Think brushing is enough to keep your teeth tartar-free? Think again. Tartar buildup can sneak in even with good hygiene—and once it hardens, it’s not easy to get rid of. In this guide on how to remove dental tartar, you’ll learn what really works, what to avoid, and the safest ways to protect your smile—at home and in the dental chair.
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TL;DR:
Dental tartar forms quickly and can’t be removed by brushing or flossing alone. It contributes to gum disease, cavities, and systemic health issues. Prevention includes using tartar-control toothpaste, daily flossing, and antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental cleanings are essential for removing hardened buildup. A healthy diet low in sugar and high in fiber-rich foods also supports tartar prevention and overall oral health.
Why is Removing Dental Tartar Important for Oral Health?
Dental tartar, or calculus, forms when plaque hardens on the teeth—typically within 24 to 72 hours. Once it sets, it becomes resistant to brushing and flossing and provides a haven for bacteria that can irritate gums and erode enamel. Left untreated, tartar contributes to gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
Professional removal through scaling and polishing is essential to control buildup. While routine cleanings may produce only modest improvements in early gum inflammation during short-term evaluations, they play a crucial role in significantly lowering levels and improving the overall feeling of oral cleanliness. Unchecked tartar is an essential factor in the development of more serious periodontal disease.
Beyond the mouth, there are broader health implications. Inflammation tied to gum disease has been linked to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy. That makes tartar control an important part of overall health—not just oral hygiene.
Brush Your Teeth with Tartar-Control Toothpaste
Incorporating tartar-control toothpaste into your oral hygiene routine can play a valuable role in reducing calculus buildup. These toothpastes contain active ingredients like pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, or stannous fluoride (SnF₂), which help slow the mineralization of plaque and inhibit its formation when used consistently.
Recent clinical trials (since 2020) have demonstrated that toothpaste formulas with stannous fluoride and EDTA significantly lower plaque levels and gingival inflammation compared to standard sodium fluoride toothpastes over a three-month period. Earlier pooled analyses also found that baking soda–based pastes led to modest but consistent improvements in plaque control and reduced gum bleeding.
It’s worth noting that while tartar-control formulas are generally effective, some—especially those with soluble pyrophosphates—may cause increased tooth sensitivity in certain users. Fortunately, this sensitivity is usually mild and tends to resolve on its own with continued use or a change in product.
Floss Between Your Teeth Every Day
Daily flossing is more than a routine—it’s essential for keeping your mouth clean in places your toothbrush can’t reach. Roughly one-third of each tooth’s surface lies between teeth, making flossing an essential step in preventing buildup and inflammation.
Why it matters:
- Targets hard-to-reach areas: Removes plaque and debris from the 30–40% of tooth surfaces that brushing misses.
- Reduces gum issues: Helps lower gingivitis and bleeding when done consistently and correctly.
- Complements brushing: Offers added benefit over brushing alone, especially with tight contacts or braces.
- Proven effectiveness: An October 2021 umbrella review found that flossing, water picks, or interdental brushes combined with brushing outperform brushing alone in reducing gum inflammation.
Use Mouthwash to Kill Bacteria and Reduce Plaque
Adding mouthwash to your daily routine can boost your oral hygiene by reaching places brushing and flossing often miss. Antimicrobial rinses are designed to target plaque-causing bacteria and support gum health.
Some benefits:
- Enhanced protection: Mouthwashes with essential oils, chlorhexidine (CHX), or cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) can reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding when paired with brushing and flossing.
- Strong efficacy: CHX is among the most effective, though long-term use may lead to staining or taste changes.
- Gentler alternatives: Essential oils and CPC provide effective options with fewer side effects for regular use.
Regular Professional Cleanings by Your Dentist
Routine dental cleanings—specifically scaling and polishing—are essential for removing hardened plaque that brushing and flossing can’t reach. These professional treatments help reduce calculus buildup, improve your sense of oral cleanliness, and allow dentists to spot early signs of decay or gum disease before they progress.
While research suggests that routine cleanings may not drastically reduce early gingivitis in low-risk individuals, they remain a key preventive measure. According to guidance from the CDC and ADA, most patients should have at least one professional cleaning per year, with some needing visits every six months.
Maintain a Healthy Diet to Prevent Tartar Formation
What you eat has a direct impact on your oral health. Diets high in sugar fuel plaque bacteria, which produce acids that demineralize enamel and promote plaque buildup—eventually hardening into tartar if not removed. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is an important step in prevention.
On the other hand, incorporating crunchy, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots into your meals can help dislodge plaque through natural chewing action. These foods also boost saliva flow, which plays a vital role in neutralizing acids and naturally cleansing the mouth. Staying well-hydrated further supports this process.
Promoting good nutrition habits and understanding their link to oral hygiene is essential—not only for individuals, but as part of broader public health efforts to improve both dental and overall well-being
Key Takeaways
- It Can’t Be Brushed Away Once Hardened
Hardened plaque forms quickly and resists brushing and flossing, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic health risks if not professionally removed. - Tartar-Control Toothpastes Help Prevent Buildup
Toothpastes with stannous fluoride, zinc citrate, or pyrophosphates slow tartar formation; some may cause mild tooth sensitivity. - Flossing Is Crucial for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Flossing removes plaque between teeth (30–40% of surface area), reduces gum inflammation, and enhances the benefits of brushing. - Mouthwash Adds Extra Bacterial Protection
Antimicrobial rinses with CHX, CPC, or essential oils reduce plaque and gingivitis, especially when combined with brushing and flossing. - Professional Cleanings Are Essential for Tartar Removal
Only dental professionals can remove hardened tartar through scaling and polishing; annual or biannual visits are strongly recommended. - Diet Impacts Tartar Development
Reducing sugar intake and eating crunchy fruits and vegetables promotes saliva flow, which helps cleanse the mouth and limit plaque buildup.
Sources.
Al‐Hashedi, A. A., Dubreuil, N., Schwinghamer, T., Dorzhiyeva, S., Anweigi, L., Emami, E., & Tamimi, F. (2022). Aragonite toothpaste for management of dental calculus: A double‐blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, 8(4), 863-874.
Shukhratovna, A. M. (2023). INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DENTAL PLAQUE REMOVAL METHODS DURING PROFESSIONAL ORAL HYGIENE. Journal of Modern Educational Achievements, 6(6), 250-253.