Maintaining oral hygiene is essential to maintaining the health of our teeth and gums. But despite our best efforts, sometimes tartar builds up on our teeth.

Tartar, a hard, yellow-brown substance, forms on teeth when plaque builds up and hardens. Tartar build-up can cause dental problems including gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath.

While professional cleaning is the best way to remove tartar, according to onlymyhealth.com, there are some natural home remedies that can help prevent and reduce tartar build-up.

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can help remove tartar build-up. It also has antibacterial properties that help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. To use baking soda to remove tartar, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to make a paste. Put this paste on your toothbrush and brush your teeth for two minutes. Rinse your mouth with water once or twice a week.

2. Gargle with coconut oil

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. To use coconut oil to remove tartar, keep a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat once a day for a week.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help remove tartar build-up. It has antibacterial properties that help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

To use hydrogen peroxide to remove tartar, mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish the mixture for a minute, then spit it out and rinse your mouth with water. Do the process once or twice a week.

4. Rinse your mouth with salt water

A saltwater rinse is a simple and effective way to reduce tartar build-up. It helps to remove bacteria from the mouth and heal the gums.

To use a salt water rinse to remove tartar, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the mixture in your mouth for a minute, then spit it out and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat once or twice a day.

5. Gargle with tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This will help reduce inflammation and heal the gums. To use tea tree oil to remove tartar, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water. Keep the mixture in your mouth for a minute, then spit it out and rinse your mouth with water. Repeat once a day.

6. Use orange peels

Orange peels contain vitamin C and calcium, which help reduce tartar build-up. To use an orange peel to remove tartar, rub the inside of the orange peel on your teeth for two to three minutes. Rinse your mouth with water and do the process once a day.

7. Chew an apple

Apples are high in fiber and help remove food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Chewing an apple after a meal helps reduce tartar build-up. Also, eating apples regularly can help improve overall oral health.

While a professional cleaning is the best way to remove tartar build-up, there are many natural home remedies that can help prevent and reduce tartar build-up. Incorporating these treatments into your oral health routine will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent future dental problems.