Our mouth is a thriving ecosystem with myriad microorganisms living side-by-side in complete harmony. Bacteria living in the mouth contribute towards plaque buildup, which is a mixture of saliva, food, and fluids. This is why plaque is also known as microbial plaque. Plaque is sticky and off white and collects where the teeth and gums meet.
Plaque has to be removed by regular brushing and flossing, failing to do which can result in various gum diseases and tooth loss(1). Untreated plaque results in a well-known problem known as tartar, which is basically hardened plaque that stains the teeth and forms a brittle layer on it.
The brittle layer is caused by the minerals coming from saliva. It takes anywhere between 24 to 72 hours for plaque to convert into tartar. Tartar also irritates the gums and can cause various gum problems like gum bleeding and infection. The leading causes of tartar are excessive buildup of plaque because of poor oral hygiene and excessive smoking.
How to Remove Tartar Naturally?
CURE 1: Home Remedies to Get Rid of Tartar
1. Electric Toothbrush
Tartar and plaque can be removed by proper brushing. An electric toothbrush can help in efficient cleaning and elimination of tartar.
How to do
- Brush every nook and corner of the mouth with an electric toothbrush.
- Remember to change the head of your electric tooth once in every 3 months.
How much to do
- You should brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes for good results.
[ Read: Remove Plaque Naturally ]
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda breaks down the tartar accumulated on teeth. It works like a scrub for the buildup and also whitens the teeth in the process.
How to do
- Add one teaspoon of baking soda to half a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide.
- Use this mixture to brush your teeth and then rinse it off with water.
- Do not leave the mixture on your teeth for more than two minutes.
How much to do
- Brush your teeth with baking soda only a few times a week.
- Overdoing may result in tooth damage.
[ Read: Benefits of Baking Soda ]
3. Regular Flossing and Mouthwash
Flossing is an excellent method of removing plaque(2)and tartar. It cleans up the areas that are missed by brushing and results in effective cleaning. Mouthwash rinses the mouth and clears up all the bacteria buildup.
How to do
- Floss every day after brushing to remove all the food particles caught up in tricky corners.
- Rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash after brushing.
- Gargle for a minute with it for the best results.
How much to do
- You should floss at least twice a day after brushing.
- Mouthwash should be used every time after brushing and, for extra benefit, it can be done after every meal as well.
[ Read: Mouthwash for Dry Mouth ]
CURE 2: Foods
1. Orange Peels
Orange peels can be an excellent home remedy for removing tartar.
How to do
- Take an orange peel and rub the inside of the peel on the teeth and gums.
- Orange peel is acidic and has abundant amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants that clean up the tartar and plaque.
- You can also make a paste using the mashed bits of the inside of the peel and mix it with water.
- Apply this paste to the teeth and gently rub to clean.
How much to do
- You can use the orange peel method every day until you clear up the old accumulation.
- Once your teeth are clean, you can use the orange peel on alternate days or twice a week.
[ Read: Orange Peel Benefits ]
2. Guava Fruit and Leaves
A study found in the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences suggests that extracts from guava leaves can effectively eliminate plaque from the teeth and gums.
Guava leaves also offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help in reducing pain and swelling. Eating guava with salt can also help in removing tartar.
How to do
- Take a few leaves of guava and wash them.
- Chew on these leaves for a few minutes and spit them.
How much to do
You can try the guava leaf home remedy every day to get rid of existing plaque and tartar and reduce the risk of future accumulation.
Tartar can lead to various gum problems like swelling in the gums, gingivitis, and periodontitis. If you notice bleeding gums or a swelling that is not going down on its own, you need to visit your dentist. Tartar is known to irritate the gums when it is ignored for prolonged periods and hardens with time.
It can cause infection in the gums and lead to various issues that can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums. So, if you see blood on your toothbrush or in your spit, you should take it seriously.
[Read: Health Benefits of Guava Seeds]
Some other symptoms that you need to be alert about are:
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Shifting teeth
A timely visit to your dentist can save you from a lot of discomfort, and you might even save yourself from some serious dental health problems. Visit your dentist once every 2-3 months, even if you do not see any issues. This will ensure that a problem is caught in its infancy and treated before it becomes a painful and costly affair.
Although plaque and tartar are pervasive problems, they can manifest into a severe condition because of poor oral hygiene. Tartar can be managed through simple processes like brushing twice a day and practicing some useful home remedies.
Ask your dentist to teach you the proper way of brushing so that you clean your mouth correctly every day. Also, give importance to flossing.
[ Read: Oil Pulling Benefits ]
FAQs
1. What is tartar?
Tartar is the hardened off-white layer on our teeth. It is caused by a combination of food particles, bacteria, and saliva.
2. What are the home remedies to get rid of tartar?
Tartar can be removed by using simple household things like baking soda and orange peel.
3. When to see a doctor?
If you notice swelling in your gums or any unexplained bleeding when you brush or eat, you should see a doctor.
4. Can eating guava help me get rid of plaque?
Yes, guava fruit can help you get rid of plaque. Eat it with salt and chew slowly to see maximum results.
