The temptation is great: spend a few euros on a tartar removal kit on Amazon, watch a YouTube tutorial, and you’ve saved yourself a trip to the dentist. Removing tartar yourself – sounds like a practical solution for anyone wanting to save time and money. But what seems tempting at first glance can have devastating consequences for your dental health. In this article, a dentist with many years of experience explains why attempting to remove tartar yourself does more harm than good, and what safe alternatives are available.
What is tartar and how does it form?
To understand why you shouldn’t remove tartar yourself, we first need to clarify exactly what we’re dealing with. Tartar is not ordinary dirt that can simply be wiped away.
From plaque to tartar – the process
Tartar forms from soft dental plaque. This sticky layer constantly forms on our teeth and consists of bacteria, food debris and saliva components. Whilst you can still remove plaque by thorough brushing, a mineralisation process begins after around 24 to 72 hours. Calcium and phosphate from the saliva are deposited in the coating, transforming the soft plaque into rock-hard tartar.
There are many causes of tartar: poor oral hygiene naturally plays a major role, but individual saliva composition, the pH level in the mouth, dietary habits and genetic factors also influence how quickly tartar forms. Some people struggle with stubborn deposits despite thorough care, whilst others have hardly any problems with less effort.
Typically, tartar tends to form particularly on the inner side of the lower incisors and on the molars in the upper jaw – where the large salivary glands open. It can form both above the gum line (supragingival tartar) and below it (subgingival tartar).
Why can’t tartar simply be brushed away?
Mineralisation makes tartar rock-hard – hence the name. This hardened substance adheres firmly to the enamel or even penetrates beneath the gum line. With a normal toothbrush, you no longer stand a chance of removing these deposits. You could theoretically scrub for hours – the tartar stays where it is. It is precisely this realisation that leads many people to resort to more drastic measures. A serious mistake.
Why people try to remove tartar themselves
Most common reasons
In my practice, I hear the same explanations time and again when patients come to me with self-inflicted. The main reason is to save money. A professional teeth clean costs between 80 and 150 euros, depending on the region – money that not everyone has to spare or is willing to spend.
The second major factor is a lack of time. Making an appointment, putting up with waiting times, travelling to the surgery – that doesn’t fit into everyone’s packed daily schedule. Added to this, many people suffer from a pronounced fear of the dentist. The idea of doing it yourself seems less daunting than a visit to the dentist.
This trend is fuelled by the availability of DIY tools. Online shops offer complete tartar removal kits for between 15 and 30 euros, which look strikingly similar to professional instruments. YouTube and TikTok are full of videos in which influencers demonstrate how “easy” it is to remove tartar at home. These videos attract millions of views and convey a false sense of security.
The illusion of the “easy solution”
The manufacturers of these DIY kits promise professional results at a fraction of the price. The tools do indeed look like the instruments found in a dentist’s surgery. But here lies the problem: a scalpel from a DIY store also looks like a surgical scalpel – yet nobody would attempt to operate on themselves with it. Laypeople completely lack the years of training, anatomical knowledge and practical experience required.
The risks: What can go wrong?
Let me be clear: As a dentist, I regularly see the consequences of people attempting to remove tartar themselves. The damage ranges from minor injuries to serious complications requiring extensive treatment.
Gum injury
The gums are delicate tissue containing fine blood vessels. If you slip with a sharp instrument or apply too much pressure, tears and injuries occur. These not only bleed, they also create entry points for bacteria. This can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) or even periodontitis. It is particularlydangerous when the gum pockets tear – here, bacteria can multiply unhindered and, in the worst case, lead to an abscess or a systemic infection.
Damage to the tooth enamel
Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it is not indestructible. Metal instruments can cause scratches and microscopic cracks. You won’t see these at first, but they make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and increase sensitivity to temperature. The damage is irreversible – tooth enamel does not regenerate. Once destroyed, it remains destroyed.
Incomplete removal
Even if you manage to remove the visible tartar above the gum line, you cannot reach the more dangerous deposits underneath. Subgingival tartar is invisible to the naked eye and can only be removed with special instruments and expertise. You are lulled into a false sense of security, whilst bacteria continue to wreak havoc beneath the gums.
Exacerbation of existing problems
During professional tartar removal, I simultaneously examine the entire oral condition. Early-stage tooth decay, incipient periodontitis, cracks in the enamel – all of these remain undetected with self-treatment. You are only treating the symptom, whilst the actual problems continue to progress.
Lack of sterility
In a dental practice, all instruments are sterilised in accordance with strict hygiene regulations. This is not possible at home. Even thorough cleaning with soap and water is not enough to kill all bacteria. The next time you use them, you could infect yourself with germs – an unnecessary and avoidable risk.
A look at popular DIY methods
Tartar removal kits from the internet
These kits usually contain several scalers (hook-shaped instruments), a dental mirror and sometimes probes. The problem: professional instruments in the hands of laypeople are dangerous. Dental assistants and dental hygienists undergo several years of training, during which they learn the correct angle, pressure and technique for using these tools. Without this knowledge, you will do more harm than good.
Home remedies: baking powder, bicarbonate of soda & co.
Home remedies for tartar are a perennial favourite on the internet. Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda are particularly frequently recommended. The idea: the abrasive effect is supposed to scrub away discolouration and plaque. What many people don’t know: these substances attack not only tartar, but also the precious tooth enamel. They act like sandpaper – with every use, you remove microscopic amounts of enamel. Your teeth may appear brighter in the short term because the stains are removed, but in the long term they become rougher, more sensitive and more susceptible to new stains and tooth decay.
