Effective Home Remedies to Remove Tartar from Teeth

Harness simple kitchen staples to curb buildup and refresh your dental routine.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 18, 2025

Harness simple kitchen staples to curb buildup and refresh your dental routine.

Tartar buildup, the hardened form of plaque, is one of the most common dental concerns faced by people globally. Not only does it create visible yellow or brown deposits on your teeth and gums, but tartar also increases your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. While professional dental cleaning remains the gold standard for tartar removal, a number of home remedies can help limit and reduce tartar between appointments, fostering a cleaner and healthier smile.

What Is Tartar and Why Does It Form?

Tartar, also referred to as dental calculus, occurs when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—mineralizes and hardens on the teeth. This buildup is unsightly and can lead to gum irritation, bad breath, and more serious dental issues if not managed promptly.

Common Causes of Tartar Buildup

Poor oral hygiene routines
Diet high in sugars and starches
Irregular brushing or flossing
Use of tobacco products

Can You Remove Tartar at Home?

While fully hardened tartar usually requires the expertise of a dental professional, various home remedies may help reduce, loosen, and prevent further tartar buildup between visits. Always use these methods in conjunction with good oral care habits.

Top Home Remedies to Remove Tartar and Improve Oral Health

Here are some of the safest and most effective ways to target tartar at home:

Baking Soda

Properties: Mildly abrasive; neutralizes mouth acids; suppresses harmful bacteria.
How to Use: Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda with water to form a paste. Gently brush teeth for 1–2 minutes, once or twice a week.
Benefits: Scrubs off surface tartar, keeps enamel cleaner.
Cautions: Excessive use may erode enamel and irritate gums—do not overuse.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Properties: Antibacterial; helps soften plaque.
How to Use: Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit out. Rinse with water; use a few times per week.
Benefits: Kills bacteria, loosens surface deposits.
Cautions: Do not swallow; discontinue if gums feel sore; avoid excessive use to prevent irritation.

Oil Pulling

Properties: Ancient oral detox technique; removes bacteria and may loosen tartar.
How to Use: Swish 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or sesame oil) in your mouth for 10–20 minutes, spit out, and rinse. Repeat daily.
Benefits: Reduces bacteria, freshens breath, and gently cleanses.
Cautions: Results are gradual; should not replace brushing and flossing.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Properties: Acidic nature breaks down tartar; also whitens teeth.
How to Use: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use as a mouthwash. Swish for a few seconds, spit out, rinse well with water.
Benefits: Helps break down tartar and cleanses mouth.
Cautions: Overuse can erode enamel—always dilute thoroughly and rinse afterward.

Chewing Sesame Seeds

Properties: Acts as a natural abrasive to scrub off plaque and tartar.
How to Use: Chew a handful (do not swallow), use a dry toothbrush to brush afterward.
Benefits: Mechanical cleaning effect helps polish teeth and remove debris.
Cautions: Not a substitute for brushing/flossing.

Crunchy Fruits & Vegetables

Properties: Natural abrasives boost saliva and help clean teeth.
Examples: Apples, celery, carrots.
How to Use: Regularly snack on these crunchy foods.
Benefits: Saliva produced helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and gently cleanse teeth.

Orange Peel Scrub

Properties: Contains vitamin C and limonene; has antibacterial qualities.
How to Use: Rub the inside of an orange peel (white part) primarily on areas of tartar buildup.
Benefits: May help break down tartar and reduce bacteria.

Aloe Vera Gel

Properties: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory; contains anthraquinone.
How to Use: Extract fresh aloe gel, apply on teeth/gums, leave for 10 minutes then rinse. Alternatively, combine with baking soda and glycerine for a homemade tartar-fighting gel.
Benefits: Reduces inflammation, cleanses bacteria, supports oral healing.

Salt Water Rinse

Properties: Naturally abrasive and antibacterial; soothes gums.
How to Use: Dissolve salt in lukewarm water, swish after brushing or gargle.
Benefits: May help scrub away minor buildup and refresh mouth.

Tartar-Control Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Look for toothpastes with pyrophosphates or zinc citrate. These ingredients can help prevent new tartar formation and may loosen existing deposits. ADA-approved products are recommended for best results.

Best Practices for Tartar Prevention

Brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Use tartar-control mouthwash regularly
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
Quit or reduce tobacco use
Include crunchy fruits and vegetables in your diet

Professional Care vs. Home Remedies

Method	Effectiveness	Best for	Risks
Professional Dental Cleaning	High; removes all tartar	Hardened, extensive tartar	None; gold standard for safety
Baking Soda	Moderate; loosens surface buildup	Mild tartar, prevention	Enamel erosion if used excessively
Oil Pulling	Gentle; reduces bacteria	Supportive care	Slow results, minimal risks
Orange Peel/Aloe Vera	Moderate; natural antibacterial	Regular maintenance	Mild sensitivity in rare cases
Apple Cider Vinegar	Low-Moderate; can loosen tartar	Occasional use	Enamel erosion if overused

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can tartar be removed completely at home?

A: No; while home remedies can reduce and prevent tartar, fully hardened deposits require professional cleaning by a dentist.

Q: How often can I use baking soda for cleaning teeth?

A: Limit to once or twice a week. Overuse may cause enamel wear or gum irritation.

Q: Is oil pulling scientifically proven to remove tartar?

A: While oil pulling has antibacterial benefits and can reduce plaque, evidence for direct tartar removal is limited, though it helps oral hygiene overall.

Q: Which foods help prevent tartar formation?

A: Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, increase saliva and help naturally cleanse your teeth.

Q: What should I avoid to limit tartar buildup?

A: Reduce sugary foods, starches, and tobacco intake to minimize plaque and tartar formation.

Expert Tips for Safe Tartar Management

Always rinse your mouth thoroughly after using acidic remedies like vinegar.
Avoid aggressive brushing that can damage enamel.
Use ADA-approved dental products whenever possible.
Visit your dentist regularly for full cleanings and oral exams.
Integrate home remedies as supplements, not replacements, to professional care.

When to See a Dentist?

If you notice persistent tartar despite your efforts, experience bleeding gums, tooth pain, or loose teeth, seek professional dental care promptly. Home remedies are best for prevention and minor tartar reduction, but thorough removal demands a dentist’s expertise.

Conclusion

Home remedies like baking soda, oil pulling, orange peels, aloe vera, and crunchy fruits are effective aids for maintaining tartar-free teeth and healthy gums. These methods support oral hygiene and can minimize tartar accumulation, but should always complement—not replace—your regular dental care. Consistency, moderation, and regular dentist checkups are essential for a truly healthy smile.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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