Your mouth has harmful bacteria, which react with sugar and food byproducts from whatever you eat and drink. Consequently, a sticky film called dental plaque forms on your teeth. Gradually, plaque hardens into tartar (or dental calculus), which leads to oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Sticking to your regular oral care regimen helps a lot. Still, tartar can develop and start damaging your teeth. Therefore, it is crucial that you get rid of calculus before it ruins your smile. Keep reading to learn how to remove tartar from teeth and prevent its build-up.
Ways to Remove Tartar from Teeth
Tartar build-up indicates that you are one step closer to tooth decay and gum disease, especially if you neglect proper care. Thus, you must seek immediate medical attention to prevent any oral health complications. Dentists are trained to safely remove tartar from your teeth, something that you should avoid doing yourself. Although you should steer clear of scraping tartar from your teeth, you can still reduce it to some extent. The following might help you minimize plaque and tartar build-up at home:
1. White Vinegar
You might grimace when we tell you that white vinegar can help eliminate tartar build-up. Well, its acetic nature aids in killing bacteria. Furthermore, it prevents plaque and tartar too. Just add two teaspoons of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Then, stir the mixture well. Gargle once or twice daily for effective results.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help whiten your smile and remove tartar at home. It is a mild abrasive that scrapes plaque off your teeth. Hence, brushing teeth with baking soda can show fruitful outcomes. You can add baking soda to a damp toothbrush, gently scrub your teeth for a minute, and wait fifteen minutes before rinsing your mouth with water. Or you can add a few drops of water to baking soda and use it as a paste.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has multiple health benefits. For instance, you can use this shrub with remarkable properties to improve your oral health. To do so, dissolve a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, four teaspoons of glycerin, five tablespoons of baking soda, and a droplet of lemon essential oil into a cup of water. Next, mix the ingredients well and use the blend to clean your teeth. Over time, it will help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
How to Prevent Tartar Build-up?
Neglecting your oral hygiene can cause serious dental complications. Thus, you can adhere to the following tips to control tartar build-up at home:
- Regularly brush every surface of your teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes.
- Use an electronic toothbrush with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
- Use a toothpaste that claims to control tartar build-up and contains fluoride.
- Daily floss in-between your teeth and gums. You can also use any other interdental cleaner if you find trouble flossing.
- Limit your intake of spicy, sugary, and acidic foods.
- Keep away from smoking.
- Go for your dental cleanings and examinations at least twice a year.
What is the Takeaway?
It is vital to remove tartar from your teeth, as build-up can result in oral health complications. You can get rid of tartar by visiting your dentist for proper cleaning. In addition, you can use white vinegar, baking soda, and aloe vera gel to stop tartar from accumulating on your teeth and gums. Our skilled team at Gessner Smile Dentistry offers services to cater to your oral health; dial 713-858-8513 to schedule an appointment.