While tartare is a delectable dish, we despise the tartar on our teeth. It’s a more serious type of plaque that develops when you forget to follow the golden rule of three: brush, floss, and rinse. If tartar isn’t removed from your teeth, it can grow tough and cause gum disease. Not to mention how unappealing it is to see when you open your mouth.
‘Here are 10 ways to get rid of tartar and shine bright like a diamond.
Baking soda and salt
Start with this simple yet effective method of tartar removal. Baking soda is a powerful agent that has an antibacterial effect and aids in teeth whitening too.
Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda with a pinch of salt and put some of this mixture on your toothbrush. Alternatively, add it to your regular toothpaste. Don’t brush your teeth with baking soda more than once a week as it can lead to enamel damage.
Orange peel
Ever wondered what to do with orange peel leftovers? Now you know. Citrus fruits are generally good at removing plaque stains because they contain acids.
You can directly rub the peel over your teeth for 2-3 minutes or make a paste and apply it to your teeth. Whichever you choose, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water afterward. Repeat several times a week.
Lemon juice
Interchange orange peel with lemon juice for better results. Lemon acids not only dissolve plaque but also whiten the teeth slightly.
Dip your toothbrush in fresh lemon juice and gently rub it over the teeth. Leave it on for a minute before rinsing. Remember that lemon juice is a very strong agent and can cause tooth erosion, so use it carefully.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are great in many ways: use them for seasoning your salad or removing tartar. They act as a natural scrub, and polish and clean the teeth at the same time.
Take a full tablespoon of seeds into your mouth and chew well. You need to try to create a kind of paste and not swallow it in the process. Then brush your teeth with this paste and a dry toothbrush. Do this twice a week.
Hydrogen peroxide and mouthwash
Hydrogen peroxide has antimicrobial properties, and so does mouthwash. Mix 1 tbsp of antiseptic mouthwash with 3 tbsp of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Gargle with this mixture for a couple of minutes and finish the procedure with clean water.
Coconut oil
Another thing you can reach for in your kitchen cupboard is coconut oil. Oil pulling is a popular procedure nowadays. Oil absorbs dirt in the mouth and also has an antibacterial effect against microorganisms living in there.
Swish 1-2 tbsp of oil around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes (it tastes great!), then spit it out and rinse well with warm water.
Strawberries and tomatoes
Both tomatoes and strawberries are rich in Vitamin С and you can use them if citrus is not your thing. Chop either of them, make a pulp, and apply it to the teeth. Leave for 5 minutes, then rinse your mouth.
Aloe vera and glycerin
A whole concoction of goodness for your teeth. Mix 1 tsp of aloe vera gel, 4 tsp of vegetable glycerin, 10 drops of lemon essential oil, and 4 tbsp of baking soda in 1 cup of water to get a smooth paste.
Brush your teeth with this paste once daily until you see that the tartar is becoming less visible. Then repeat once every 3-4 days. Aloe vera helps teeth and gums heal and essential lemon oil fights bacteria.
Cloves
This spice has long been used as a pain remedy for toothaches. It also fights microbes in your mouth. Grind the cloves (or find a ready-made powder), add a little olive oil, and apply the mixture on the stained areas.
Another idea is to regularly chew on cloves to reduce bad breath and kill bacteria. Try it instead of your usual chewing gum.
Sanguinaria (bloodroot)
One of the most unusual ingredients is called sanguinaria, or more commonly known as bloodroot. Its extract is often included in toothpastes. It’s a safe, antibacterial agent effective for reducing tartar.
3-4 drops of sanguinaria extract can be added to a cup of warm water to make a mouthwash. It can be gargled every day or even twice daily.
All this advice can work if the condition of tartar on your teeth and gums is not critical yet. If it is or if you also have sensitive teeth that react strongly on acids — please, consult your dentist. There are professional ways of removing plaque and tartar from teeth that only they can perform.
Do you have tartar on your teeth? How do you fight it and what else can you recommend? Share with us in the comments!
