Tartar – for many, it's an annoying companion that keeps reappearing despite thorough brushing. This hard coating is formed by the mineralization of plaque and can't be easily removed with a toothbrush. Those who ask, "What product dissolves tartar?" often hope for a simple solution to a stubborn problem. But what really works – and what's just wishful thinking?
In this article, we explain how tartar forms, which remedies can actually help, and which methods ensure healthy and smooth teeth in the long term.
How does tartar actually form?
It all starts with plaque . This builds up daily from food debris, bacteria, and saliva components. If plaque isn't thoroughly removed, it can harden within a few days. This process involves the accumulation of minerals from the saliva , transforming the soft coating into a solid, yellowish to brown tartar. Tartar is particularly common on the insides of the lower incisors or on the outsides of the upper molars—where the salivary glands secrete their secretions.
Once hardened, tartar can no longer be removed with conventional toothbrushes or pastes. This is where the search for the right remedy begins.
What really helps against tartar?
The honest answer: There are no home remedies or toothpastes that can reliably dissolve hardened tartar. Tartar is too hard to be removed by rinsing, chewing, or brushing alone. Even many over-the-counter remedies promise more than they deliver.
Only a professional dental cleaning at your dentist can completely and safely remove existing tartar. Special instruments such as ultrasonic scalers , hand instruments, or air-polishing devices are used to gently remove even stubborn plaque without damaging the tooth enamel.
However, that doesn't mean you're completely powerless. While there are no "miracle cures" for dissolving tartar, you can effectively prevent the formation of new tartar with certain products and measures.
What you can do to prevent tartar
The key to preventing tartar is daily removal of plaque before it mineralizes. Thorough dental care is essential. This means not only regular brushing, but also cleaning between your teeth—for example, with dental floss or interdental brushes. A tooth-healthy diet with as little sugar as possible also supports the process.
Toothpastes containing ingredients such as zinc compounds or pyrophosphates can delay the formation of new tartar by inhibiting plaque mineralization. However, they do not dissolve existing tartar.
Another interesting approach is the use of oral probiotics , beneficial bacteria that promote microbial balance in the mouth. Special probiotics such as Streptococcus salivarius can suppress pathogenic bacteria that contribute to tartar formation. They thus contribute to plaque control – naturally preventing hardened plaque from developing in the first place.
Why home remedies for tartar are not enough
You often read about home remedies like baking soda, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar on the internet that supposedly dissolve tartar. But be careful: These methods can attack tooth enamel and do more harm than good. The highly acidic or abrasive substances not only lead to erosion , but can also cause sensitive tooth necks and irritation of the mucous membranes.
If you use such products regularly, you risk permanent damage to your teeth—without actually removing the tartar. So, it's better to rely on proven, scientifically based methods.
Conclusion: Tartar needs professional help – and good prevention
Tartar isn't an enemy that can be defeated with toothpaste or home remedies alone. Once the plaque has mineralized, professional teeth cleaning is the only solution. But this is precisely where the opportunity lies: By starting early, consistently removing plaque, and taking preventative measures, you can effectively prevent tartar.
Products for plaque control , targeted oral hygiene and possibly the use of probiotics such as S. salivarius offer modern ways to tackle the problem holistically – gently, effectively and sustainably.
