What is dental tartar?

Dental tartar is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It is the accumulation of hardened bacterial plaque on the teeth, which can lead to more serious problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis and even tooth loss if not treated properly. Tartar is not only an aesthetic inconvenience, but it can also put your overall oral health at risk.

What is dental tartar?

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of bacterial plaque that builds up on the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth due to the food and drink residue you consume. If not removed regularly by brushing and flossing, plaque mineralizes with the minerals present in your saliva, forming tartar in just 24 to 72 hours.

Tartar is yellowish or brown in color, making it easy to spot, especially near the gum line. Once tartar forms, it is difficult to remove by brushing alone, and professional intervention is usually required.

Homemade methods to remove tartar

While advanced tartar should be removed by a dentist, there are some home methods that can help prevent tartar buildup and remove small amounts of new tartar.

1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains from your teeth and break down plaque before it turns into tartar. Mixing baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide can create an effective tartar-fighting paste.

How to use it?
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste.
Brush your teeth with this paste for 2-3 minutes.
Rinse well with water and repeat this procedure once a week.

2. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can help dissolve tartar deposits. However, its acidity can damage tooth enamel if used in excess, so it should be used with caution.

How to use it?
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water.
Use this mixture as a mouthwash for a few seconds.
Spit out the mouthwash and rinse with plain water afterwards to remove any acidic residue.

3. Coconut oil (Oil Pulling)
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing your mouth with coconut oil to reduce bacteria and prevent tartar buildup.

How to use it?
Take a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Swish the oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
Spit out the oil and rinse with warm water.
Perform this procedure once a day, preferably in the morning.

4. Crunchy fruits and vegetables
Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots and celery, can act as a natural teeth cleaner. These foods stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and remove plaque before it turns into tartar.

5. Orange peel
Orange peel contains vitamin C and citric acid, which can help break down tartar. Rubbing orange peel directly on your teeth is a simple and natural home remedy.

How to use it?
Rub the inside of an orange peel directly on your teeth for a few minutes.
Let the natural compounds work for about 10 minutes before rinsing your mouth.
Professional treatments to remove tartar

Although home remedies can be helpful in preventing tartar buildup, once it has formed, it is crucial to see a dentist for a professional cleaning. The following procedures are the most common in a dental office:

1. Dental prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis, also known as teeth cleaning, is a routine procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. During this treatment, the professional uses specialized instruments to scrape and remove tartar from the teeth, both above and below the gum line.

How is it done?
A manual scaler or an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations is used to break up tartar.
A deep cleaning is performed with dental polishing to smooth the surface of the teeth and remove stains.
Finally, a fluoride treatment can be applied to strengthen the enamel.

2. Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a deeper procedure performed when tartar has built up below the gum line, which can cause periodontal disease. This treatment involves thoroughly cleaning the roots of your teeth and removing the bacteria that cause gum inflammation.

How is it done?
Scraping is performed to remove tartar from the roots of the teeth.
The dentist then smoothes the root surface to help the gums re-attach to the teeth, reducing future plaque and tartar formation.

3. Antibacterial mouthwashes
In some cases, dentists recommend the use of antibacterial mouthwashes, which can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and prevent tartar buildup. These mouthwashes contain active ingredients such as chlorhexidine or essential oils that fight bacteria and reduce gum inflammation.

Preventing dental tartar

The best way to combat tartar is to prevent its formation through proper oral hygiene. Below are some key tips to prevent tartar buildup:

1. Proper brushing
Proper brushing is essential to remove plaque before it turns into tartar. It is recommended to:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
Pay special attention to the gum line, where tartar is most likely to form.

2. Flossing
Flossing is essential to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth, areas that a toothbrush can't reach. It's important to floss at least once a day.

3. Balanced diet
Limiting sugary and starchy foods can reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Drinking enough water also helps keep your mouth clean and stimulates saliva production.

4. Regular visits to the dentist
Regular visits to the dentist, at least twice a year, are crucial to prevent and treat dental tartar. The dentist can perform professional cleanings and monitor oral health to detect problems early.

Dental tartar is a condition that should not be taken lightly. While there are home methods that can help prevent and reduce its formation, professional intervention is essential when it has already built up. Maintaining good daily oral hygiene, along with regular visits to the dentist, is the key to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. Preventing tartar not only protects your smile, but also ensures better oral health in the long run.