Tartar buildup on teeth is a common dental issue that affects people of all ages. Tartar, also known as calculus, is a hard deposit that forms on teeth as a result of the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. If left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that you can use to soften tartar on teeth and prevent further damage.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of tartar buildup, effective home remedies for removing tartar, and additional professional recommendations to keep your teeth healthy and clean.
Causes of Tartar Buildup
Tartar buildup occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth and hardens over time. Poor oral hygiene, such as irregular brushing, flossing, and rinsing, increases the risk of plaque buildup and subsequent tartar formation. Other factors that may contribute to tartar buildup include:
- Eating a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Aging, as the salivary glands produce less saliva, leading to dry mouth
- Genetics, as some individuals may be more prone to tartar buildup than others
Natural Remedies
There are several natural remedies that can help soften tartar on teeth and make it easier to remove. Here are some of them:
- Oil pulling: This involves swishing coconut oil, sesame oil, or olive oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Oil pulling helps loosen tartar and plaque and kill bacteria.
- Baking soda: Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can remove stains and soften tartar. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, then use it to brush your teeth.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can dissolve tartar. However, lemon juice is acidic and can erode tooth enamel if used too often. Mix lemon juice with water to dilute it, then use it to brush your teeth.
- Orange peel: Rubbing orange peel on your teeth can help soften tartar and whiten teeth. The vitamin C in orange peel also helps kill bacteria.
Professional Recommendations
While natural remedies can be effective in softening tartar, professional dental care is still the most reliable and safe way to remove tartar. Here are some professional recommendations:
- Regular dental cleanings
Professional dental cleanings every six months can remove tartar buildup and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- Scaling and root planing
This deep cleaning procedure is recommended for patients with significant tartar buildup and gum disease. Scaling involves removing tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to prevent tartar buildup.
- Dental tools
Dental professionals use specialized tools to remove tartar and plaque from teeth. These tools include ultrasonic scalers, which use high-frequency vibrations to break down tartar, and hand scalers, which scrape tartar from teeth.
Preventing Tartar Buildup
Preventing tartar buildup is the best way to avoid the need for professional cleanings and tartar removal. Here are some tips for preventing tartar buildup:
- Brush twice a day: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
- Floss daily: Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and prevents tartar buildup.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: Sugary and acidic foods can promote bacterial growth and lead to tartar buildup.
- Use a tartar control mouthwash: Mouthwashes containing ingredients like fluoride, zinc, and essential oils can help prevent tartar buildup.
In conclusion, tartar buildup on teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. While natural remedies can help soften tartar, professional dental care is still the most reliable way to remove it. Regular dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and specialized dental tools are recommended for tartar removal. Preventing tartar buildup through good oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet is the best way to avoid the need for tartar removal. By taking steps to prevent and treat tartar buildup, individuals can maintain healthy teeth and gums.
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