You can reduce tartar buildup at home using natural methods like baking soda, white vinegar, and good oral care habits. However, complete tartar removal requires professional dental cleaning since hardened tartar cannot be fully removed by brushing and flossing alone.

While home remedies can help soften tartar and prevent new buildup, they work slowly and may take months to show results. This guide will show you safe ways to manage tartar at home, explain what works (and what doesn't), and help you know when professional help is needed.

What Is Tartar and Why Does It Form?

Tartar is hard, yellow-brown deposits that stick to your teeth like cement. Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is basically built up and hardened plaque that has trapped stains on the outside of your teeth and around your gum line.

Think of it this way: plaque is like wet cement, and tartar is like dried concrete. Once plaque hardens into tartar, regular brushing can't remove it.

How Plaque Becomes Tartar

Every day, bacteria in your mouth mix with sugars from food to create a sticky film called plaque. Plaque can harden into tartar in a matter of hours, which is why the   American Dental Association  recommends brushing and flossing daily.

When you don't brush and floss well, plaque builds up in layers. Over time, minerals from your saliva make this plaque hard and crusty - that's tartar.

Why Tartar Is a Problem

Tartar creates a rough surface where more bacteria can stick. Tartar provides a porous area on your teeth for plaque to adhere to. So as it builds, a cycle of plaque sticking to tartar, which creates more tartar, begins.

This buildup can lead to:

• Gum disease and bleeding
• Bad breath that won't go away
• Yellow or brown stains on teeth
• Tooth decay and cavities

According to the   National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research , about 40-50% of American adults over age 30 have periodontal (gum) disease, much of which starts with tartar buildup.

Signs You Have Tartar Buildup

Spotting tartar early helps you take action before it gets worse. Here's what to look for:

What Tartar Looks Like

Tartar feels like a rough substance in the mouth that brushing alone will not remove. When tartar appears below the gumline, it can cause raised swellings that may bleed. Buildup above the gumline is yellow or tan and grows larger if not removed. Below the gumline, it may be brown or black.

Common Warning Signs

Run your tongue over your teeth. If they feel rough or bumpy instead of smooth, you likely have tartar. Other signs include:

• Hard, crusty spots on teeth that won't brush away
• Yellow, brown, or black stains near the gum line
• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
• Red, swollen gums

If you see dark buildup between your teeth or along your gums, that's probably tartar that needs attention.

Safe Home Methods to Reduce Tartar

While you can't completely remove hardened tartar at home, these methods can help soften it and prevent new buildup. Use these carefully and don't expect instant results.

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is one of the most effective home remedies for tartar. Baking soda is an effective, safe way to remove plaque from your teeth without damaging the tooth enamel. This is a proactive preventive measure because tartar results from a buildup of plaque.

How to use it:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water
2. Make a thick paste
3. Gently brush your teeth with this paste
4. Let it sit for 15 minutes
5. Rinse well with water

Important:  Only use this twice a week. Too much baking soda can wear down your tooth enamel.

White Vinegar Rinse

White vinegar helps break down tartar because of its acidic nature. White vinegar can help to remove tartar from your teeth as well as the plaque that causes it. This is because white vinegar has antibacterial properties.

How to make it:

1. Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water
2. Add a pinch of salt
3. Swish in your mouth for 1-2 minutes
4. Spit out and rinse with plain water
5. Use once daily

Warning:  Don't use this if you have cuts or sores in your mouth. The acid can cause pain.

Orange Peel Scrub

Orange peels contain vitamin C and natural acids that can help break down tartar. Orange peels are full of Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid. It's an essential nutrient for better oral health, specifically gums. Acidic in nature, vitamin C can gently dissolve tartar build up without harsh scrubbing.

How to use:

1. Take a fresh orange peel
2. Rub the inside (white part) on your teeth
3. Focus on areas with visible tartar
4. Do this 2-3 times per week
5. Always rinse with water afterward

Aloe Vera and Glycerin Mix

This gentle mixture fights bacteria while being easy on your gums. Aloe vera is also antibacterial so it can help prevent plaque and remove tartar buildup. It's also anti-inflammatory which means it's also very soothing for people with gum problems.

Recipe:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
2. Add 4 teaspoons glycerin
3. Add 5 tablespoons baking soda
4. Add 1 cup water
5. Use like toothpaste a few times per week

Professional Tools You Can Use at Home

Some store-bought tools can help with tartar removal, but use them very carefully.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and tartar from your teeth compared to manual toothbrushes. They can reach areas that are difficult to clean and provide better overall oral hygiene.

