Home Remedies for Removing Plaque and Tartar

Plaque and tartar are the unwelcome guests that threaten the health of our smiles. Home remedies can complement your daily oral care routine, but professional dental care remains crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Let’s explore the differences between plaque and tartar, their potential consequences, and how to prevent them from wreaking havoc on your teeth and gums.

Home Remedies for Removing Plaque and Tartar

Usually, brushing and flossing are enough to remove plaque. But in some cases, you may need extra help to remove plaque and tartar to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Here are some effective methods for getting rid of plaque and tartar at home:

• Baking soda ⁠— Baking soda can gently scrub away plaque while neutralizing harmful acids to fight bacterial growth. Add it to your toothpaste and brush with it a few times weekly.
• Aloe vera gel — This can reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial buildup on teeth and gums. Massage the gel directly onto your gums for a few minutes after brushing.
• Oil pulling — Swishing coconut, olive, or sesame oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes can reduce harmful bacteria and toxins in your mouth. Remember to spit it out and brush as usual after.

These natural remedies can complement your overall oral care and promote a healthier smile. However, they shouldn’t replace regular brushing and flossing. Talk to a dentist about regular or frequent cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.

Professional Dental Cleanings and Treatments

Even the most diligent brushers need regular professional cleanings. Dentists can spot potential problems like cavities or gum disease early. Not only can this prevent plaque buildup, but it can also prevent serious complications.

Dentists can also use their expertise to remove tartar and clean hard-to-reach spots with deep cleanings, reducing your risk of gum disease. Finally, they can provide personalized advice to address your needs and improve your oral care routine.

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque and tartar are among the biggest enemies of a healthy mouth. Ignoring both is a surefire way to develop dental problems. 

Plaque is a colorless or pale yellow sticky film that forms on your teeth. It’s a community of bacteria that eats sugar and starches left behind by food. Over time, plaque can produce acids that erode your tooth enamel.

If plaque isn’t removed by routine brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (calculus). Tartar is much tougher to remove than plaque and forms a calcified deposit along your gum line. It can’t be removed by brushing and is a shield for more plaque bacteria to grow, further damaging your teeth.

Side Effects of Untreated Plaque and Tartar

Here are some dental problems you might come across if you ignore plaque and tartar:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Infection
• Tooth loss

Additionally, research shows that poor oral health can potentially affect other areas of your body, such as cardiovascular health.

When Should You Call a Dentist?

Don’t wait until you have obvious problems to see your dentist. You should especially visit your dentist if you see signs of tartar buildup, like:

• Yellowish buildup on your teeth and gums
• Bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath despite routine oral hygiene

If you’re experiencing gum disease, you might need more specialized treatments like scaling and root planing. This deeper cleaning method removes plaque and tartar beneath the gum line to smooth the root surface and promote healing. 

How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Preventing plaque and tartar is the best way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental complications. You can do this by having good oral hygiene.

Brush for two minutes at least twice a day with gentle circular motions. Make sure to reach every surface of your teeth, including where they meet your gums and your tongue.

You should also floss consistently because your toothbrush won’t be able to fit in the tight spaces between your teeth. Floss can help remove food particles and hidden plaque. 

Other preventive measures include:

• Using an antibacterial or fluoridated mouthwash
• Cutting back on sugary and starchy foods
• Eating fruits and vegetables 
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Finding healthy ways to manage stress
• Staying informed on dental care tips and products
• Regular dental cleanings and dental visits

Medical conditions like diabetes or dry mouth can also affect your oral health. Work with your doctor to manage these conditions and maintain good dental care.