Can I Remove Tartar from My Teeth at Home?: Tompkins Dental: General Dentistry (2024)

Tompkins Dental Blog Can I Remove Tartar from My Teeth at Home?

Can I Remove Tartar from My Teeth at Home?: Tompkins Dental: General Dentistry (1)

Can I Remove Tartar from My Teeth at Home?: Tompkins Dental: General Dentistry (2)

Tartar is not something you want to see on your teeth. It is not only unsightly, but you also know it is unhealthy.

While it might be tempting to try and scrape tartar off the surface of your teeth at home, is it really a good idea to do so? The answer might surprise you. Even though tartar is bad, you shouldn't attempt to remove it yourself.

What is Tartar?

Tartar starts with bacteria. There are bacteria all over our bodies, and that includes our mouths. These bacteria feed on the sugars and debris in the mouth and on the teeth. The combination of bacteria, sugars, and the byproducts created by the bacteria makes up a sticky substance called dental plaque that can adhere to our teeth and gums.

If this plaque is not removed consistently with brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it can harden into tartar. The tartar can harbor more bacteria, which in turn can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and even more serious gum disease. In addition, because of the texture of tartar, it can attract and hold onto more plaque, which turns into more tartar, causing a cycle of additional tartar buildup until it is properly removed.

How do I get Rid of Tartar?

While it may seem like a good idea to remove tartar on your own, the risk of harming your teeth or gums if you're using anything other than floss or a toothbrush is high.

Prevention

The best course of action against tartar, and the resulting dental problems that can happen, is prevention. While this may not be the answer you hoped to hear, preventing tartar is easier than you may think. Simply put, you can prevent tartar buildup with a great oral hygiene routine. And this only takes a few minutes a day.

Brush twice a day for a full two minutes. It's a good idea to set a timer since most people underestimate the amount of time they brush. Even though you may be tempted to try a hard or medium-bristled brush, it is best for your teeth and gums to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure you angle your toothbrush towards the gums as tartar can build up along the gumline. Floss daily to prevent tartar from forming between the teeth.

Lastly, get regular dental checkups and cleanings twice per year. We can get into even harder-to-reach places and do a more thorough cleaning, removing plaque and any tarter that has started to accumulate so that the negative tartar cycle is put to a stop before it progresses further.

Can I Remove Tartar Myself?

Unfortunately, once plaque hardens into tartar, it is not likely a toothbrush and floss will remove it. Scraping tarter off your own with other tools is not a good idea. Because these tools require special training to use properly, you could do more harm than good to your smile.

Without proper training, you could injure your gums, which can lead to infection. In addition, harsh tools can damage the enamel on your teeth. Enamel is the protective outer layer of teeth, and once lost, it cannot be regenerated.

Professional Cleaning

Because DIY methods can be dangerous to your enamel and may irritate your gums, it is best to schedule an appointment. Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained and experienced in providing comfortable (and safe) tartar removal.

It is highly recommended that you have a regular dental checkup and cleaning twice per year. At this regular visit, you will have a thorough cleaning. But if you notice tartar buildup on your teeth at any time, feel free to make an appointment!

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Can I Remove Tartar from My Teeth at Home?: Tompkins Dental: General Dentistry (2024)

FAQs

Can I Remove Tartar from My Teeth at Home?: Tompkins Dental: General Dentistry? ›

Can I Remove Tartar Myself? Unfortunately, once plaque hardens into tartar, it is not likely a toothbrush and floss will remove it. Scraping tarter off your own with other tools is not a good idea. Because these tools require special training to use properly, you could do more harm than good to your smile.

Can you get tartar off your teeth at home? ›

Tartar is made up of dead bacteria and spit that has mineralized into calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium phosphate. You can't get rid of it by brushing and flossing; you'll need to have it cleaned off your teeth by your dental hygienist or dentist.

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.

Do we need to visit a dentist to remove tartar or? ›

The only way to effectively treat tartar is to see a dentist or hygienist. They'll remove the tartar safely using a combination of special instruments.

Can dentist scrape off tartar? ›

Removing hard deposits of tartar off your teeth will require a trip to a dental professional to get them deposits removed safely. The dentist will safely scale the tartar off using a scaler, a sharp tool that breaks down the tartar off your teeth.

How do you melt tartar off your 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.

Is it safe to scrape your own teeth? ›

While it may be tempting to try and remove tartar on your own, it is not recommended to scrape it off using sharp objects such as dental picks or metal tools. Improper tartar removal can damage the enamel and gums, leading to further oral health issues.

Can hydrogen peroxide remove tartar from teeth? ›

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.

Can a water flosser remove tartar? ›

Water flossing can be an effective tool for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing the buildup of tartar. However, a water flosser may not remove existing tartar once it has formed. Using a water flosser can aid in tartar prevention, but it's not a substitute for professional dental cleanings.

How long does it take to remove hardened tartar? ›

The duration of the tartar removal depends largely on the amount of tartar. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to remove tartar.

Will teeth fall out after tartar removal? ›

Once that buildup is removed, in comparison, your teeth feel loose. But that doesn't make them likely to fall out! In spite of that increased feeling of looseness, removing the plaque and tartar buildup helps your gums and roots to reattach to your teeth, creating better oral health for you!

Can I remove tartar with a needle? ›

Also, please refrain from removing tartar with a needle. You may seriously injure your gums in the process. Prioritise good dental hygiene – and leave anything that a toothbrush cannot remove to your dentist.

Who normally remove your tartar? ›

Only a dental health professional can safely remove tartar and stop the periodontal process. 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.

Is removing tartar yourself safe? ›

Can I Remove Tartar Myself? Unfortunately, once plaque hardens into tartar, it is not likely a toothbrush and floss will remove it. Scraping tarter off your own with other tools is not a good idea. Because these tools require special training to use properly, you could do more harm than good to your smile.

Can tartar chip off on its own? ›

One of the most common reasons for tartar to break off is while munching on something hard or crunchy. Aggressive brushing with a hard bristle toothbrush can also cause tartar to dislodge from your teeth. Additionally, tartar can become so heavy that it breaks off on its own due to a lack of support.

How do you get rid of tartar without going to the dentist? ›

Start by mixing white vinegar in a glass of warm saltwater. This solution can then be gargled once a day to aide in the removal of tartar that has formed on the region between the teeth and gums. The mixture should be made from two tablespoons of white vinegar into a cup of warm water with dissolved salt.

Will removing tartar loosen teeth? ›

Once that buildup is removed, in comparison, your teeth feel loose. But that doesn't make them likely to fall out! In spite of that increased feeling of looseness, removing the plaque and tartar buildup helps your gums and roots to reattach to your teeth, creating better oral health for you!

Can tartar break off of teeth? ›

As surprising as it is, tartar can actually break off your teeth quite easily. Even though it is strong, it is not prone to chipping away. Sometimes, eating too many hard foods, brushing your teeth aggressively, or even flossing with an improper technique can trigger the breakage.

How to deep clean teeth at home? ›

10 Steps for Deep Cleaning Teeth
  1. Regularly Brush Your Teeth. Let's start with the most obvious, but also the most important, for maintaining proper oral hygiene. ...
  2. Use A Soft Toothbrush. ...
  3. Floss Daily. ...
  4. Remove Debris & Plaque. ...
  5. Use Mouthwash. ...
  6. Practice Professional Cleaning Aftercare. ...
  7. Drink Plenty Of Water.
Mar 22, 2023

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