How Can I Remove Tartar?

If you can feel a rough patch near your teeth that brushing never seems to move you are probably dealing with tartar. Tartar is also called calculus.. Once plaque turns into tartar your toothbrush will not be able to remove it.

That is where people often get stuck. They brush harder. They try a toothpaste. Some even use an object because the tartar looks like something they should be able to chip off themselves. Please do not do that. Your gums and your tooth enamel are not worth experimenting on.

Why Tartar Is So Hard To Remove

Plaque starts out soft normal brushing and cleaning between your teeth can get rid of it. If plaque stays there for long it hardens. Tartar then sticks tightly to the tooth surface near the gumline where brushing often misses.

Can You Remove It At Home?

You can stop tartar from forming at home. Removing existing tartar is another story.

A good toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will clean plaque around the tartar. They won’t break it down or take it off safely. Tartar removal tools sold online are not something I would recommend either. One mistake can hurt your gums. Scratch your teeth.

If you already have tartar going to a professional is the best choice. A dental professional uses tools made to take off the hardened buildup without hurting your teeth.

What Happens During A Professional Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is usually simple. The dentist or hygienist looks at your teeth and gums first then takes off the tartar from the tooth surface. If there is a lot around or under the gumline the cleaning might take longer.

It can feel strange when the buildup is being taken away especially if your gums are already sore.. Once that rough layer is gone your teeth can feel surprisingly smooth.

Why Gum Health Matters

Tartar is not stuff sitting on your teeth. It gives plaque a place for bacteria to gather and buildup around the gums can lead to inflammation.

Look out for signs such as:

• swollen gums, especially around areas where tartar keeps coming back.

• Bleeding when you brush. A little blood is not something you should just accept as normal.

• Bad breath that keeps returning after regular brushing.

• Gums pulling away from the teeth, which needs a check instead of another whitening toothpaste.

How Do I Stop Tartar From Coming

Once your teeth have been cleaned by a professional the focus is on keeping plaque under control before it turns into tartar again. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day. An electric toothbrush is a choice if you tend to rush when you brush.

Don’t worry about finding a special tartar-control product. Good daily cleaning is more important, than fancy packaging.

If tartar keeps forming it is worth asking your dentist or hygienist why. Your cleaning method might need to change. There could be gum issues that need fixing.