An estimated 68% of adults in the United States experience tartar buildup. This buildup can cause unsightly staining and puts you at risk of developing gingivitis. While you may be concerned about this buildup, you may not want to visit your dental office for removal and instead prefer to remove tartar from your teeth at home.
If you’ve watched a dental hygienist remove tartar, you may think you have the skills to perform this procedure on yourself. However, it can be far more complex than you think. If you want to remove tartar from your teeth without a dentist or dental hygienist, keep reading to learn why that may not be the best option for your smile.
What is Tartar?
Tartar, also known as calculus, is the hardened dental plaque that forms on your teeth and below your gumline. Plaque forms on your teeth daily, as the bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars from your food. This sticky film clings to your teeth and is only removed through thorough brushing and flossing.
However, when you don’t brush and floss as recommended, this film builds up on itself. Over time, it hardens and turns into tartar. This buildup is made up of mineralized dead bacteria and protein from your saliva. It may appear yellow, brown, or black stains on your teeth and contribute to bad breath.
Once it has formed on your teeth, you cannot remove tartar through regular brushing and flossing, which is why it is so important to address plaque buildup before it gets to this point. If left untreated, your tartar buildup puts you at an increased risk of developing gingivitis and potential periodontal disease, especially if you continue to disregard proper brushing and flossing.
Can You Remove Tartar From Teeth Without a Dentist?
If you’re dealing with this buildup, you may wonder whether you can remove tartar from your teeth without the help of a dentist. There are many at-home dental kits on the market, featuring sharp tartar picks and plaque removal tools. While you may be tempted to purchase one to remove tartar from your teeth, this may not be a safe option.
Some people have also attempted to remove tartar from their teeth using baking soda. This mild abrasive is said to soften tartar and balance your mouth’s pH. However, you must be careful when using baking soda, as overuse can be more detrimental to your oral health than you anticipate.
Your final option to remove tartar from your teeth without a dentist is over-the-counter tartar removal toothpastes. Many of these products contain baking soda, which, as mentioned above, is known for tartar softening. However, these toothpastes aren’t designed to tackle significant tartar buildup, which may leave you disappointed.
The Risk of Attempting At-Home Tartar Removal
Many people experience insecurity and frustration when dealing with tartar buildup, leading to attempts at at-home removal. While you may be tempted to remove tartar at home, a few risks come with this action, including:
- Enamel Damage: It can be difficult to remove tartar from your teeth without removing a bit of enamel. This outermost layer of your teeth protects them from daily wear and tear. Once damaged, enamel doesn’t redevelop, so it is essential that you treat it with care, as excessive enamel loss results in increased sensitivity.
- Gum Damage: If you use at-home dental cleaning tools, there is a risk of damaging your fragile gum tissue. In more minor cases, this may result in some gum bleeding. However, some people may experience gum recession and potential infections, especially if they aren’t following proper oral hygiene practices.
- Incomplete Removal: When you’re attempting tartar removal at home, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to ensure you completely remove the buildup, especially in hard-to-reach places. This may result in recurring tartar buildup problems, which can be incredibly frustrating.
How Your Dental Team Removes Tartar
Instead of attempting to remove tartar from your teeth without a dentist, it is best to turn to a reliable dental team for support. If your dental hygienists find tartar buildup during your twice-yearly dental cleaning, they will use a fine-tipped metal instrument and a technique called scaling to gently scrape off this buildup.
If you’re dealing with more severe tartar buildup, they may use an ultrasonic device to address it. The device vibrates quickly, helping to loosen the tartar and effectively remove it from your teeth. While you may be tempted to try this at home, it is always best to rely on your dental team for support. With their help, you can ensure complete removal and a healthier smile.
Preventing Tartar Buildup
Ultimately, the easiest way to address tartar buildup is by preventing it. The best way to do this is by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily to remove plaque buildup. You should also incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash into your everyday dental hygiene routine, as it kills plaque-causing bacteria.
Twice-yearly dental cleanings are also great for preventing buildup. Your dental team can address potential weaknesses in your oral hygiene routine and ensure you properly care for your teeth. Smoking cigarettes can also increase your risk of developing tartar, so it is best to limit your exposure to these products.
Finally, try to limit your consumption of sugary and starchy foods, as these are the foods your oral bacteria thrive on, and drink plenty of water. By following these steps, you should be able to address daily plaque development and reduce your risk of tartar buildup.
Trust Hendersonville Family Dental with Your Oral Health
When it comes to removing tartar, it is always best to work with a team of dental professionals, like our team at Hendersonville Family Dental. Our team understands how frustrating tartar buildup can be, and is dedicated to helping you address this buildup and achieve your healthiest smile ever. With years of experience helping patients across the area, you can trust that we’re the best dental partner for your smile.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment to remove tartar from your teeth, contact us today!
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