How to Remove Tartar from Teeth and Improve Your Oral Health
Tartar is a common dental issue that can lead to serious oral health problems if not addressed properly. Many residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, are searching for reliable ways to remove tartar from teeth and maintain healthy smiles. Whether you’re trying to improve your dental hygiene routine or want to prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay, understanding how to remove tartar is the first step.
In this guide, we’ll break down what tartar is, how it forms, and how to remove tartar on teeth both at home and professionally. You’ll also learn the long-term benefits of maintaining proper oral care—and how doing so can prevent more invasive dental work like root canals and tooth extractions.
What Is Tartar and Why Should You Care?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that builds up on your teeth and under your gumline. It forms when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, remains on your teeth and isn’t removed through brushing and flossing. Over time, the plaque hardens, turning into tartar.
Once tartar has formed, it can’t be removed by regular brushing. It bonds strongly to the tooth surface, often requiring professional dental tools for removal. Tartar build-up can lead to:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease (including gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Tooth pain
- Tooth loss
Practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits to your dentist are essential for avoiding the negative effects of tartar on teeth.
How Tartar Forms: The Role of Bacteria and Plaque
Tartar starts with plaque, which develops as a result of bacteria in your mouth mixing with sugars from food and drinks. If not removed, plaque can mineralize into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours. This hardened plaque clings to the teeth and gums, creating a rough surface that attracts even more plaque and bacteria.
Common causes of tartar buildup include:
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- Eating sugary or starchy foods
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Dry mouth or reduced saliva flow
- Not visiting a dental hygienist regularly
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily to prevent plaque and tartar from forming.
How to Remove Tartar from Teeth at Home
While only a dentist or dental hygienist can fully remove hardened tartar, there are steps you can take to prevent tartar buildup and support tartar removal between appointments:
1. Brush Your Teeth Properly
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for two full minutes twice daily. Consider an electric toothbrush, which may remove more plaque than a manual one.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing helps clean the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. This removes trapped food particles and prevents plaque from turning into tartar.
3. Use Tartar-Control Toothpaste
Many toothpastes are specially formulated to help kill bacteria and prevent tartar formation. Look for options with fluoride and ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate.
4. Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash
Using a mouthwash that targets bacteria in your mouth can reduce plaque buildup and support gum health.
5. Try Natural Remedies (with Caution)
Some people turn to natural methods to remove tartar at home, like:
- Baking Soda & Water: Mix to form a paste and brush gently to neutralize acids and reduce bacteria.
- White Vinegar Rinse: Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with a cup of warm water and rinse to fight bacteria.
- Oil Pulling: Swish coconut or sesame oil in your mouth to help cleanse the teeth and gums.
Note: These methods may help reduce bacteria and plaque but cannot fully remove tartar once it has formed. Always consult your dentist before trying any new at-home remedy.
Professional Tartar Removal: What to Expect
For those living in St. Petersburg, visiting a local dental office is the most effective way to remove tartar from teeth. A professional cleaning includes:
Scaling
This is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gumline using specialized dental tools.
Root Planing
In more advanced cases, root planing may be needed. This involves smoothing the root surfaces to discourage future plaque buildup and help your gums reattach to your teeth.
Polishing
After scaling and planing, your teeth will be polished to remove any remaining stains and smooth the enamel.
Regular dental cleanings are key to preventing gum disease, cavities, and the need for more serious dental work like root canals or extractions.
Risks of Not Removing Tartar
Allowing tartar to remain on your teeth can have serious consequences. It traps bacteria close to the gumline, leading to chronic inflammation, which may develop into:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, marked by red, swollen, bleeding gums.
- Periodontitis: A severe gum infection that can destroy the bone supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss.
- Tooth Decay: Tartar buildup makes it easier for bacteria to eat away at your tooth enamel.
- Tooth Pain and Sensitivity: Exposed roots or cavities from tartar damage can cause sharp or throbbing pain.
- Systemic Health Issues: Research shows links between poor oral health and conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
The best way to prevent tartar is to stop plaque from forming in the first place. Follow these steps to maintain excellent oral health:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brushing and flossing are your first lines of defense against tartar.
- Drink Plenty of Water: This helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.
- Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods: These feed plaque-forming bacteria.
- Use Fluoride Products: Fluoride strengthens your enamel and fights decay.
- Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year: Regular checkups ensure that tartar doesn’t have a chance to accumulate.
Tartar Removal for Better Gum Health and Tooth Longevity
Living in sunny St. Petersburg means lots of smiling—make sure yours is healthy and confident. Tartar might be stubborn, but with a good oral hygiene routine, professional dental care, and consistent habits, you can remove tartar from teeth and keep your smile bright for years to come.
Remember: tartar can break down your enamel and gums if left untreated. Don’t wait for symptoms like bleeding gums or tooth pain to appear. Act now to protect your tooth health and prevent cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
When to See a Dentist for Tartar Removal
If you notice signs of tartar buildup—like yellow or brown deposits on your teeth, persistent bad breath, or swollen gums—it’s time to book an appointment with a dentist.
Dental hygienists have the tools and training to remove hardened plaque and restore your oral health. Even if you brush and floss daily, some areas are just too hard to reach without professional care.
Take Control of Your Oral Health
Maintaining strong teeth and gums is essential to your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with tartar on your teeth, don’t ignore it. Learn how to remove tartar at home, and schedule regular cleanings with your dentist in St. Petersburg to stay ahead of future problems.
If you’re in the St. Petersburg area and want a brighter, healthier smile, Dr. Ferullo is here to help. With personalized dental care and advanced tartar removal techniques, we’ll help you improve your dental health and protect your smile.
