Keeping your smile bright and healthy isn’t just about brushing and flossing; it also involves managing tartar. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that can build up on your teeth if proper oral care isn’t maintained. It’s more stubborn than plaque and can only be fully removed with professional help. In this article, we’ll dive into what really works for tartar removal, what doesn’t, and how you can keep your teeth in top condition.
What is Tartar and Why is It a Problem?
Tartar forms when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, mineralises on your teeth. Unlike plaque, which is soft and can be brushed away, tartar hardens and firmly attaches to tooth surfaces. Understanding the differences in tartar vs plaque is key to knowing why tartar requires professional removal while plaque can often be managed with good oral hygiene.
Tartar can:
- Lead to gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Cause bad breath.
- Make teeth look yellow or discoloured.
- Increase the risk of cavities around tartar build-up.
Understanding tartar is the first step in knowing how to manage it effectively. Many people make the mistake of thinking regular brushing alone can remove tartar. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
How Can You Prevent Tartar Build-Up?
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to tartar. Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Brush Regularly and Properly
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque before it hardens. Focus on gentle, circular motions rather than harsh scrubbing, which can damage enamel and gums.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, areas that brushing can’t reach. Consistent flossing can significantly reduce tartar formation.
3. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, slowing the formation of plaque and tartar. Look for mouthwashes specifically formulated for tartar control.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks reduces plaque formation. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can help naturally clean your teeth as you chew.
5. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Seeing a dentist every six months ensures any plaque or tartar build-up is professionally removed before it becomes a problem.
Professional Tartar Removal: What Really Works
If tartar has already formed, professional dental care is the only reliable way to remove it completely. Attempting to remove hardened tartar at home is not only ineffective but can also damage your teeth and gums. Dental professionals use a combination of techniques to safely and thoroughly remove tartar and restore oral health.
Scaling
Scaling is the most common method for tartar removal. A dentist or dental hygienist uses specialised manual tools to carefully scrape tartar from both above and below the gumline. Removing tartar from below the gumline is particularly important because it can contribute to gum disease and inflammation if left untreated.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Many modern dental clinics use ultrasonic instruments for tartar removal. These devices vibrate at a high frequency to break up hardened tartar, often combined with a gentle water spray to wash away debris. Ultrasonic cleaning can be faster and less uncomfortable than manual scaling, making it a preferred option for patients with sensitive teeth or extensive tartar build-up. It also allows dentists to reach tricky areas between teeth and along the gumline that can be difficult to clean manually.
Polishing
After tartar has been removed, polishing is an important step to smooth the tooth surfaces. Polishing reduces rough spots where plaque and tartar can accumulate, helping to slow future build-up. Dental hygienists often use a combination of polishing paste and rotating brushes or rubber cups, leaving teeth clean, smooth, and visually brighter.
Professional removal is essential because attempting to scrape tartar at home can cause gum injury, enamel damage, and infection.
Home Remedies: What Works and What Doesn’t?
Many people search for at-home solutions to remove tartar. While prevention strategies work, it’s important to be realistic about what can actually remove tartar at home.
What Works
- Tartar-Control Toothpaste: These toothpastes contain ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that help slow tartar formation.
- Consistent Brushing and Flossing: While they won’t remove existing tartar, they prevent new build-up and maintain oral health.
- Regular Mouthwash Use: Helps control bacterial growth and plaque, indirectly reducing tartar formation.
What Doesn’t Work
- DIY Scraping: Using knives, needles, or other tools at home is dangerous and can damage enamel and gums.
- Baking Soda Alone: While it can temporarily make teeth feel cleaner, it cannot remove hardened tartar.
- Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Highly acidic substances can erode enamel if applied directly to teeth.
The key takeaway is that home remedies can support oral hygiene but cannot replace professional tartar removal.
How Often Should You Have Tartar Removed?
The frequency of professional tartar removal depends on your oral health and risk factors:
- Most people benefit from a dental cleaning every six months.
- People prone to heavy plaque build-up or gum disease may need cleanings every three to four months.
- Regular visits allow dentists to monitor oral health and prevent serious problems.
Lifestyle Tips to Keep Tartar at Bay
Even after professional removal, you can take steps to minimise tartar return:
- Drink plenty of water to rinse food particles from teeth.
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which naturally protects teeth.
- Avoid smoking, which accelerates tartar build-up and discolours teeth.
- Include calcium-rich foods in your diet to strengthen enamel.
Small lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference over time, reducing the need for frequent dental cleanings.
Common Questions About Tartar Removal
Can tartar cause permanent damage?
Yes, if left untreated, tartar can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss. Regular dental care prevents permanent damage.
Is tartar removal painful?
Professional scaling and ultrasonic cleaning are usually painless, though some patients may experience mild sensitivity.
Can children get tartar?
Yes, children can develop tartar, though it’s more common in adults. Good oral hygiene habits from a young age are important.
Final Thoughts
Tartar removal is a critical part of maintaining long-term oral health. While prevention strategies like brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are highly effective at keeping tartar at bay, professional removal is the only reliable method for eliminating hardened deposits.
By combining good daily habits with regular dental check-ups, you can enjoy a brighter, healthier smile and prevent the issues that tartar can cause. Remember, the best approach to tartar is a mix of prevention, professional care, and informed lifestyle choices.
