Tartar buildup is one of the most common dental problems people face. That hard, yellow or brown crust on your teeth isn’t just ugly—it can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated.
While dentists use professional tools to remove tartar, there are ways to reduce and prevent it at home. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
- What tartar is and how it forms
- The best natural ways to remove tartar
- How to prevent tartar buildup
- When you absolutely need to see a dentist
- Answers to the most common tartar-related questions
Let’s get started!
What Is Tartar and How Does It Form?
Tartar (also called dental calculus) is hardened plaque that sticks to your teeth. Here’s how it happens:
- Plaque forms – After eating, bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles and saliva, creating a sticky film called plaque.
- Plaque hardens – If you don’t brush properly, plaque stays on your teeth and starts hardening within 24-48 hours.
- Tartar develops – Once plaque hardens, it turns into tartar, which clings stubbornly to teeth and gums.
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Unlike plaque (which you can remove by brushing), tartar is too hard to eliminate with just a toothbrush.
Why Is Tartar Bad for Your Teeth?
- Causes yellow or brown stains
- Leads to bad breath (halitosis)
- Irritates gums, leading to gingivitis
- Can cause cavities and tooth decay
- Increases the risk of gum disease
How to Remove Tartar from Teeth Naturally
You can’t completely remove hardened tartar without a dentist, but these methods help soften and reduce it while preventing new buildup.
1. Brush Your Teeth the Right Way
Most people don’t brush properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (hard bristles damage enamel).
- Brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Use small, circular motions (not back-and-forth scrubbing).
- Brush for at least 2 minutes, twice a day.
Pro Tip: An electric toothbrush removes 40% more plaque than a manual one.
2. Baking Soda – The Natural Tartar Remover
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild abrasive that helps break down tartar.
How to use it:
- Mix 1 tsp baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.
- Brush gently with this paste 2-3 times a week.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Warning: Don’t use it daily—it can wear down enamel over time.
3. Oil Pulling (An Ancient Remedy)
Oil pulling with coconut oil helps reduce bacteria and plaque.
How to do it:
- Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil and swish it in your mouth for 10-15 minutes.
- Spit it out (do not swallow—it contains bacteria).
- Rinse with warm water and brush as usual.
- Do this daily for best results.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and whitens teeth.
How to use it safely:
- Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Swish in your mouth for 30 seconds, then rinse well.
- Use 2-3 times a week (overuse can irritate gums).
5. Floss Every Day (Non-Negotiable!)
Flossing removes 40% of plaque that your toothbrush misses.
Proper flossing technique:
- Use about 18 inches of floss.
- Gently slide it between teeth (don’t snap it—it can hurt gums).
- Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape.
- Do this at least once a day.
6. Eat Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables
Foods like apples, carrots, and celery act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque.
7. Use an Anti-Tartar Mouthwash
Look for mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), which helps prevent tartar buildup.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar (Use with Caution)
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties but is acidic, so use it carefully.
How to use it:
- Mix 2 tsp apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water.
- Swish for 30 seconds, then rinse well with water.
- Use only 1-2 times a week (too much can erode enamel).
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Preventing tartar is much easier than removing it. Follow these habits:
✅ Brush twice daily (especially before bed).
✅ Floss every day (no excuses!).
✅ Drink plenty of water (washes away food particles).
✅ Limit sugary & starchy foods (bacteria love sugar).
✅ Avoid smoking (increases tartar and stains).
✅ Visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Home remedies work for mild tartar, but if you notice:
- Thick, hard yellow/brown deposits
- Bleeding gums when brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
…then it’s time to see a dentist. They use ultrasonic scalers to safely remove deep tartar.
Common Mistakes When Removing Tartar at Home
- Brushing Too Hard – This wears down enamel and irritates gums
- Using Metal Tools – Can scratch tooth surfaces and cause permanent damage
- Overusing Acidic Ingredients (like lemon juice) – Leads to enamel erosion
- Skipping the Tongue – Bacteria on the tongue spreads to teeth
- Not Changing Toothbrushes – Worn bristles don’t clean effectively (replace every 3 months)
The Science Behind Tartar Formation
Understanding why tartar forms helps prevent it:
- pH Imbalance – Acidic mouth environment accelerates plaque hardening
- Saliva Composition – Some people naturally produce more calculus-forming minerals
- Tooth Surface – Rough areas attract more plaque accumulation
- Diet Factors – Sugar feeds plaque bacteria while crunchy foods help clean teeth
Lifestyle Changes for Tartar Prevention
Diet Adjustments That Help:
- Eat more crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery)
- Include dairy products (cheese helps neutralize mouth acids)
- Drink green tea (contains plaque-fighting catechins)
- Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks
Habits to Adopt:
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals
- Drink water after eating to rinse food particles
- Use a straw for acidic drinks to minimize contact with teeth
- Quit smoking (doubles tartar formation)
Professional Alternatives to Consider
While home methods work for maintenance, these professional options exist:
- Dental Scalers – Safe versions available for home use (with proper training)
- Ultrasonic Cleaners – Some pharmacies carry mild versions
- Professional-Grade Mouthwashes – With higher concentrations of active ingredients
Important: These should only supplement – not replace – professional cleanings.
When Home Methods Aren’t Enough
Seek dental help if you notice:
- Tartar below the gum line
- Bleeding that persists after 2 weeks of proper care
- Loose teeth or receding gums
- Dark brown tartar deposits
- Persistent bad taste or odor
Final Checklist for Tartar-Free Teeth
Daily:
☑ Brush 2x (morning & night) with proper technique
☑ Floss thoroughly
☑ Scrape tongue
☑ Rinse after meals
Weekly:
☑ Baking soda treatment (2-3x)
☑ Oil pulling (3-4x)
☑ Hydrogen peroxide rinse (2x)
Monthly:
☑ Check for new tartar buildup
☑ Replace toothbrush head
☑ Assess gum health
FAQs About Tartar Removal
1. Can tartar fall off by itself?
No, tartar doesn’t fall off. You must remove it with brushing, flossing, or professional cleaning.
2. How long does it take to remove tartar at home?
With consistent care, you may see improvement in 2-4 weeks. Severe tartar needs a dentist.
3. Is it safe to scrape tartar off myself?
No! Using sharp tools can scratch enamel and damage gums. Leave deep cleaning to professionals.
4. Does salt remove tartar?
Saltwater rinses help reduce bacteria but won’t dissolve tartar.
5. Can baking soda remove tartar completely?
It helps soften tartar but can’t remove large deposits.
6. What foods prevent tartar?
Crunchy fruits, veggies, cheese, and green tea help reduce plaque.
7. Can tartar make teeth fall out?
Yes! Severe tartar leads to gum disease, which can cause tooth loss.
8. How often should I use hydrogen peroxide?
2-3 times a week max—overuse can harm gums.
Final Thoughts
Removing tartar without a dentist is possible if caught early. But if you have heavy buildup, see a dentist before it causes bigger problems.
By following these tips, you can keep your teeth clean, healthy, and tartar-free!
Did you find this guide helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