Can You Pick Tartar Off Teeth at Home?
No, you absolutely cannot pick tartar off teeth effectively and safely at home. Attempting to remove tartar yourself can severely damage your teeth and gums, leading to serious dental problems.
Understanding Tartar and Its Formation
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it mineralizes, hardening into tartar. This process typically takes a few days to weeks. Unlike plaque, which is relatively soft and easily removed, tartar is a hard, cement-like substance that tightly adheres to the teeth. It often appears as a yellowish or brownish deposit, most commonly along the gumline and on the backs of the lower front teeth.
Tartar not only looks unsightly, but it also provides a rough surface for more plaque to accumulate, accelerating the cycle of plaque buildup and tartar formation. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, contributing to a range of oral health issues.
The Dangers of DIY Tartar Removal
Can you pick tartar off teeth at home? The short answer is a resounding NO. While it might seem tempting to try removing tartar yourself using tools like dental picks, fingernails, or even sharp objects, this can be incredibly damaging. Here’s why:
- Enamel Damage: Tartar is firmly attached to the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Trying to forcefully remove it can scratch or erode the enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity. Enamel cannot regenerate, so any damage is permanent.
- Gum Recession: Aggressive picking can irritate and damage your gums, leading to gum recession. Receding gums expose the roots of your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and infection.
- Bleeding and Infection: Damaging your gums can cause bleeding and create openings for bacteria to enter. This can lead to gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), which can eventually result in tooth loss.
- Uneven Removal: Home methods are unlikely to remove tartar completely and evenly. Leaving behind small pieces of tartar can exacerbate the problem by continuing to attract more plaque.
- Potential for Injury: Using sharp or pointed tools in your mouth carries a risk of accidental cuts, punctures, or other injuries.
The Safe and Effective Solution: Professional Dental Cleaning
The only safe and effective way to remove tartar is through a professional dental cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. They use specialized instruments, such as scalers and ultrasonic devices, to carefully and thoroughly remove tartar without damaging your teeth or gums.
Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during a professional dental cleaning:
- Examination: The dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
- Scaling: Using specialized tools, the hygienist will remove tartar from above and below the gumline. Ultrasonic scalers use vibrations and water to break up and flush away tartar.
- Polishing: After scaling, the hygienist will polish your teeth using a special paste to remove stains and smooth the surfaces, making it harder for plaque to stick.
- Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen the enamel and protect your teeth from decay.
Prevention is Key
The best approach is to prevent tartar from forming in the first place. Good oral hygiene habits are essential:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes each time, paying attention to all surfaces of your teeth.
- Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods, which contribute to plaque formation.
- Regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Professional cleanings can remove tartar buildup that you can’t remove at home.
Comparing Home “Remedies” vs. Professional Cleaning
| Feature | Home “Remedies” | Professional Dental Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————————————————- | ———————————————————– |
| Effectiveness | Ineffective, potentially harmful | Highly effective in removing tartar |
| Safety | High risk of enamel damage, gum recession, infection | Safe when performed by trained professionals |
| Equipment | Unsafe, non-sterile tools (e.g., picks, fingernails) | Specialized, sterile instruments (e.g., scalers, ultrasonic devices) |
| Long-term effects | Can lead to permanent damage and increased risk of oral disease | Promotes long-term oral health and prevents disease |
| Cost | May seem cheaper initially, but can lead to costly dental repairs | Cost-effective in the long run by preventing serious problems |
The Bottom Line
Can you pick tartar off teeth at home? No. While tempting, attempting to remove tartar yourself can cause irreversible damage. Instead, prioritize good oral hygiene and schedule regular professional dental cleanings to keep your teeth healthy and free from tartar. Your dentist is your best partner in maintaining optimal oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is professional dental cleaning so important?
Professional dental cleanings remove tartar that you can’t remove at home, preventing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems. They also allow your dentist to identify early signs of issues and provide appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of tartar buildup?
Common symptoms include roughness on the surface of your teeth, particularly near the gumline, visible yellow or brown deposits, bad breath, and inflamed or bleeding gums.
How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?
The recommended frequency varies depending on individual needs. Most people should get their teeth cleaned every six months, but those with gum disease or a high risk of cavities may need more frequent cleanings.
Is it possible to remove plaque without flossing?
While brushing is important, it can’t reach all areas of your mouth. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, preventing tartar buildup in these hard-to-reach areas.
What type of toothpaste is best for preventing tartar?
Choose a fluoride toothpaste specifically formulated to control tartar. These toothpastes often contain ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate, which help inhibit tartar formation.
Can certain foods contribute to tartar buildup?
Yes, sugary and starchy foods feed the bacteria in your mouth, promoting plaque formation and increasing the risk of tartar buildup. Limit your intake of these foods and brush your teeth after eating them.
Are there any natural remedies that can help prevent tartar?
While good oral hygiene is the most effective prevention method, some natural remedies, such as oil pulling and using baking soda, may help reduce plaque and bacteria. However, these should not replace professional dental care. Always consult with your dentist before trying any home remedies.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
How does gum disease affect overall health?
Research has linked gum disease to various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being.
Are electric toothbrushes more effective than manual toothbrushes at preventing tartar?
Electric toothbrushes, especially those with rotating-oscillating heads, can be more effective than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and preventing tartar buildup, particularly for individuals with dexterity issues.
Can mouthwash alone prevent tartar buildup?
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque, but it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Use mouthwash as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine.
What should I do if I think I have tartar buildup?
Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination. Don’t attempt to remove the tartar yourself, as this can damage your teeth and gums. Your dentist can assess your oral health and recommend the best course of treatment.