“Be Your Own Dentist” and Remove Tartar at Home? Be Careful
The important distinction is between plaque and tartar (calculus).
Plaque is the soft bacterial film that you can remove at home with proper brushing and cleaning between your teeth.
Tartar is hardened plaque. Once it has mineralized, a toothbrush or floss won’t remove it effectively; professional dental instruments are used to remove it.
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What you can safely do at home
Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
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Clean between your teeth every day with floss or appropriately sized interdental brushes.
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Consider an electric toothbrush if you find it easier to clean thoroughly.
Avoid smoking or tobacco, which can contribute to gum disease.
Have regular dental examinations and professional cleanings as recommended for your individual needs.
Don’t scrape tartar off yourself
Avoid using nail tools, needles, metal scalers, knives, or other sharp objects to chip tartar away. You can injure your gums, scratch tooth surfaces, or cause bleeding and infection.
If you already have substantial tartar, a professional scale and polish can remove it safely. If gum disease is more advanced, a dentist may recommend deeper cleaning below the gumline.
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Bottom line: You can prevent and control plaque at home, but established tartar isn’t a DIY job. Good daily oral hygiene prevents new buildup; professional cleaning removes the hardened deposits that are already there.
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