Plaque is a slick, sticky film that attaches to your teeth. It’s made up of a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food.
Tartar is plaque that has calcified due to the minerals in your saliva. Plaque is often found on the lower front teeth and the upper molars. Tartar increases the risk of cavities and gum disease, so it needs to be removed regularly.
Can Brushing Remove Tartar?
Brushing twice each day helps prevent plaque from attaching to the teeth, and can also help prevent plaque from turning into tartar. However, once plaque has hardened into tartar, it can’t be removed through brushing.
Tartar Removal
If you look up tartar removal on the Internet, you may find a range of options, including natural and professional remedies. Unfortunately, not all the tartar suggestions you find on the Internet are effective.
Natural Remedies
People have been seeking natural ways to remove tartar from teeth for decades. Here are some of the suggestions you may read about online or in home remedy books:
- Aloe vera: While aloe vera may support oral health due to its antibacterial properties, it is not effective for tartar removal.
- Orange peels: The antioxidants in orange peels may help reduce bacteria in your mouth, which could slow the buildup of tartar on your teeth. Like aloe vera, it is not effective for removing hardened tartar.
- Coconut oil: Oil pulling may reduce plaque bacteria, but once tartar is in place, oil will not remove it.
Professional Tartar Removal
The most effective way to remove tartar from your mouth is through professional tartar removal. When you visit the dentist for your six-month checkup, the dental hygienist will remove tartar using special dental tools like scaling instruments that scrape the hardened deposits. These tools are safe when used by a professional. In addition to the scaling tools, the dentist and dental hygienist may use ultrasonic devices to break up buildup. Getting regular professional gum cleaning helps prevent gum disease.
Do Anti-Tartar Mouthwashes Work?
Some mouthwashes may slow the formation of tartar, but evidence for dissolving existing tartar is limited. The long exposure times in studies conducted with this type of mouthwash aren’t practical for most people. Ultimately, these mouthwashes may be most effective when combined with other techniques such as brushing and flossing.
Best Ways to Prevent Tartar
Follow these tips to prevent tartar buildup in your mouth:
- Brush at least twice every day
- Floss at least once every day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Schedule six-month dental cleanings unless otherwise recommended by your dentist
- Maintain consistent oral hygiene habits
Remove Tartar With a Professional You Trust
Ultimately, tartar cannot be safely dissolved at home. Professional dental cleanings are required to remove tartar buildup. The most effective strategy for maintaining good dental health is through the prevention of plaque.
To do this, you’ll need to brush your teeth and see the dentist twice a year. Regular dental visits are required for good long-term oral health. To make your next dental appointment in Tampa, FL, contact Weninger Dentistry.