Black tartar on your teeth can be an unsightly and stubborn issue that affects your smile and oral health. If you’ve noticed dark spots on your teeth or a persistent black discoloration near your gum line, you might be dealing with black tartar. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll discuss how to remove black tartar from teeth, why it forms, and how you can prevent it in the future.
What is Black Tartar?
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that forms on your teeth when plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth, and when it’s left untreated, it can harden into tartar. Black tartar is a specific type of tartar that tends to form on the teeth, often near the gumline, and is characterized by its dark, almost black appearance.
Unlike regular plaque, which can be removed by brushing, tartar requires professional intervention to be properly cleaned. When tartar is allowed to accumulate, it can lead to several dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Why Does Black Tartar Form?
The formation of black tartar typically occurs when plaque is left on the teeth for an extended period. Over time, the minerals from your saliva combine with the plaque, causing it to harden and turn into tartar. Several factors contribute to the formation of tartar, such as:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing habits allow plaque to build up and harden into tartar.
- Diet: Consuming sugary, starchy, and acidic foods can contribute to plaque formation. Coffee, tea, and tobacco use are common culprits for the dark staining seen in black tartar.
- Lack of Regular Dental Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove tartar that you can’t reach with at-home tools. Without regular dental visits, tartar can become deeply ingrained.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to tartar buildup due to the composition of their saliva.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: The chemicals in tobacco can stain your teeth and accelerate the buildup of tartar.
How to Remove Black Tartar from Teeth?
Home Remedies for Removing Black Tartar
While tartar itself can’t be removed with regular brushing alone, there are some home remedies and practices you can try to reduce its buildup and maintain cleaner teeth.
- Brushing and Flossing: The best way to prevent black tartar is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums and enamel. Fluoride toothpaste helps break down plaque and prevents it from turning into tartar.
- Baking Soda Paste: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help polish your teeth and remove surface stains. To use this method, mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste and gently brush your teeth. Be cautious with baking soda, as excessive use can be abrasive to your teeth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can help kill the bacteria causing plaque buildup. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and use it as a mouth rinse. However, this method should not be relied upon as a primary solution but rather as an occasional adjunct to brushing.
- Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. This practice is believed to help remove toxins and bacteria, promoting oral health. While oil pulling is not a replacement for brushing, it can complement your oral hygiene routine.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash: Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and fight bacteria in your mouth. Look for mouthwashes that specifically target plaque and tartar control.
Professional Dental Treatments for Removing Black Tartar
While home remedies may help reduce the appearance of tartar, they cannot remove it completely. Only a dental professional can effectively and safely remove black tartar from your teeth.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling is a deep cleaning procedure where your dentist or hygienist uses specialized tools to remove tartar from above and below the gumline. Root planing is the process of smoothing the surfaces of your tooth roots to prevent future plaque buildup. This procedure is highly effective in removing both visible and hidden tartar.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: An ultrasonic cleaning system uses high-frequency sound waves to break apart tartar and plaque from your teeth. The dentist uses a special device that vibrates at a high frequency, helping to dislodge and remove tartar more efficiently. Ultrasonic cleaning is especially helpful for patients with stubborn tartar buildup.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatment for tartar removal is a newer, minimally invasive option. The dentist uses a laser to remove tartar buildup and bacteria from the gums. This method is gentle and promotes faster healing with less discomfort compared to traditional scaling methods.
- Routine Cleanings: Regular cleanings every six months are essential for preventing tartar buildup. During these appointments, your dentist will check for tartar accumulation and remove it before it can cause significant damage to your teeth and gums.
How to Prevent Black Tartar Buildup
The best approach to maintaining a healthy smile is to prevent tartar buildup altogether. Here are some tips to help keep your teeth tartar-free:
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential for preventing tartar. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.
2. Use Tartar-Control Toothpaste
Tartar-control toothpaste contains special ingredients that help prevent tartar buildup. While it may not reverse existing tartar, it can slow down its formation.
3. Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of black tartar on teeth. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly reduce the amount of tartar you accumulate.
4. Quit Smoking
Sugar and starch feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque formation. Limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks to reduce your risk of tartar buildup.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular professional cleanings are crucial for removing tartar that you cannot remove at home. Aim for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What If You Don’t Remove Black Tartar?
Ignoring black tartar buildup can lead to serious oral health problems, including:
- Tooth Decay: Tartar creates a rough surface where bacteria can thrive, leading to cavities.
- Gum Disease: Tartar below the gumline can cause inflammation, bleeding, and eventually gum recession.
- Bad Breath: The bacteria in tartar produce foul-smelling compounds, which can lead to chronic bad breath (halitosis).
- Tooth Loss: Over time, untreated tartar buildup can cause severe gum disease, leading to tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
Conclusion: Restore Your Smile and Protect Your Oral Health
Black tartar is more than just a cosmetic concern; it’s a warning sign that your oral health needs attention. While good at-home habits can help prevent plaque buildup, black tartar requires professional care to be fully removed and to stop it from causing long-term damage. By combining regular brushing and flossing, smart dietary choices, and routine dental visits, you can keep your teeth healthy, bright, and tartar-free. If you’re already noticing dark tartar on your teeth, don’t delay. Taking action now can save your smile and protect your overall dental health for years to come.
Ready to Take Care of Your Tartar?
If you’ve noticed black tartar buildup on your teeth, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte. Our team of experts is here to provide you with comprehensive dental care and effective tartar removal options.
FAQs
Maybe, if it’s a soft plaque. But it’s often hardened tartar, which requires a professional dental cleaning to remove safely.
Yes, tobacco use is a significant contributor to black tartar buildup, especially along the gumline.
Professional tartar removal is typically not painful, though some discomfort may be experienced during scaling. Local anesthesia or sedation options are available for patients who require extra comfort.
Yes, brushing and flossing regularly, using tartar-control toothpaste, and visiting the dentist for cleanings every six months can prevent tartar buildup.
Tartar removal can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of buildup and the method used (scaling, ultrasonic cleaning, etc.)
