Be Your Own Dentist? What You Can Safely Do About Tartar
The headline is misleading: you shouldn’t try to scrape hardened tartar off your teeth at home. Plaque can be removed with regular brushing and interdental cleaning, but tartar (calculus) is hardened plaque that generally requires professional removal.
Safe ways to reduce plaque at home
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Brush twice daily for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
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Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure. Scrubbing harder won’t remove tartar and can damage gums or enamel.
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Rinse with water after meals and limit frequent sugary foods and drinks.
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Don’t smoke or use tobacco, which increases the risk of gum disease.
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Replace your toothbrush regularly, or sooner if the bristles become worn.
Avoid DIY tartar removal
Don’t use needles, razor blades, metal dental tools, pins, lemon juice, vinegar, or abrasive powders. They can injure your gums, scratch enamel, or cause chemical damage.
A dentist or dental hygienist can safely remove established calculus and check for gingivitis or periodontitis.
See a dentist if you notice
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Hard yellow, brown, or black deposits
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Bleeding or swollen gums
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Persistent bad breath
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Gum recession
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Loose teeth
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Pain or significant sensitivity
Bottom line: You can control plaque at home, but once it has hardened into tartar, professional cleaning is the safer and more effective solution.
