How to Remove Black Tartar from Your Teeth Effectively

If you’ve noticed black tartar on your teeth, you’ve probably had a bit of a fright. When tartar goes from a light yellow to a dark or black shade, the alarm bells ring. But why does this happen? Can it be removed at home or do you absolutely have to see the dentist? Let’s answer all your questions and, most importantly, explain how to remove black tartar in the safest and most effective way.

Why does black tartar appear on the teeth?

Before getting into solutions, you have to understand why tartar changes colour and why some people develop it faster than others.

The main causes of dark tartar build-up

Black tartar is the result of dental plaque that has stayed on the teeth too long, hardening and darkening over time. Some of the most common reasons this happens include:

• Lack of oral hygiene: if the plaque isn’t removed daily, it ends up turning into tartar and, over time, can darken.
• Heavy tobacco or coffee consumption: tobacco smoke and the pigments in some drinks can dye the tartar, turning it black.
• Bleeding gums: blood can mix with the built-up tartar and darken it.
• Build-up in hard-to-reach areas: especially on the inner side of the lower teeth, where it’s harder to remove with normal brushing.

The differences between plaque, tartar and dental stains

• Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on the teeth daily and can be removed by brushing.
• Tartar is hardened plaque, which can no longer be removed with a normal brush.
• Dental stains can be superficial or internal, and aren’t always tartar.

If what you have is black tartar, the bad news is that it won’t go away on its own, but the good news is that there are ways to solve it.

Home methods to remove black tartar

Here comes the big question: can you remove black tartar at home?

Natural remedies and their effectiveness

Some people try home remedies such as:

• Bicarbonate of soda mixed with water to rub on the teeth.
• Rinses with apple cider vinegar.
• Coconut oil for rinsing (oil pulling).

These methods can help reduce the build-up of bacteria and improve the appearance of the teeth, but the reality is that black tartar won’t come off on its own with these remedies.

Is it safe to try to remove tartar at home?

Here you need to be careful. Some people try to scrape off the tartar with sharp objects or home tools, but this can seriously damage the enamel and gums. The most advisable thing will always be to see a dentist.

Professional treatments to remove dental tartar

If you already have black tartar, the most effective thing is to see a specialist for a deep cleaning.

Professional dental cleaning: what does it involve?

In a dental cleaning, the dentist uses ultrasound and specific tools to remove the tartar without damaging the enamel. In a single session, the difference is noticeable and the teeth recover their natural colour.

When is scaling and root planing needed?

If the tartar has advanced too far and affected the gums, scaling and root planing may be needed. This procedure goes beyond a conventional cleaning, removing the tartar built up below the gums to prevent more serious problems such as periodontitis.

Tips to prevent the formation of dark tartar

You now know how to remove it, but the key lies in stopping it appearing again.

Recommended oral-hygiene habits

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss daily to remove food debris between the teeth.
• Add a mouthwash to reduce the build-up of bacteria.
• See the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.

Foods and drinks that encourage or prevent it appearing

• Avoid too much coffee, red wine and black tea, as they can darken the tartar faster.
• Cut down on sugar and refined flours, because they feed the bacteria that form plaque.
• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apple and carrot, as they help clean the teeth naturally.

Frequently asked questions about removing black tartar

Can tartar be removed without seeing the dentist?

If it’s already hardened, dark tartar, the answer is no. Only a professional can remove it safely.

Is black tartar a sign of dental disease?

It can be. If the black tartar is near the gums and comes with inflammation or bleeding, it can be a sign of gingivitis or periodontitis. In these cases, it’s essential to treat it in time to avoid bigger problems.

Conclusion: don’t let black tartar ruin your smile

Black tartar on the teeth doesn’t only affect the look of them, it can be a sign of more serious problems. Trying to remove it at home isn’t safe, so if you already have it, the best thing you can do is see your dentist for a professional cleaning. And if it hasn’t appeared yet, follow a good hygiene routine to prevent it. Your smile will thank you for it!