How to Remove Tartar from Teeth Without a Dentist?
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan
MDS, DNB (Prosthodontics And Implantology)
Key Facts
- Tartar is hardened plaque that can form within 24–72 hours if plaque isn't removed.
- Black tartar on teeth is more severe and may be stained by coffee, tea, tobacco, or iron compounds.
- Home remedies like baking soda, white vinegar rinses, oil pulling, aloe vera gel, orange peels, guava leaves, and sesame seeds can help reduce tartar buildup.
- These remedies are supportive, not a substitute for professional dental cleanings, especially for black tartar.
- Brushing twice daily, flossing, and using tartar-control toothpaste are essential to prevent buildup.
- Smoking is a major risk factor and contributes significantly to black tartar formation.
- Hydration, avoiding sugary snacks, and regular dental checkups support long-term oral health.
Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, can lead to various dental issues if not addressed promptly. While professional dental cleaning is the most effective method to remove tartar, certain home remedies can help manage and prevent its buildup. In this blog, we’ll explore: What is tartar, and how does it form?, understanding black tartar on teeth, home remedies to remove tartar from teeth at home, and preventive measures.
Table of Contents
What is Tartar and How It Forms
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened deposit that forms when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—calcifies on the teeth. This calcification process can begin within 24 to 72 hours if plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing. Tartar can form above and below the gum line, leading to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Black Tartar on Teeth
Black tartar on teeth is a severe form of tartar that appears dark due to staining from substances like coffee, tea, tobacco, or certain foods. It can also result from the accumulation of iron compounds in the mouth. Black tartar is more challenging to remove and often indicates prolonged neglect of oral hygiene.
Home Remedies to Remove Tartar from Teeth at Home
While these remedies can help manage tartar buildup, they are not substitutes for professional dental care.
1. Baking Soda
How it helps:
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that scrubs away plaque before it turns into tartar. It also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria.
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.
- Gently brush your teeth with this paste for 1–2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Use once or twice a week to avoid enamel wear.
Why it works:
Its abrasive texture helps polish teeth and dislodge soft plaque. Plus, it helps whiten your teeth over time.
Tip: Don’t overuse, as frequent application can erode enamel.
2. Oil Pulling
How it helps:
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that helps “pull” bacteria and toxins from your mouth, reducing plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
How to use:
- Take 1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil.
- Swish it around in your mouth for 15–20 minutes (do not swallow).
- Spit it out and rinse with warm water.
- Brush your teeth afterward.
Why it works:
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This method may also reduce bad breath and gum bleeding.
Frequency: Daily or 3–4 times per week.
3. White Vinegar
How it helps:
White vinegar has antibacterial properties and can help break down plaque. It can also neutralize the bacteria that form tartar.
How to use:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar in a cup of warm saltwater.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution for 30 seconds.
- Spit it out and rinse with clean water.
Why it works:
The acetic acid kills bacteria and prevents plaque from hardening into tartar.
Caution:
Use this no more than 1–2 times a week, as too much acid can weaken your enamel.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
How it helps:
Aloe vera contains compounds that can fight gum inflammation and reduce plaque-causing bacteria.
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with 4 teaspoons of glycerin, 5 tablespoons of baking soda, and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
- Brush your teeth with this homemade toothpaste.
- Use once daily for 2–3 weeks.
Why it works:
It not only helps reduce tartar but also soothes gums, especially if they’re irritated due to buildup.
5. Orange Peels
How it helps:
The peel of an orange contains vitamin C and natural oils that help break down plaque and reduce microbial growth.
How to use:
- Rub the inside (white part) of an orange peel directly on your teeth for 2 minutes.
- Leave the residue for another 2 minutes before rinsing.
- Alternatively, mash the peel and use it as a paste.
Why it works:
The citrus helps whiten teeth and destroy bacteria. It’s gentle, natural, and refreshing.
Frequency: 3–4 times a week.
6. Guava Leaves
How it helps:
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that help control oral bacteria and reduce swelling.
How to use:
- Wash and chew a few tender guava leaves for 2–3 minutes, then spit them out.
- Alternatively, crush the leaves to make a paste and apply it to your teeth and gums.
- Rinse your mouth after 5 minutes.
Why it works:
Guava leaves reduce gum irritation, limit plaque buildup, and give a natural freshness to the breath.
7. Sesame Seeds
How it helps:
Sesame seeds are abrasive but gentle on enamel, making them excellent for removing soft plaque.
How to use:
- Chew a spoonful of raw sesame seeds slowly, without swallowing.
- Use a dry toothbrush to brush while seeds are still in your mouth.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Why it works:
Their coarse texture polishes teeth and removes debris, and they contain calcium, which may support tooth strength.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
While it’s helpful to know how to remove tartar from teeth at home, preventing tartar in the first place is even better. Tartar forms when plaque is left untreated, so daily care is key.
- Brush twice a day using fluoride or tartar-control toothpaste. This helps prevent plaque from hardening.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth and near the gum line where brushes can’t reach.
- Avoid sugary and starchy snacks, which feed mouth bacteria and lead to plaque buildup.
- Drink water after meals to rinse away food particles and maintain healthy saliva levels.
- Quit smoking—it’s strongly linked to black tartar on teeth and gum disease.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning, even if you’re using home remedies.
These simple habits not only help prevent black tartar on teeth but also support overall oral health.
Conclusion
Tartar buildup is a common dental issue, but with the right approach, you can take control of your oral health. In this blog, we explored how to remove tartar from teeth at home, including safe and natural remedies like baking soda, oil pulling, and white vinegar rinses. We also looked at ways to address black tartar on teeth and practical tips on how to remove black tartar from teeth without dentist visits.
While these methods can help with early buildup, hardened tartar may still require professional care. That’s why prevention is crucial. Brushing twice a day, flossing, using tartar-control toothpaste, and avoiding tobacco are simple but powerful habits.
Home care makes a real difference—but don’t skip dental checkups when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular brushing with tartar-control toothpaste and flossing can help prevent tartar. For existing tartar, professional dental cleaning is recommended.
Black tartar is hardened plaque that has become dark due to staining or prolonged accumulation. It often indicates advanced tartar buildup.
Professional dental cleaning is the most effective method. Home remedies may help manage minor cases, but are not sufficient for severe buildup.
Using baking soda, oil pulling, and other natural remedies can help manage tartar. However, these methods are preventive and not curative.
While home remedies can assist in managing tartar, black tartar typically requires professional removal due to its severity.
