How to Remove Tartar at Home and When to Seek Dental Help?
An estimated 20 billion bacteria live in the human mouth and contribute to the build-up of plaque as well as tartar problems. Some are inclined to believe that tartar issues are only as bad as some bad breath, but that’s not the case.
There are significant health issues that come from the accumulation of tartar. These issues worsen the longer it takes to seek out tartar removal.
In this article, we discuss how to remove tartar and what can be done at home to prevent it. Continue reading to learn how to contribute to a healthy mouth.
What is Tartar?
Bacteria, which naturally exist in the mouth, mix with leftover food particles to create plaque. Tartar, or dental calculus, is a hardened accumulation of this plaque on your teeth and below the gumline.
It results in teeth appearing discolored with a yellow or brown tinge. Tartar is porous and feels gritty/rough to the touch.
Tartar Problems
Tartar problems don’t end with discolored teeth. The build-up of bacteria also causes bad breath and gum disease. Tartar makes its way below the gumline and negatively impacts a tooth’s roots.
The longer tartar remains on teeth, the more damage it causes to the enamel. This can cause painful sensitivity and tooth loss. Getting rid of tartar is the best way to prevent tartar issues from worsening.
Home Removal
Patient’s often want to know how to get rid of tartar at home. While full tartar removal requires professional dentistry, some products help to reduce the amount of plaque present, which controls tartar buildup.
The most effective methods include:
- Baking soda toothpaste
- Vinegar rinse
- Fruits with vitamin C
It’s important to keep in mind that these methods can help reduce plaque and tartar, but may not completely remove them. Since tartar is a gradually built-up and hardened layer, it is difficult to remove without professional equipment.
Regular Brushing
The best option requires regular brushing with specialized toothpaste. Some are designated tartar-control toothpaste while others advertise baking soda as one of the main ingredients. These are effective due to their abrasive properties.
Vinegar Rinse
An acidic vinegar rinse mixed with salt water is an effective method in how to remove tartar. The vinegar cuts through the tartar and has antimicrobial properties. Rinsing with lukewarm water after gargling clears the mouth of the acidic mixture.
Fruits with Vitamin C
An alternative to the acidic vinegar rinse is to use fruits high in vitamin C. The peel of the fruit can be placed against the teeth for 15 minutes followed by a lukewarm water rinse.
These fruits include lemons and oranges. They offer the same benefits as vinegar.
When to Seek Dental Help?
Complete tartar removal requires the help of a dental professional who has experience in how to get rid of tartar. This is most essential when symptoms such as bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and discoloration are present.
Dentists use manual tools and ultrasonic instruments to chip away the accumulated calculus from the tooth’s surface. It’s this equipment, plus professional experience that is most effective in getting rid of tartar.
Routine dental cleanings every 6 months help fight tartar and gum disease. Those prone to plaque and tartar build-up may require more frequent tartar removal than those that are not.
Knowing How to Remove Tartar
Knowing how to remove tartar is a difficult process and more often than not requires the expertise of a dentist. Patients can contribute to oral health and deter plaque (and therefore, tartar) from forming with good dental care.
Book an appointment for tartar removal and an oral assessment at Crofton Dental Care today.