You brush twice a day. You floss (most days). And yet, that stubborn yellow or brown buildup on your teeth just won’t go away. If this sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with tartar on your teeth—and you’re not alone.

At Advanced Dental Care of Indiana, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“How do I remove tartar from my teeth?”

The short answer: once tartar forms, it can’t be removed at home. But the good news is that professional tartar removal is safe, effective, and one of the best things you can do for your oral health—and your smile.

This guide explains what tartar is, why it forms, what you can and can’t do at home, and when it’s time to schedule a professional cleaning or whitening appointment at one of our Indiana locations.

What Is Tartar on Teeth?

Tartar—also called dental calculus—is hardened plaque. Plaque forms every day when bacteria mix with food particles and saliva. If plaque isn’t fully removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar within 24–72 hours.

Once plaque turns into tartar, it bonds tightly to the surface of your teeth and below the gumline. This is why it feels rough and looks yellow, brown, or even black in some areas.

man worries about tartar on his teeth

Common places tartar builds up include:

  • Along the gumline
  • Behind the lower front teeth
  • Around crowns or fillings
  • In hard-to-reach areas

When people search online for “tartar teeth”, they’re usually noticing this buildup and wondering how serious it is.

Why Tartar Is More Than Just a Cosmetic Issue

Many people think tartar is just a cosmetic problem. While it does affect how your smile looks, the real issue is what’s happening underneath.

Tartar creates a rough surface that attracts even more plaque and bacteria. Over time, this can lead to:

Left untreated, tartar buildup can cause long-term damage that requires more complex and expensive treatment. That’s why professional tartar removal isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s essential for your overall oral health.

Can You Remove Tartar at Home?

This is where we need to be honest—and helpful.

What Helps Prevent Tartar

Daily habits can slow plaque buildup and help prevent tartar from forming:

These steps are excellent for prevention.

What Does NOT Remove Tartar

Once tartar has hardened, home remedies will not remove it. This includes:

  • Baking soda “scrubs”
  • Vinegar rinses
  • Lemon juice
  • Scraping teeth with tools
  • Internet DIY hacks

Attempting to remove tartar yourself can damage enamel and irritate gums, increasing your risk of infection and sensitivity.

If tartar is already visible, professional tartar removal is the only safe solution.

Noticing tartar buildup that won’t brush away?

A professional dental cleaning is the safest and most effective way to remove it.

Schedule your cleaning at Advanced Dental Care of Indiana:

How Dentists Remove Tartar Safely

Professional tartar removal—also known as scaling—is a routine dental procedure performed during a cleaning appointment.

female patient getting her teeth polished after teeth cleaning for tartar removal

What Happens During Tartar Removal

  1. Evaluation: Your dentist or hygienist checks where tartar has formed.
  2. Ultrasonic scaling: A gentle vibrating instrument breaks up hardened tartar using water and sound waves.
  3. Hand scaling: Fine instruments remove remaining deposits with precision.
  4. Polishing: Teeth are polished to smooth the surface and reduce future buildup.
  5. Fluoride (optional): Helps strengthen enamel after cleaning.

Modern tartar removal is comfortable, efficient, and safe—even for patients with sensitive teeth.

Tartar Removal vs. Teeth Whitening: What’s the Difference?

This is an important distinction many patients don’t realize.

  • Tartar removal eliminates hardened deposits that brushing cannot remove.
  • Teeth whitening lightens the natural color of your teeth but does not remove tartar.

If tartar is present, whitening treatments won’t work effectively. That’s why professional cleaning is always recommended before whitening.

man at the dentist's for dental cleaning and tartar plaque removal

Many of our Indiana patients choose to combine tartar removal + whitening for the best results: cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and a noticeably brighter smile.

Ready for a cleaner, brighter smile?
Start with a professional cleaning, then enhance your results with whitening.

Book your appointment today:

  • Indianapolis | Anderson | Fortville | Cicero

How Often Should Tartar Be Removed?

For most patients, a professional cleaning every six months is recommended. However, some people benefit from more frequent visits, especially if they have:

  • A history of gum disease
  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Smoking or vaping habits
  • Braces or permanent retainers
  • Medical conditions affecting oral health

At Advanced Dental Care of Indiana, we tailor your cleaning schedule based on your individual needs.

Signs You Need Tartar Removal Now

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a cleaning:

Early tartar removal helps prevent gum disease and keeps your smile healthy.

How to Prevent Tartar from Coming Back

While tartar can’t be removed at home, you can reduce how quickly it returns.

Daily Prevention Tips

  • Brush twice daily for two minutes
  • Floss once a day
  • Use an electric toothbrush
  • Rinse with water after meals
  • Limit sugary and starchy snacks
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings

Consistent care saves you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.

Don’t let tartar turn into gum disease.
Our friendly dental team is here to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Call Advanced Dental Care of Indiana today:

Why Choose Advanced Dental Care of Indiana for Tartar Removal?

modern clean dental clinic with dental chair

Patients across Indiana trust us because we offer:

  • Gentle, thorough cleanings
  • Modern technology for comfort
  • Experienced, compassionate dental teams
  • Convenient locations
  • Honest recommendations
  • Whitening options for enhanced results

We focus on prevention first—and results you can feel and see.

The Safest Way to Remove Tartar from Teeth

If you’re dealing with tartar on your teeth, brushing alone won’t fix it. Professional tartar removal is the only safe, effective way to protect your gums, prevent disease, and restore your smile.

Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Anderson, Fortville, or Cicero, our team at Advanced Dental Care of Indiana is ready to help you achieve a cleaner, healthier, and brighter smile.

Schedule your cleaning today—and take the first step toward better oral health.