How To Remove Tartar From Teeth Without Dentist?
In today’s world, dental hygiene is an essential aspect of life. Sparkling white teeth boost both the confidence and beauty of a person. However, over time your teeth may become affected by plaque and tartar—making teeth brown or yellow. Plaque, a sticky film covering the teeth, can transform into a hard-yellow deposit through the action of bacteria —known as tartar.
If left untreated, it can turn into deadly gum disease. Visiting a dentist sometimes is not affordable. So, it is not wrong to ask, “how to remove tartar from teeth without dentist?” The good thing is that you can get rid of tartar by maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing plaque, and using natural remedies.
This post will discuss some simple ways to get rid of plaque and prevent tartar at home. So, stay tuned!
What Exactly is Tartar?
No matter how much you try to take care of your teeth, bacteria still manage to stay in your mouth. These bacteria mix the leftover food particles in your mouth with saliva to form plaque, which coats your teeth and affects the gum line.
If plaque remains on your teeth, it hardens into tartar. Tartar, also known as calculus, is dangerous for teeth and gums—leading to tooth decay and gum infections.
What is the Effect of Tartar on Teeth and Gums?
It forms cavities and causes tooth decay, and it isn’t easy to even brush or floss. Tartar forms above the gum line can irritate and damage your gums with the help of bacteria.
Over time, it may transform into a more severe gum disease like periodontitis— affecting the bones and tissues of your teeth. These bacteria that are responsible for gum disease can also affect the heart and create other health complications.
Tartar Buildup Signs
The most telling sign of tartar buildup is how your teeth feel—you may detect the presence of a solid substance in the mouth that even brushing can’t remove.
Tartar may cause swelling and bleeding of the gum line. It may impart a specific color pattern to your gum line: yellow or tan above the gum line, while brown or black below it.
How To Remove Tartar From Teeth Without Dentist? Effective DIYs
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
You can remove tartar by maintaining excellent oral hygiene; brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day— is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Brushing The Teeth
For brushing, use a soft-bristle toothbrush. The effective way of brushing may involve:
- Brushstrokes should be short and circular.
- Start brushing in the back of the mouth with top molars.
- It is recommended to brush the front and back surfaces of the upper teeth.
- Repeat these steps (1-3) on the bottom teeth.
Toothbrush
Manual toothbrushes can be effective in dealing with plaque and tartar removal. However, electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads are more effective in combating plaque and gum disease.
Toothpaste
A tartar-controlled brush is the best option in removing the teeth’ calculus. The active ingredients in these types of toothpaste are pyrophosphates and fluoride, which help control the plaque-causing bacteria, leading to healthy and disease-free teeth.
Flossing
Flossing is essential oral hygiene practice. Flossing helps in cleaning the parts of teeth that are not otherwise accessible with the brush.
Flossing removes any lodged food particles and plaque. If not removed, leftover food particles and plaque can cause bad breath. So, it is recommended to floss once a day to keep your teeth germ-free and clean.
Mouthwash
After you are done flossing and brushing the teeth, rinse out the mouth with a mouthwash. Most of these mouthwashes contain fluoride that ensures plaque-free teeth.
If you are suffering from mild germ disease like gingivitis, use a more potent mouthwash. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you antiseptic mouthwashes.
Diet
Dietary changes can affect plaque and tartar buildup. The bacteria in your mouth prefer sugary and starchy foods and convert these foods into hazardous acids. It is better if you limit sugary foods in your diet.
You should avoid:
- Candies, cakes, and cookies
- starchy and sugary foods like chips and some dried foods
- Sodas and drinks
- Citrus Juices
For those struggling with chewing and eating due to missing teeth, our Dental Implants service can provide a long-lasting solution.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can encourage tartar buildup in your mouth. Avoid smoking.
Natural Remedies for Tartar Removal From Home
Brushing teeth with Baking Soda
Baking soda can effectively remove the plaque without damaging the outer covering of teeth— enamel. Baking soda is safe to use with no apparent side effects. Toothpaste containing baking soda is more potent against plaque than traditional toothpaste. Baking soda also prevents demineralization.
Demineralization is a chemical process for removing calcium from tooth enamel, favored by lower pH—more acidic conditions. Foods containing carbohydrates induce an acidic environment by drastically reducing the pH level in the mouth. Baking soda, which has a high pH value, reduces the demineralization inside the mouth.
Our body hosts a diverse ecosystem of bacteria; some are harmful, while most of these are beneficial. Streptococcus mutans, a harmful bacteria, is a causative agent of tooth decay. Studies suggest that baking soda can significantly reduce the level of S. mutans.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Another method to restrict the bacteria in the mouth is oil pulling. It improves overall oral health by maintaining a germ-free environment in the mouth.
Among various oils, coconut oil is well-suited for this method as it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Oil pulling can reduce dental plaque by 50 percent in individuals with gingivitis.
Oil pulling is a simple method that involves: placing the warm coconut oil in the mouth and swishing it for a few minutes before spitting out the coconut oil.
You can also use olive, almond, or sesame oil; these are also effective for oil pulling.
Apple Cider Vinegar To Remove Tartar
Apple cider vinegar can reduce plaque and tartar accumulation without going to the dentist. It can break down the plaque layers coated on the tooth enamel by demineralization with the help of acetic acid. Also having antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar can kill the bacteria responsible for cavities and bad breath.
However, overuse of this vinegar can damage the enamel of your teeth, which is irreversible.
Using Orange Peels for Tartar
Surprisingly, the vitamin C and the antimicrobial properties of orange peel can deal with tartar without going to the dentist. You can either rub orange peel directly against your gums for two minutes or make a powder to brush your teeth with it.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, with many health benefits, can also remove tartar from the teeth. It may have a bitter taste, but the extract of aloe vera fresh leaves, when rubbed against the teeth, can reduce the tartar accumulation and bacterial population in the mouth.
Guava
The leaves and the fruits of guava are potent anti-plaque agents and are effective against plaque formation. It can help in reducing the swelling of the gums.
FAQs
How to quickly get rid of dental tartar?
You can get rid of tartar quickly by using a mixture of baking soda and tea tree essentials. Use this mixture as a mouthwash.
How long does it take for a dental plaque to convert into tartar?
It roughly takes around 24 to 72 hours for plaque to harden into tartar.
Final Thoughts
Oral care is essential, but it doesn’t mean it should always affect your wallet. Some conditions, like tartar and plaque, can be resolved by keeping good oral hygiene and using home remedies that can effectively remove the accumulation of tartar—resulting in a white smile.
All these materials and foods are easily found at local markets and are relatively cheap.