How to Remove Tartar & Plaque From Teeth At Home

Plaque is a sticky film of saliva, bacteria and cellular components that continuously forms and adheres to your teeth. It can contribute to a slight yellow discolouration of your teeth. If plaque is not removed through regular cleaning, it can mineralize on your teeth and become a hardened buildup of tartar, which really breaks down the enamel and significantly affects your oral health. To keep plaque and tartar under control, there are several effective methods you can implement at home between professional dental visits.

6 Ways to Manage Tartar Between Dental Visits

#1: Brush your teeth regularly. The most obvious and simplest way to prevent plaque buildup is to brush your teeth at least 2, but ideally 3 times per day. Thorough brushing disrupts the plaque biofilm before it can harden into tartar.

#2: Use an electric toothbrush. If you notice plaque is consistently a concern despite regular brushing, an electric toothbrush might be a better option for you. Electric toothbrushes provide more effective plaque removal through their oscillating or sonic cleaning action.

#3: Floss regularly. Flossing your teeth gets into all the nooks and crannies between teeth to gently remove the plaque that may have been forming throughout the day. Daily flossing prevents interproximal plaque buildup that brushing alone cannot reach.

#4: Use a special toothpaste. There are many kinds of toothpastes on the market that help to control the buildup of plaque and tartar. Look for “plaque control” or “tartar-control” on the box when you pick up your next tube if you are struggling despite regular and frequent brushing and flossing. These specialized toothpastes contain ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that inhibit mineralization of plaque. These toothpastes are not recommended to patients with tooth sensitivity due to their potentially abrasive nature.

#5: Rinse with mouthwash. Similar to toothpaste, there are mouthwashes targeted to control the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth that you can purchase at most grocery and drugstores. Antimicrobial mouthwashes help reduce bacterial populations that contribute to plaque formation.

#6: Avoid smoking. Smoking can exacerbate the discolouration of plaque and tartar on the teeth. It can make teeth look very yellow or even brownish. If you do smoke, reducing or quitting may help with the appearance of plaque and tartar. Tobacco use also impairs gum health, making plaque and tartar control more difficult.

When to Get a Professional Teeth Cleaning for Tartar and Plaque

Follow the recommendation of your dentist and dental hygienist to maintain the health and beauty of your smile. They will let you know when you need to return for your professional dental hygiene therapy based on your specific oral health needs. Whether you need to be seen at three-, four- or six- month intervals, a smile that is well cared for will last for years, and will be less likely to break down or suffer from dental complications leading to more invasive care. Only professional cleaning can remove tartar once it has formed, as at-home methods cannot effectively eliminate hardened deposits.