Look for electric toothbrushes with:

• Soft bristles
• Timer features
• Multiple cleaning modes
• Small brush heads for hard-to-reach spots

Water Flossers

Water flossers shoot streams of water to remove food and bacteria between teeth. They're gentler than regular floss and can reach deeper pockets around your gums.

Tartar-Control Toothpaste

Special toothpastes contain ingredients that help prevent tartar formation. Look for ones with:

• Baking soda
• Fluoride
• Pyrophosphates (tartar-fighting chemicals)
• ADA Seal of Acceptance

Dental Picks and Scalers

You can buy dental scalers online, but be very careful. You can purchase dental picks and scalers online or at your local pharmacy. These tools can help remove tartar from hard-to-reach places. However, be very careful when using these tools to avoid damaging your gums and teeth.

Safety tips:

• Use gentle pressure only
• Don't dig into your gums
• Stop if you feel pain or see bleeding
• Clean tools before and after use

Natural Remedies That Can Help

Several natural approaches may help reduce tartar over time.

Oil Pulling

This ancient practice involves swishing oil in your mouth to trap bacteria. Oil pulling is a traditional method of swishing oil around the mouth to get rid of germs and bacteria. This technique can remove tartar.

How to do it:

1. Put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth
2. Swish for 15-20 minutes
3. Spit into a trash can (not the sink)
4. Rinse with warm water
5. Brush your teeth normally

Sesame Seeds

Chewing sesame seeds can help scrub away tartar naturally. Chewing sesame seeds can help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Simply chew a handful of sesame seeds, but do not swallow them. After chewing, brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush to remove the sesame seeds and tartar residue.

Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables

Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as celery, apples, and carrots, work as natural abrasives to help remove tartar and plaque from teeth. During chewing, saliva is produced, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria and neutralize acids.

These foods help in two ways:

• The chewing action scrubs your teeth
• They make your mouth produce more saliva, which fights bacteria

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide can help break down bacteria and soften tartar. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties and can help break down plaque and tartar on your teeth.

How to use:

1. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water
2. Swish for 1 minute
3. Spit out completely
4. Rinse with plain water
5. Use only a few times per week

The Serious Risks of DIY Tartar Removal

Before you try aggressive methods, understand the real dangers involved.

Enamel Damage

At home tartar removal also comes with a higher risk of damage to your tooth enamel, which protects the outside of your teeth and cannot be repaired.

Your tooth enamel is like a protective shell. Once you damage it, it never grows back. This can lead to:

• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Higher risk of cavities
• Permanent discoloration

Gum Injury and Infection

Improper use of scraping tools can injure your gums, leading to infections, gum recession, and increased sensitivity.

Damaged gums can cause:

• Bleeding and pain
• Gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth)
• Infections that spread to other parts of your body
• Loose teeth

Incomplete Removal

DIY methods are unlikely to remove all the tartar effectively, especially below the gum line where it's most harmful, potentially leading to worsening oral health issues.

Home methods often miss tartar in hard-to-reach places, which means:

• The problem keeps getting worse
• Bacteria continue to damage your teeth and gums
• You may need more expensive treatment later

When Simple Problems Become Serious

Don't try to remove tartar from your teeth by yourself. You may wind up damaging your teeth and gums, which may make it more likely for you to get cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

What starts as trying to save money can end up costing much more in dental repairs.

Prevention: Your Best Defense Against Tartar

Preventing tartar is much easier and cheaper than removing it. Here's how to keep it from forming in the first place.

Daily Oral Care Routine

A preventative oral care routine that includes brushing your teeth and flossing twice daily will remove plaque buildup and will help you avoid tartar.

Morning routine:

1. Brush for 2 full minutes with fluoride toothpaste
2. Use gentle, circular motions
3. Don't forget your tongue and gum line
4. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash

Evening routine:

1. Floss first to loosen food particles
2. Brush thoroughly for 2 minutes
3. Focus on areas where tartar tends to build up
4. Consider using a water flosser for extra cleaning

Smart Food Choices

Limit foods that are high in sugar and or starch, such as carbohydrates. When these foods combine with the bacteria in your mouth they will eat away at your tooth enamel and tartar.

Foods to limit:

• Sugary drinks and snacks
• Sticky candies
• White bread and crackers
• Chips and processed foods

Better choices:

• Water (lots of it!)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Cheese and nuts
• Lean proteins

Timing Matters

When you eat matters almost as much as what you eat. Try to:

• Eat sweets with meals, not as snacks
• Drink water after eating sugary foods
• Wait 30-60 minutes after eating before brushing (to protect softened enamel)

When Professional Help Is Necessary

Some situations require a dentist's expertise. Don't delay getting help when you need it.

Warning Signs That Need Immediate Attention

Severe tartar build-up can cause swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, and tooth sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms, seek professional help immediately.

