Tartar (also known as dental calculus) occurs on the teeth when plaque has been left to build up and it begins to calcify. Not only does tartar look unpleasant, but it can cause serious long-term damage to teeth and gums.
Having regular check-ups at your dentist is the best way to remove or prevent plaque and tartar. But if you want to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth without a trip to the dentist, this article will explain how.
On this page, you’ll find out tips for removing plaque build-up and preventing tartar without a dentist.
5 Steps to cleaning your own teeth
1. Clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush
Choose an electric toothbrush with a small circular brush so you can easily clean each tooth individually and reach the gaps in between. Research shows counter-rotating and oscillating–rotating brushes can be beneficial in reducing the levels of gingival bleeding or inflammation.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel against acid, which can decay teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven in several studies to effectively control dental cavities.Toothpastes can contain different levels of fluoride; adults and children over three should use toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride. For children, use toothpaste specially manufactured for their age to ensure they have the right levels of fluoride. If you’re unsure of which toothpaste is best for you and your family, speak to a dentist.
3. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes
Brushing teeth for two minutes is well-known advice. But did you know, many people typically only brush their teeth for 45 seconds! The amount of plaque removed increases with brushing time.
4. Floss regularly
Your toothbrush cannot reach all your gum and tooth surfaces. So, it’s important to floss regularly to remove plaque and any lodged food particles from the inaccessible parts of your teeth. Remember, keeping your teeth clean and germ-free can go a long way to prevent tartar buildup on your teeth.
5. Use antibacterial mouthwash regularly
Antibacterial mouthwash has many benefits: it can freshen up your breath, reduce plaque build-up, loosen any stubborn food particles, and reduce the risk of cavities. Using mouthwash straight after brushing can remove beneficial fluoride from your teeth, so use it to freshen up your mouth during the day, such as after eating a snack or lunch.
Following the above five steps will mean your teeth stay super clean and healthy in between check-ups at the dentist.
Natural Ways To Remove Tartar Build-Up At Home
There are many natural ways for removing plaque build-up, which can lead to tartar forming, and most of them involve using items you probably already have at home. Just a word of warning, these natural remedies may be good for your teeth, but they don’t taste very nice!
1. White vinegar and water
Vinegar has a super strong taste and may not be the nicest thing to gargle, but white vinegar is anti-bacterial which means it can help prevent plaque and tartar. All you need to do is add two teaspoons of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of water, stir it, and then rinse your mouth with it up to two times a day.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda can help your teeth look whiter, as well as neutralizing cavities causing acid. Some toothpastes contain baking soda as it acts as a gentle abrasive to remove plaque from teeth. Make a paste by stirring a few drops of water with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Apply the paste to your teeth using your toothbrush and brush your teeth gently with the paste for one minute, then rinse well with water.
3. Glycerine and aloe vera
Aloe vera is a small shrub with several incredible health benefits, including being good for your teeth. Mix a teaspoon of aloe vera gel with four teaspoons of glycerine (an ingredient found in many toothpastes), five tablespoons of baking soda, a drop of lemon essential oil, and a cup of water. Once mixed, use the mixture to clean your teeth to gradually remove plaque and tartar.
4. Orange peels
Use the inside part of the orange peel to scrub your teeth for about two minutes. You can also mash the peel to make a paste and apply it to your teeth and gums with your toothbrush. Repeat the process thrice or twice a week.
5. Sesame seeds
These are active dental scrubs. Just chew a handful but do not swallow them. While the seeds are still in your mouth, scrub off tartar with a dry toothbrush.
Ways to prevent tartar and plaque from building up
The best way to prevent tartar and plaque from building up is with the correct dental hygiene routine, as above, as well as regular visits to the dentist. But diet also plays a big part in keeping tartar and plaque at bay.
Reducing the amount of sugar and starch in your diet is the best way to prevent plaque. Bacteria in the mouth love sugary and starchy foods and when that bacteria feed on these foods it creates the familiar fuzzy teeth feeling known as plaque.
By moderating your intake of plaque forming foods and by maintaining a thorough dental hygiene routine you can reduce the risk of plaque and tartar build-up. But the most important thing you can do for your teeth is to have regular dental check-ups with a trusted dentist.
