Tartar (dental calculus) is hardened plaque that forms on tooth surfaces after mixing with minerals in the saliva. If plaque is not cleaned properly, it can harden within days and turn into tartar that strongly adheres to the surface and between the teeth. Its color may change from yellow to brown or even black, and it’s important to understand that tartar cannot be removed simply by brushing your teeth. Because of its hard, cement-like nature, tartar requires professional treatment for complete removal.
Can Tartar Be Removed at Home?
The short answer: Not completely.
Many people try to remove tartar at home, but tools like toothbrushes, floss, or mouthwash can only remove plaque, not hardened tartar. Once plaque calcifies, it requires a professional tool called an ultrasonic scaler.
Why can’t tartar be removed at home?
Tartar sticks very firmly to the tooth surface, making brushing or flossing insufficient to detach it.
Attempting to “scrape” tartar using toothpicks, metal tools, or other DIY objects risks causing cuts, infections, and sensitivity. These experiments can even worsen tartar buildup because they create rough surfaces on the teeth where plaque accumulates faster.
Online “DIY scaling tools” used for at-home scaling also lack the vibration control and safe angulation required for dental use, making the risks far greater than any perceived benefit.
The Safe Way to Remove Tartar: Professional Scaling
Scaling is a dental procedure that removes tartar using an ultrasonic scaler—an instrument that breaks down and washes away tartar using high-frequency vibrations and water spray.
Benefits of professional scaling:
Removes plaque and tartar thoroughly
Doesn’t damage the enamel
Reduces the risk of bleeding gums, bad breath, and gingivitis
Helps maintain long-term periodontal health
At ONYX Dental Center, scaling is performed using the Airflow Device, providing a far more comfortable, safe, and detailed cleaning experience. This method minimizes sensitivity and is significantly more effective than attempting how to remove tartar at home or trying unsafe at-home scaling tools.
If tartar continues to build up, several problems may arise: gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums), chronic bad breath, and even periodontitis that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. In severe cases, teeth may become loose or fall out.
Risks of Leaving Tartar Untreated
When tartar is not removed, it can lead to:
Gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums)
Chronic bad breath
Periodontitis (infection of supporting tissues)
Loose teeth or tooth loss
Yellow or brown stains that affect your smile aesthetics
These issues will not resolve on their own. Avoid experimenting with how to remove tartar using risky tools and schedule a routine dental evaluation every six months.
How to Prevent Tartar Buildup
While tartar cannot be removed at home, you can prevent it by maintaining good oral hygiene:
Brush twice a day with proper technique for 2 minutes
Use dental floss daily
Limit sugary foods and sweet beverages
Drink at least 2 liters of water daily
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
Get professional scaling every 6 months (or more often if you have sensitive gums, fast tartar buildup, or wear braces)
These habits are much safer than attempting to remove tartar at home with uncontrolled tools.
Conclusion
Tartar cannot be removed at home and can only be eliminated through professional scaling. For safe, comfortable, and effective results, schedule regular cleanings with your dentist and maintain proper oral hygiene habits at home.
Reference
Harrel, S. K., Cobb, C. M., Sheldon, L. N., Rethman, M. P., & Sottosanti, J. S. (2022). Calculus as a Risk Factor for Periodontal Disease: Narrative Review on Treatment Indications When the Response to Scaling and Root Planing Is Inadequate. Dentistry journal, 10(10), 195. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10100195
Harrel, S. K., Yoshimura, A., & Cobb, C. M. (2025). The Reevaluation of Subgingival Calculus: A Narrative Review. Dentistry Journal, 13(6), 257. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13060257
Popa, C., Grigore, I. C., Băicuș, C., & Nițulescu, M. (2024). Preventing dental plaque formation after scaling: Airflow versus polish. Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 16(3), 62–67. https://rjor.ro/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PREVENTING-DENTAL-PLAQUE-FORMATION-AFTER-SCALING-AIRFLOW-VERSUS-POLISH.pdf
