Be Your Own Dentist: Tips for Tartar Buildup at Home
1. Brush Twice Daily
Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush gently for about 2 minutes to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
2. Floss Every Day
Floss or use interdental brushes to clean between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
3. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash
A suitable mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria, but it cannot remove hardened tartar.
4. Avoid Scraping Tartar Yourself
Don’t use needles, pins, knives, or sharp dental tools. You can damage your gums or tooth enamel and cause infection.
5. See a Dentist for Hardened Tartar
Once plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), home remedies generally cannot safely remove it. Professional dental cleaning is the safest way to remove it.
Helpful Tip
You can prevent more buildup by brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth daily, limiting sugary foods and drinks, and having regular dental checkups.
