouth and teeth clean. Their recommendations typically include: regular brushing with toothbrush and toothpaste, using dental floss to remove surface deposits between teeth, and following a healthy diet to support oral hygiene.
In addition, dentists can advise you on suitable products to soothe sensitive teeth and relieve pain. There are many treatment options available for decay, tartar buildup, and overall oral hygiene, including but not limited to:
– Professional dental cleaning (tartar removal / dental prophylaxis)
– Topical fluoride treatments
– Other preventive and restorative procedures
Anyone dealing with significant tartar buildup or other dental problems should consult a dentist to receive appropriate treatment options and personalized advice.
