Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and one common dental issue that many people face is the build-up of calculus on their teeth. Calculus is a hardened form of dental plaque that can contribute to gum disease and other oral health problems if left untreated. While regular dental check-ups are recommended, you may wonder if it’s possible to remove calculus from your teeth at home without visiting the dentist.
At Hendersonville Family Dental, we understand that you might not have the time to invest in dental appointments, and you might want to attempt home remedies to treat these conditions. If you need to remove calculus from your teeth and are considering home remedies, keep reading to see what our experts have to say about these treatments.
What is Calculus?
To understand whether you can remove calculus from your teeth at home, it is first essential to understand what it is and how it forms on your teeth. Dental plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on the surface of your teeth. As leftover food particles and saliva mix in your mouth, this bacteria begins to form.
If you do not adequately remove the plaque from your teeth through regular and comprehensive brushing and flossing, it may begin to mineralize and harden into calculus over time. Calculus most often forms near the gum line and between the teeth. This formation can create a rough surface that attracts more plaque, further exacerbating the problem if it is not adequately addressed.
Home Remedies to Remove Calculus from Your Teeth
There are several home remedies that may help you begin to remove calculus from your teeth before you seek dental cleanings. However, it is important to approach these methods with caution, as improper removal may lead to more substantial damage and worsen your oral health issues. Some of these home remedies include:
Oil Pulling
One popular home remedy for treating calculus formations on your teeth is oil pulling. Oil pulling is a dental care technique in which an individual swishes a small amount of oil (typically coconut or sesame oil) in their mouth for extended periods of time, often between 5 and 30 minutes. Proponents of adding oil pulling to your everyday oral routine claim that this can help remove toxins and bacteria from your mouth, potentially helping to remove calculus from your teeth. While oil pulling may improve some oral health conditions, there is not currently enough evidence to support its effectiveness in removing calculus from your teeth.
Baking Soda and Water Paste
Another commonly suggested method to remove calculus from your teeth is creating a paste with baking soda and water. Advocates argue that the mild abrasive nature of baking soda can help break down calculus formations. However, excessive use of baking soda can erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and other issues. It’s important to use this method sparingly and with caution. If you have more sensitive teeth, this might be a method you should avoid to prevent exacerbated sensitivity.
Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, carrots, and celery, are believed to have natural teeth-cleaning properties. While incorporating these foods into your diet can contribute to overall oral health, they are not a substitute for professional dental cleanings. If you are waiting for a dental appointment and would like to incorporate more crunchy vegetables into your routine to help remove calculus from your teeth, it certainly won’t hurt. However, it does need to be coupled with professional care for you to experience full benefits.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties, and some people suggest using a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution as a mouthwash to reduce bacteria and calculus. However, using hydrogen peroxide inappropriately can harm oral tissues, and its effectiveness in calculus removal is questionable. If you want to incorporate hydrogen peroxide into your routine, you should consider consulting with a dentist prior to doing so. They can determine whether this will be beneficial for your current oral health goals and make other suggestions to help boost your oral health.
The Risks and Limitations of Home Removals
While home remedies may offer temporary relief or contribute to better oral hygiene, they come with risks and limitations. It’s crucial to be aware of these factors before attempting to remove calculus from your teeth at home. Some of the most substantial risks include:
- Enamel Damage: Many DIY calculus removal methods involve abrasive materials that, when used improperly, can damage tooth enamel. Enamel erosion can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and other dental problems.
- Gum Irritation: Aggressive techniques or the use of harsh substances may irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and potential damage. Healthy gums are essential for maintaining overall oral health, making a good oral hygiene routine the essential base for any calculus removal.
- Incomplete Calculus Removal: Home remedies may not effectively remove all calculus deposits, especially in hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and beneath your gums. Leaving calculus untreated can lead to the progression of gum disease and other dental problems.
- Delay in Professional Treatment: Relying solely on DIY methods may result in a delayed visit to the dentist. Professional cleanings are essential to remove calculus from your teeth and prevent oral health problems.
The Importance of Professional Dental Care
While home remedies may play a supplementary role in maintaining great oral health, they cannot replace the expertise of dental health professionals. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained to identify and address oral health issues comprehensively. Twice-yearly dental check-ups are recommended to allow for early detection and treatment of calculus and other oral health concerns.
Calculus removal requires precision and expertise, and attempting to address the issue at home may lead to unintended consequences, such as enamel damage and incomplete removal of deposits. To maintain optimal oral health, it’s crucial to schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings and incorporate consistent oral hygiene practices at home.
Prevent Calculus Formation with Hendersonville Family Dental
If you need to remove calculus from your teeth, it is always best to rely on the professionals. At Hendersonville Family Dental, our team understands the anxiety some individuals may experience during dental appointments. We work hard to ease this anxiety and help you prevent the development of oral health conditions.
From regular dental cleanings to teeth whitening, veneers, and much more, we provide a variety of services to meet your unique dental hygiene needs. If you need to remove calculus from your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our team today and walk out of our office with a brighter, beautiful smile.