Call your dentist right away if you have:

• Severe gum swelling or pain
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Loose teeth
• Pus around your gums
• Severe tooth pain
• Bad breath that doesn't improve with better oral care

How Professional Removal Works

Only they can successfully remove tartar buildup on teeth. They do this through a process using manual scaling tools called scaling or with an ultrasonic device.

Professional cleaning involves:

1. Examination  - The dentist checks for problem areas
2. Scaling  - Special tools scrape away tartar above and below the gum line
3. Root planing  - Smoothing tooth roots to prevent bacteria buildup
4. Polishing  - Making teeth smooth and shiny
5. Fluoride treatment  - Strengthening enamel

The   Cleveland Clinic  notes that routine dental cleanings are the best way to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, as dental hygienists use specialized instruments that can safely remove tartar without damaging your teeth.

Cost-Effective Professional Options

If cost is a concern, there are many options for affordable dentistry, such as dental and dental hygiene schools. At these clinical facilities, supervised students provide low-cost care to gain clinical experience.

Options for affordable care:

• Dental schools
• Community health centers
• Dental clinics
• Payment plans
• Dental insurance

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Success

Making smart choices every day keeps tartar away for good.

Quit Harmful Habits

Studies show that people who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products are more likely to have tartar.

Tobacco use makes tartar buildup much worse because it:

• Reduces blood flow to your gums
• Makes your mouth produce less saliva
• Creates more bacteria
• Stains tartar darker

The   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  reports that nearly 15 percent of people in the United States who needed dental care did not receive it because of cost, making prevention through good oral hygiene even more important.

Stay Hydrated

Water is your mouth's best friend. It:

• Washes away food particles
• Helps produce saliva
• Dilutes acids from bacteria
• Keeps your mouth clean between brushings

Aim for 8 glasses of water daily, and drink water after meals and snacks.

Regular Dental Checkups

Visit your general dentist twice per year for a check-up, deep clean and fluoride treatment.

Even with perfect home care, you still need professional cleanings because:

• Dentists can reach spots you can't
• They can catch problems early
• Professional tools remove tartar completely
• Regular cleanings prevent bigger problems

Understanding What Works vs. What Doesn't

Let's be honest about what home remedies can and can't do.

What Actually Helps

Baking soda:  In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, researchers learned that those who brushed their teeth with baking soda toothpaste had less plaque growth within 24 hours than those who used non-baking soda toothpaste.

Electric toothbrushes:  Studies show they remove more plaque than manual brushing. Research published by the   American Dental Association  found that powered toothbrushes demonstrated greater removal of plaque compared to manual toothbrushes.

Good oral hygiene:  Prevents new tartar from forming.

What Doesn't Work Well

Scraping with sharp tools:  Very risky and often makes things worse.

Harsh abrasives:  Can damage enamel permanently.

Ignoring the problem:  Tartar only gets worse over time.

Realistic Expectations

Though possible to learn how to clean tartar off teeth on your own, the process can often take several months or years when you do it at home.

Home methods:

• Work slowly over months
• Only help with surface tartar
• Cannot remove tartar below the gum line
• Work best for prevention, not removal

Making Smart Decisions About Your Oral Health

Your teeth have to last your whole life, so making smart choices now saves you pain and money later.

The Economics of Prevention

Professional cleanings might seem expensive, but consider this:

• A cleaning costs $75-200
• A filling costs $150-300
• A crown costs $800-1,500
• Gum disease treatment costs $500-4,000

Spending a little on prevention saves thousands on treatment.

Working With Your Dental Team

Build a good relationship with your dentist and hygienist. They can:

• Create a personal care plan
• Recommend the best products for your needs
• Catch problems before they become serious
• Help you understand what works for your specific situation

At   Smile Essentials , our experienced team helps patients maintain healthy smiles through both preventive care and advanced treatments.

Final Thoughts

While home remedies can help reduce tartar buildup and keep your mouth healthier, they cannot replace professional dental care. Removing tartar effectively is best left to professionals.

The safest approach combines good daily oral care with regular professional cleanings. Use natural methods like baking soda and vinegar rinses to support your oral health, but understand their limitations.

Remember: When it comes to teeth and oral health, prevention is far better than repairing damage after it's already happened. Focus on preventing tartar buildup through excellent daily hygiene rather than trying to remove hardened deposits at home.

If you're dealing with significant tartar buildup, don't risk damaging your teeth and gums with aggressive DIY methods. Professional   dental cleaning  is the safest and most effective way to remove tartar and protect your oral health for years to come.

Take action today: start with better daily oral care habits, try gentle home remedies if appropriate, and schedule regular professional cleanings. Your smile will thank you!