Why is tartar considered harmful?
If tartar is not removed, it keeps on accumulating and calcifying on your teeth and gums. It is hard and porous in nature, and this becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Tartar damages the teeth and gums, which can lead to severe diseases like gingivitis, enamel damage, gum diseases as well as loss of teeth. Tartar can also impact bone health by causing bone degeneration or even heart disease in severe cases.
Did you know that having good dental hygiene can affect the rest of your body? Without proper oral health, your body will not be able to keep the bacteria in your mouth at a healthy level. This could lead to infection and gum disease.
Tartar, build up on your teeth from foods and bacteria, make it harder for you to properly clean your teeth. This increases your risk of cavities and infections. While doctors recommend a professional cleaning from your dentist every six months, there are a few natural remedies you can do at home to help reduce buildup on your own.Here are some of them.
Apply cider vinegar
You should soak your toothbrush in apple cider vinegar and then brush your teeth as usual. Rinse your mouth well. Aim to do this once or twice per week as the apple cider vinegar can damage your teeth if it’s left on too long or used too often.
Brush with baking soda
Swap your regular toothpaste for a little baking soda and a pinch of salt to remove tartar build up on your teeth. Positive Med also recommends making a mouthwash from baking soda by mixing 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of water, 10 drops of lemon oil, 4 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin and 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel. Mix well and use once or twice a day.
Rub on some fruits
Grab a few of your favorite red fruits (strawberries and tomatoes to be exact) and rub them on your teeth. Let the juice stand on your teeth for five minutes to soften the buildup. Rinse your mouth with baking soda and warm water for a brighter smile. Other foods that work well include bell peppers, berries, lemons and oranges, according to Positive Med.
In addition to these simple recipes, a few changes in your routine may help too. Ditching the tobacco, brushing and flossing regularly, and upping the spicy foods in your diet (to promote saliva build up and the natural cleaning process) will drastically change your oral health in the right direction.
Proper brushing
Brushing your teeth properly after each meal prevents the formation of tartar. Use a soft bristled toothbrush for brushing, and brush at all angles over all the tooth surfaces so that the teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Remember to always hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride toothpastes help to increase the concentration of fluoride in the teeth, which strengthens them and prevents dental cavities. Fluoride makes the tooth enamel stronger, and your teeth are less likely to suffer from the intake of acidic foods and drinks. Using fluoride toothpaste helps to remineralize the areas affected by decay and protect them from the bacteria responsible for tartar formation.
Use tartar control toothpaste.
Using a tartar control toothpaste is extremely beneficial for the removal of plaque and tartar. There are a number of chemical ingredients, such as pyrophosphates, zinc citrate, fluoride, etc., present in such toothpastes. These ingredients prevent the build-up of tartar on the teeth (2). Some tartar control toothpastes are also found to contain an antibiotic called triclosan that is responsible for killing certain oral bacteria.
Use orange peel to remove tartar
Orange peels help to fight the microorganisms in the mouth. This is a cheap and natural way to whiten tartar stained teeth. Take a piece of the peel and rub it directly on the teeth for 2-3 minutes.
Floss regularly
Flossing is an excellent way to remove the plaque and food particles between the teeth. Flossing the teeth on a regular basis after gargling prevents the formation of tartar and helps you maintain good oral hygiene. Floss cleans not only between the teeth but also between the gums, therefore keeping dental caries and gum diseases away