If you are thinking about using Crest teeth whitening strips to brighten your smile, you might be wondering whether they can also help with tartar buildup. After all, we all want to keep our teeth looking and feeling their best, right? But, do these whitening strips do more than just whiten? Can they actually remove the hard, stubborn plaque buildup known as tartar? Let’s break it down and take a closer look at what Crest whitening strips can and can’t do.

What is Tartar?

Before diving into whether whitening strips can tackle tartar, it’s important to understand exactly what tartar is. Tartar, also called calculus, is hardened plaque that forms on your teeth when plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing. Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When it isn’t cleaned off, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems, so it’s something you want to keep an eye on.

Crest Whitening Strips: What Do They Do?

Crest teeth whitening strips are designed to remove surface stains from your teeth and brighten your smile. They work by using a mild bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient helps break down the compounds that cause staining on the enamel, making your teeth appear whiter over time. The strips are easy to use and offer a quick, convenient way to achieve a brighter smile without having to visit a dentist. However, whitening strips like Crest’s are specifically formulated to target stains and not the buildup of plaque or tartar. The strips work by applying the whitening gel to the surface of your teeth, but they don’t penetrate deep enough to remove tartar or plaque beneath the surface.

So, Do Crest Teeth Whitening Strips Remove Tartar?

Unfortunately, the short answer is no—Crest whitening strips do not remove tartar. Here’s why:

1. Whitening strips target stains, not tartar: Whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide, which works to break up surface stains caused by food, drinks, and smoking. These stains are not the same as tartar. Tartar is a mineralized substance that forms from plaque, and it’s much harder than regular stains. It’s essentially a different beast altogether, and it can’t be removed with products designed for surface stains alone.

2. Tartar requires professional cleaning: Since tartar is hard and bonded to your teeth, it requires special tools for removal. Dentists or dental hygienists use specialized instruments, such as scalars or ultrasonic devices, to safely and effectively remove tartar. This is something that whitening strips can’t replicate.

3. No penetration beneath the enamel: Whitening strips work by gently bleaching the outer layer of your teeth to remove surface stains. However, tartar forms below the surface layer, attaching itself firmly to the enamel. Because the whitening strips only work on the outer surface, they can’t reach deep enough to tackle tartar buildup.

Why Should You Care About Tartar?

Tartar is more than just a cosmetic concern, it's a health issue. Here’s why you should be aware of tartar and its effects:

1. Gum Disease Risk: If tartar is allowed to build up along the gumline, it can lead to gum disease (gingivitis), which, if left untreated, can progress into more severe forms, such as periodontitis. These conditions can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss.

2. Cavities: Tartar can trap bacteria and food particles, leading to the development of cavities. Since tartar can’t be removed by regular brushing, it creates an environment more conducive to decay.

3. Bad Breath: When tartar accumulates, it can lead to bad breath (halitosis). The bacteria trapped in tartar contribute to unpleasant odors in your mouth, even if you’re brushing regularly.

4. Discoloration: While whitening strips can help remove stains from the surface of your teeth, tartar can make your teeth look yellow or discolored. It can cause the appearance of staining that won’t go away without proper dental cleaning.

How to Deal with Tartar

Even though Crest whitening strips can’t remove tartar, there are plenty of other ways to tackle tartar buildup and prevent it from happening in the first place.

1. Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily are the most effective ways to prevent plaque buildup, which eventually leads to tartar. Use a fluoride toothpaste, and make sure to brush for at least two minutes to thoroughly clean your teeth.

2. Use a Tartar-Control Toothpaste: Some toothpaste formulas are specifically designed to help prevent tartar buildup. These toothpastes usually contain special ingredients that help keep plaque from hardening into tartar.

3. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings: The only way to remove tartar is by visiting your dentist or dental hygienist for professional cleaning. They can scrape away the tartar from your teeth, helping to maintain both your oral health and your smile.

4. Consider Mouthwash: Some mouthwashes are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Look for mouthwash products that contain ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride or fluoride, which can help to prevent plaque from hardening into tartar.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Foods like apples and carrots help naturally scrub your teeth as you chew, reducing the chances of plaque buildup.

Can Whitening Strips Help Maintain a Cleaner Smile?

While crest tooth whitening strips won’t remove tartar, they can still play a role in maintaining a brighter and cleaner smile once your tartar has been professionally cleaned. If you keep up with your dental hygiene routine and get regular cleanings from your dentist, whitening strips can help maintain your pearly whites by removing surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and other staining agents. However, it’s important to remember that using whitening strips alone won’t solve all your oral health issues. They should be part of a broader approach to dental care that includes brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups.

Conclusion

Crest whitening strips are fantastic for whitening your teeth and removing surface stains, but they do not remove tartar. Tartar is a hard, mineralized substance that requires professional dental tools for removal, and whitening strips simply don’t have the power to address this issue. If you are concerned about tartar buildup, focus on good oral hygiene habits like regular brushing, flossing, and using tartar-control products. And don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly to get rid of any tartar that may have built up over time. With the right care, you can keep your smile looking bright and healthy, both now and in the future.