3 DIY Treatments to Remove Tartar from Your Teeth

A timely intervention from a professional can stop small problems from turning into big complications in the long run. But there are people that decide to try some alternatives like DIY treatments; below, we tell you all about them!

What is dental tartar?

Also known as ‘dental calculus’, tartar is a yellowish substance formed by bacteria, food residue, and mineral salts. Little by little, these build up on the surface of teeth.

It’s a hard layer with a rough texture that allows stains to form when you eat certain foods because it deteriorates enamel.

It makes your teeth look worse, but also creates a great environment for germs to grow. That can end up leading to tooth and gum infections. In fact, tartar is frequently related to the development of some of the following issues:

• Cavities
• Gingivitis
• Halitosis
• Tooth loss
• Periodontal diseases

Symptoms of dental tartar

Everybody develops tartar on the surface of their teeth because bacteria grows continuously in our mouths, especially if food residues remain behind. This layer changes the surface of the tooth gradually and when it’s not removed, produces harder deposits that we know as tartar.

Its main symptom is a yellow or brown stain that usually forms between the lower front teeth and gumline. The stains often come with problems with bad breath and inflammation.

DIY treatments to remove tartar

To remove tartar effectively, it’s best to improve your oral hygiene habits and go to a dentist to make an appointment for a deep clean (or if it’s necessary a specialized treatment), at least once every six months.

But there are also some do-it-yourself remedies that can – immediately – help to remove the accumulated tartar from your teeth, but you must use these with caution to avoid damage.

Never use baking soda remedies more than once a week, as it can erode the enamel on your teeth and weaken them.

1. Baking soda and coconut oil

Popular belief dictates that this mix of baking soda and coconut oil can help to eliminate excess tartar and dirt on the teeth, in addition to whitening them a little!

Ingredients

• A pinch of baking soda.
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (1/2 oz.)
• Optional: 3 drops of essential peppermint oil

Procedure

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until you get a uniform paste.
• Put a portion of the product on your toothbrush and brush your teeth. Use it as you would normally use toothpaste.
• Wash off with an abundance of water.

Note:  some people may substitute the baking soda for creamed coconut in order to obtain better results. 

2. Brewer’s yeast

Although there’s no scientific evidence that confirms it, many people believe that the compounds in brewer’s yeast prevent bacteria from cultivating on your teeth. Mixing it with a bit of salt will help to neutralize the residues that form tartar.

Ingredients

• Water (as needed).
• ½ teaspoon of salt.
• 1 tablespoon of brewer’s yeast (1/2 oz.)

Procedure

• Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl until you have a creamy paste.
• Put the paste over your teeth with the help of a toothbrush to remove the tartar without damaging your gums.
• Wash it off with an abundance of water.
• Lastly, you can wash your mouth out again with your usual mouthwash.

3. Activated charcoal, an option to remove tartar but use with caution

Activated charcoal is an ingredient that has become fashionable in recent years, as it can apparently help to whiten your teeth naturally.

For that reason, it’s common to find them in par- pharmacies, in diverse presentations and products, like toothpaste.

However, it has demonstrated that using it daily can be harmful as, similar to baking soda, it can erode the enamel and weaken the teeth.

There are people that prepare a DIY toothpaste with a pinch of this substance to remove tartar and whiten the teeth occasionally, and there are people that add a bit of mouthwash. In either case, you have to be mindful of its use.

Note : before you use any DIY remedy with activated carbon, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist to avoid causing further problems. 

Do I have to go to a dentist to remove the tartar?

Although they say that these remedies will help to remove the tartar on your teeth, it’s best to visit a dentist to get a professional clean at least twice a year (once every six months) in order to keep your mouth free from tartar, or cavities, and to keep them squeaky clean.

Additionally, keeping good oral hygiene habits and consulting your dentist are the best treatment options for any problem that may develop. DIY remedies are simply additional and complementary.