Affiliate Disclaimer
Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we find useful to our readers
Oral health is important for the overall well-being. If you are suffering from plaque or tartar on your teeth? Do not allow it to trouble anymore with either swollen or bleeding gums, tooth pain, etc. React now to remove the tartar by practicing different home remedies to keep plaque at bay. Read through the post to learn the causes, prevention and home remedies to treat plaque and tartar.
What Is Plaque And Tartar?
A sticky, soft film of bacteria builds up on the gums, teeth, tongue, dentures, dental fillings and crowns to form Plaque. Multiple layers of plaque gets mixed up with the minerals in the saliva to form a hardened, white, chalky calcified substance called Tartar. The tartar causing bacteria feeds on sugars of food consumed through mouth.
What are The Causes For Tartar?
Improper brushing is the main reason for plaque formation. When ignored, a solidified form of plaque i.e. tartar is formed. The major causes for tartar include:
- Improper oral hygiene
- Lack of professional care
- Poor food choices
- Bad brushing technique
- Heredity
How to Identify Tartar?
White, chalky calcified substance on the teeth and gums is identified as tartar. Tartar causes gum bleeding and forms acids, which break down the tooth enamel. Thus dental cavities are also sign of tartar. Other symptoms of tartar include many other gum (periodontal) problems caused due to the toxins produced by several bacteria.
How To Prevent Tartar Build-up?
Proper dental hygiene is the key to preventing the build-up of the plaque and tartar.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with good toothpaste.
- The bristles of the teeth should be made of soft, rounded, and polished.
- Hold your brush against 45 degree angle against gum line.
- Do not ignore brushing the tongue to avoid plaque build-up.
- Regularly use dental floss to clean gums and teeth.
What Are The Natural Remedies To Remove Tartar And Plaque?
Regular dental hygiene plus natural remedies help remove plaque and tartar. However, the tartar that got mineralized on your teeth is difficult to remove. The regular plaque removal can help prevent permanent tooth decay.
Ten best ways to natural home remedies to remove plaque and tartar from teeth:
How to Remove Tartar and Plaque from Teeth Using Home Remedies
1. Oil Pulling:
Oil-pulling is the best practice for oral health and help deal with oral plaque. Lauric acid present in extra virgin coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects, thus making it the best oil for oil pulling. Warm sesame oil is also useful for oil-pulling.
How To Use:
- Take 1 tablespoon extra-virgin coconut oil into your mouth and swish it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do not swallow or gargle it.
- Spit out the oil after 20 minutes and brush your teeth as usual.
- Repeat every morning before brushing.
- Gum massage with the oil also works.
2. Baking Soda:
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda can be used for the home remedy to remove plaque as it has the power to neutralize the acids in the mouth. As a result, harmful bacteria get killed, besides whitening your teeth. According to a study conducted in 2008 and published in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, plaque can be effectively removed by baking soda paste or powder than other non-baking soda products.
How To Use:
- Apply a small amount of baking soda on your toothbrush bristles and brush. Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing.
- As an alternative, dip your dampened toothbrush in a mixture of 2 teaspoons baking soda with 1 teaspoon salt. Brush gently with powder.
- Another alternative is to make a paste with 1 teaspoon baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Use the paste to brush, and rinse thoroughly.
Caution: Excess baking soda may damage the tooth enamel.
3. Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera has numerous benefits and it is also capable of treating plaque and other gum diseases. This antimicrobial natural product can kill the bacteria that cause plaque and fights bad breath. A study published in the Journal of Oral Health and Dental Management reveal that Aloe Vera has a similar effect on gingivitis as well as plaque compared to benchmark control chlorhexidine mouthwash.
How To Use:
- Extract Aloe Vera pulp by slitting the leaves.
- Rub the pulp on the gum line and teeth.
- Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse with cold water.
- Repeat twice a day.
4. Guava:
Leaves and fruits of guava work as anti-plaque agents, which help remove plaque from the gums and teeth. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce pain and swelling in the gums.
How To Use:
- Pluck and wash tender guava leaves. Chew thoroughly and spit out. Repeat daily.
- Alternatively, rinse mouth with guava leaf extract.
- Take unripe guava pieces, sprinkle salt and chew well.
5. Cloves:
Ground cloves work wonders in relieving toothaches. It fights microbes in the mouth, preventing plaque build-up. According to a study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, herbal mouth rinse with constituents like basil, clove, tea tree oil, reduces microbial growth in the mouth. Thus, it is an effective anti-gingivitis and anti-plaque agent.
How To Use:
- Take a mixture of powdered cloves and olive oil and apply on the teeth. Wait for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Repeat twice a day.
- Chewing 2 cloves on regular basis help improve oral health by reducing bad breath.
6. White Vinegar:
Acetic acid present in white vinegar help prevent enamel demineralization and reduces the plaque formation. As per the data from a study published in the International Journal of Advanced Health Sciences, vinegar showed significant amount of plaque dextran dissolution compared to glycerine and distilled water.
How To Use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoon white vinegar in ½ cup warm water.
- Rinse with this mixture twice a day.
7. Orange Peel:
Orange peel helps fight microbes in the mouth and serves as a natural way to whiten tartar stained teeth.
How To Use:
- Take orange peel pieces and rub directly on the teeth for 3 minutes.
- Rinse mouth with clean water. Repeat twice a week.
- Alternatively, apply orange peel paste on the teeth for 1-2 minutes and then rinse it off.
8. Fruits and Vegetables:
Munching fruits and vegetables like musk melon, apple, carrot, or celery stick is a great idea to maintain good oral health. It does not just help get rid of plaque or tartar but strengthens gums.
How To Use:
Chewing these fruits/vegetables an hour after the meals can clean teeth naturally.
In conclusion, brush your teeth properly twice day. Many doctors recommend using electric toothbrush brush as if works effectively in removing tartar and maintaining clean teeth. Use tartar control toothpaste to get rid of plaque and tartar because of its chemical ingredients like zinc citrate, pyrophosphates, fluoride, etc.
Prevention is any day better than cure. Go for regular dental check-ups and flossing to maintain proper oral health. Sheer negligence can cause tartar to build up on teeth in no time. Thus, it is important to keep away from tartar and prevent other oral diseases.
