Plaque that is still soft comes off with a toothbrush and something to clean between the teeth. Plaque that has been left long enough to harden into tartar does not, and needs a dentist or oral health therapist to remove it. So the real job at home is to disturb the soft film thoroughly every day, in the places it collects, before it has the chance to set.
That sounds simple, and it mostly is. Where people fall short is not effort but coverage: the same few surfaces get brushed hard while the gumline and the spaces between the teeth get missed.
Plaque comes back within hours
Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that starts to rebuild on clean teeth soon after you brush. It gathers most along the gumline, between the teeth and in the grooves of the back teeth. Left in place, it irritates the gum and feeds the bacteria that cause decay.
Minerals in saliva can gradually harden older plaque into calculus, the rough cream or yellow deposit most people call tartar. Tartar is firmly attached to the tooth and a toothbrush will not shift it. How quickly it forms varies from person to person, which is one reason some people build up tartar faster than others with similar habits. Our article on plaque versus tartar explains the difference in more detail.
Aim the brush at the gumline
Brush twice a day for about two minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Tilt the bristles at roughly 45 degrees towards the gum and use small, gentle movements so the tips reach just under the gum edge. Work through the outer, inner and chewing surfaces in a set order so nothing is skipped. Pressing harder does not remove more plaque; it wears the gum and the tooth surface over time.
A powered toothbrush can make good technique easier. A Cochrane review (Yaacob and colleagues, 2014) found that powered brushes reduced plaque and gingivitis modestly more than manual brushing, although the clinical importance of the difference is unclear. Our comparison of electric and manual toothbrushes goes through the options.
The spaces between teeth need their own tool
Bristles do not reach far into the contact between two teeth, and these hidden surfaces are where gum inflammation often starts. Clean between the teeth once a day with whichever tool you will actually use:
- Floss suits tight contacts. Our guide on how to floss properly shows the technique.
- Interdental brushes suit wider gaps and are often easier to handle. See how to use an interdental brush.
- Water flossers can help people with braces, bridges or limited hand movement, usually as an extra rather than a replacement.
Find the plaque you keep missing
Plaque is pale and hard to see. Disclosing tablets or solutions, available from pharmacies, stain it so the spots you routinely miss show up. Using them once a week for a few weeks is a quick way to correct your technique.
Some other additions can support a routine but do not replace brushing and interdental cleaning:
- Fluoride toothpaste helps enamel resist acid. Spit out the excess rather than rinsing it away.
- Mouthwash reaches areas a brush cannot, but rinsing alone does not remove plaque that is already attached. Our article on when mouthwash is worth using covers the details.
- Cutting down how often you have sugary food and drinks between meals gives plaque bacteria less to work with.
Toothpastes containing baking soda have some evidence behind them. A systematic review (Valkenburg and colleagues, International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2019) found better plaque removal in single-brushing studies, with only partial support from longer studies. They are an option, not a substitute for technique.
Leave tartar to the professionals
Metal scalers and picks sold for home use are best avoided. Without training and a clear view, it is easy to scratch the tooth, cut the gum or push deposits further under it. Once tartar has formed, a professional clean is the safe way to remove it, and deposits below the gumline may need a deeper clean.
Even with very good home care, a little tartar tends to build up in hard to reach spots, especially behind the lower front teeth. Regular check-ups and cleans, at the interval your dentist or OHT suggests for you, deal with that. See someone sooner if you have bad breath that does not go away, a rough deposit you cannot brush off, or gums that are still bleeding after 3 to 4 days of good brushing and flossing.
Common questions
Can I get rid of tartar myself?
No, not safely. Tartar is bonded to the tooth and needs professional instruments. What you can do is stop new plaque from hardening.
Why do I still build up tartar when I brush well?
Some plaque is always missed, particularly between the teeth and just under the gum, and the rate at which tartar forms differs between people. Disclosing tablets can show you where the gaps are, and regular cleans remove what home care leaves.
Is brushing harder better?
No. Gentle, well-aimed brushing with a soft brush removes plaque effectively. Heavy pressure can wear the gums and teeth.
If you would like a professional clean or a check of your technique, the oral health therapists and dentists at Lumi Dental can help. See our current new patient offers to book a visit.
