You can prevent and reduce plaque at home, but once plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), you generally can’t safely remove it yourself. A dentist or dental hygienist can remove it with professional scaling.
What you can do at home
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Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
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Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
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Consider an electric toothbrush if it helps you clean consistently.
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A fluoride mouthwash can provide additional protection when used according to its instructions.
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Reduce frequent sugary snacks and drinks.
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Keep regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
Avoid DIY tartar scraping
Don’t use pins, knives, metal tools, or homemade acidic mixtures to scrape deposits off your teeth. You can cut your gums, scratch enamel, damage fillings, or introduce infection.
If you see hard yellow/brown deposits that don’t brush away, professional cleaning is the safest way to remove them. Bleeding, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth can indicate gum disease and should be evaluated by a dentist.
