Picture opening your mouth and seeing that stubborn yellowish-brown buildup along your gumline or between teeth—tartar (also called calculus) that makes your smile feel less fresh. The viral image of placing cloves in your mouth promises a dramatic transformation from stained, plaque-covered teeth to bright white ones. While cloves do offer real oral health benefits, no single natural trick instantly removes hardened tartar or turns teeth pearly overnight. True tartar can only be safely scraped away by a dental professional during a cleaning.
That said, plaque (the soft, sticky film of bacteria) is removable at home with consistent habits, and preventing it from hardening into tartar is entirely possible. Below are nine evidence-supported natural approaches and daily practices that help control plaque, soften early buildup, support gum health, and keep your smile cleaner between professional visits. These focus on prevention and gentle reduction—always prioritize seeing your dentist regularly.
1. Brush Thoroughly Twice Daily with Fluoride Toothpaste
The foundation of plaque control: Brush for two full minutes morning and night using a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) and fluoride toothpaste.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent plaque from mineralizing into tartar. Proper technique—gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle to the gums—removes the majority of soft plaque before it hardens.
Evidence consistently shows this routine significantly reduces plaque and gingivitis when done correctly.
2. Floss or Use Interdental Cleaners Every Day
Brushing misses about 40% of tooth surfaces—the spaces between teeth where plaque loves to hide.
Daily flossing, interdental brushes, or water flossers physically remove plaque from these areas, preventing it from calcifying into tartar along the gumline.
Studies confirm daily interdental cleaning reduces plaque and bleeding gums more effectively than brushing alone.
3. Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinse with an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash (containing ingredients like chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, or essential oils) after brushing.
It kills bacteria that cause plaque and helps reach spots your brush misses. Some evidence shows certain mouthwashes reduce plaque buildup over weeks.
4. Brush Occasionally with Baking Soda Paste
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a gentle paste and brush 2–3 times per week (not daily to avoid enamel wear).
Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and neutralizes acids in the mouth. Reviews indicate baking-soda-containing toothpastes reduce plaque more effectively than standard ones.
Use sparingly—overuse can be too abrasive.
5. Try Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil
Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–15 minutes each morning before brushing, then spit it out.
This ancient practice may reduce plaque and gingivitis by trapping bacteria. A study on adolescents showed coconut oil pulling decreased plaque by about 50% and improved gum health.
Results are promising but vary; it’s a gentle adjunct, not a replacement for brushing/flossing.
6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum After Meals
Chew xylitol-sweetened gum for 10–20 minutes after eating.
It stimulates saliva flow, which naturally washes away food particles and neutralizes acids. Xylitol also inhibits plaque-forming bacteria.
Evidence supports reduced plaque and cavity risk with regular use.
7. Eat Crunchy, Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables
Munch on raw apples, carrots, celery, or cucumbers as snacks.
Their natural abrasiveness and high water/fiber content act like a “toothbrush,” scrubbing plaque while boosting saliva. They also provide vitamins that support gum health.
This mechanical cleaning helps prevent buildup without any special tools.
8. Incorporate Cloves for Antibacterial Support
Chew 1–2 whole cloves gently (or use clove oil diluted in water as a rinse) for a few minutes, then spit out.
Cloves contain eugenol, which has strong antibacterial properties against oral pathogens. Studies on clove-containing mouthrinses show reductions in plaque, gingivitis, and bacterial counts comparable to some commercial products.
It won’t dissolve tartar but may help control plaque bacteria and freshen breath. The viral “before/after” with cloves is exaggerated—real change requires consistency and professional care.
9. Rinse with Diluted White Vinegar (Use Sparingly)
Mix 1–2 teaspoons white vinegar in a cup of warm water and swish for 30 seconds once or twice a week, then rinse thoroughly.
The acetic acid has antimicrobial effects and may help soften early plaque. Limited evidence suggests it reduces demineralization and bacterial growth.
Caution: Acidic rinses can erode enamel if overused—dilute well and don’t make it daily.
Important Reality Check: Tartar vs. Plaque
| Concern | What It Is | Can Home Methods Remove It? | Best Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaque | Soft, sticky bacterial film | Yes – brushing, flossing, rinses | Daily hygiene routine |
| Tartar (Calculus) | Hardened plaque, mineralized | No – toothbrush can’t break it | Professional scaling every 6–12 months |
Once plaque hardens into tartar, home remedies can only help prevent more from forming—they won’t safely remove existing buildup. Attempting to scrape it yourself risks damaging enamel or gums.
Safe, Realistic Routine for Best Results
- Morning: Oil pull (optional), brush + floss, mouthwash.
- After meals: Chew xylitol gum or crunchy veggies.
- Evening: Brush + floss, optional clove chew/rinse.
- Weekly: Baking soda brush or vinegar rinse (limited).
- Every 6 months: Professional cleaning.
Track changes—notice fresher breath, less buildup, or healthier gums? These small habits compound over time.
P.S. Cloves offer real antimicrobial perks (studies back their role in reducing plaque bacteria), but pair them with proven basics for the biggest impact. Your dentist can confirm if your routine is working.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — readers are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider or dentist for personalized guidance.