Scientific studies confirm: regular use of highly abrasive substances leads to measurable enamel loss. What is touted as an "insider tip" in online forums is, from a dental perspective, a clear case of self-harm.
Ultrasonic tartar removers for home use
Ultrasonic devices for home use have also been available for some time. They mimic the professional devices found in dental practices – albeit with significantly lower power and precision. The biggest problem: their use requires practice and specialist knowledge. Too much pressure, the wrong angle or holding the device in one place for too long can injure the gums or damage the enamel. Furthermore, these devices rarely achieve the deep-cleaning effect of professional systems.
Oil pulling, vinegar and other "natural" methods
&Oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil is a traditional Ayurvedic method of oral hygiene. It can actually help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and thus prevent the formation of new plaque. However, what it cannot do is remove hard, mineralised tartar. The rule here is: prevention yes, treatment no.
Even more problematic are acids such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as home remedies for tartar. These attack the tooth enamel directly, leach out minerals and can cause irreversible damage. The supposed benefits are out of all proportion to the risks.
How dentists professionally remove tartar
Professional teeth cleaning (PTC)
In my practice, professional teeth cleaning is carried out in a standardised and gentle manner. First, I examine the oral situation thoroughly and locate all tartar deposits – including those beneath the gum line. Various instruments are then used:
Hand instruments (scalers and curettes) allow for precise work in hard-to-reach areas. Using a precisely defined angle and pressure, I remove the tartar without damaging the enamel.
Ultrasonic devices operate using high-frequency vibrations and a cooling water spray. They gently remove even stubborn deposits from the tooth.
Powder jet devices (Air-Flow) use a mixture of water, air and fine powder to remove discolouration and residual plaque.
Finally, I polish all tooth surfaces until they are smooth – which delays the re-formation of plaque – and apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel.
Why is the professional method safer?
The key difference lies in training and experience. I have completed a five-year degree in dentistry and carry out dozens of teeth cleanings every day. I have a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the tooth and the periodontium, recognise pathological changes immediately and know which technique is appropriate in which situation.
The sterile conditions in the practice virtually eliminate the risk of infection. All instruments are sterilised in an autoclave, and I work with gloves and under optimal hygienic conditions.
Above all, however, I achieve complete removal – including subgingivally, i.e. below the gum line. At the same time, I check teeth and gums for other problems such as tooth decay, inflammation or receding gums.
Costs and frequency
A professional teeth cleaning costs between 80 and 150 euros, depending on the region and practice. This may seem like a lot at first, but it is an investment in your dental health. Many statutory health insurance providers now subsidise professional teeth cleaning, and supplementary dental insurance often covers the costs in full.
A professional cleaning is recommended once or twice a year – or more frequently if there is an increased risk of periodontitis. Compared to the cost of subsequent periodontal treatment, fillings or even dentures, professional teeth cleaning is extremely cost-effective.
Preventing tartar – how to do it right
The best strategy against tartar is and remains prevention. With the right care, the formation of new tartar can be significantly slowed down.
The basics: Thorough daily dental care
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Use a soft to medium-firm toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing technique is crucial: place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and use small circular or vibrating movements. Avoid vigorous scrubbing – this damages the gums and enamel.
Don’t forget the spaces between your teeth
Around 40 per cent of the tooth surface lies between the teeth – an area that a toothbrush cannot reach. Use dental floss or interdental brushes daily. This is precisely where tartar tends to build up, as plaque remains undisturbed.
Mouthwashes and complementary products
Antibacterial mouthwashescan reduce the formation of new plaque, but should not be used long-term – they can disrupt the natural balance of the oral flora. A tongue scraper is also useful, as bacteria that contribute to plaque build-up accumulate on the tongue.
Diet and lifestyle
Reduce your sugar intake – bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Drink plenty of water; this stimulates saliva flow and helps to rinse away food debris. You should avoid smoking for many reasons – it not only promotes tartar build-up, but also periodontitis and oral cancer.
Regularcheck-ups
Visit your dentist for a check-up every six months. Early detection is crucial when it comes to dental problems. What can be fixed today with a simple filling may require root canal treatment or a crown tomorrow.
When you should definitely see a dentist
You should never ignore certain warning signs:
- Visible yellow-brown or even black coating on the teeth
- Regularbleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath despite thorough oral hygiene
- Receding gums or teeth that appear to be getting longer
- Loose teeth or changes in tooth position
These symptoms indicate advanced problems that require urgent professional treatment.
Overcoming dental anxiety
If anxiety is preventing you from visiting the dentist, speak openly about it. Modern dental practices offer various sedation options – from nitrous oxide to general anaesthesia. Many dentists specialise in treating anxious patients and take extra time to explain procedures and ensure a gentle approach.
Conclusion: A professional approach is safer and more effective
Removing tartar yourself is not a solution – it is a risk. The apparent cost savings can end up costing you dearly in the long run if tooth enamel, gums or entire teeth are damaged. The causes of tartar may be varied, but the best treatment is clear: professional, regularand preventative.
Invest in professional dental cleanings and consistent oral hygiene at home. Your teeth will thank you with good health and a beautiful smile – for a lifetime. Don’t be misled by internet trends or myths about home remedies for tartar. Put your trust in dental expertise and decades of experience.
Book an appointment for a professional teeth cleaning today – your teeth will thank you for it. If you have any questions about proper dental care or your individual oral health, your dentist is always on hand to advise you.