Tartar Breaking Off Teeth | Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Dental calculus is hardened plaque attached to the tooth surface. Though dental calculus builds up over time, many people experience how it just started to break off. It links with several queries about oral health. This article looks at the causes, risks, and effective solutions that relate to the breaking off of tartar from teeth.

What is tartar, and how does it form?

Tartar is formed when a sticky bacterial film called plaque builds up on the teeth in large amounts and stays for a long time without proper cleaning. In those instances, the interaction of plague with the minerals of saliva calcifies and transforms into tartar, which is much harder to remove than plaque.

  • Accumulation of plaque: Poor oral hygiene is considered the prime factor leading to the buildup of tartar.
  • Mineralization process: the calcium and phosphate within the saliva calcify the plaque, thus forming tartar.
  • Surface adhesion: If there is significant adhesion, the tartar will adhere to the teeth primarily along the gumline with a rough texture.

Why does tartar break teeth off?

It is not unusual for tartar to break off the teeth and may be caused by one or more of the following:

1. Natural Wear and Tear

With time, fragments of tartar may break off when the Chewing forces and natural abrasiveness of some foods sufficiently weaken the tartar deposits.

2. Gum Recession

When gums recede, tartar previously hidden below the gumline becomes visible. Without enough supportive gum tissue, the hardened deposits could loosen.

3. Poor Adhesion to Tooth Surface

Some of these tartar deposits are loosely attached and hence are susceptible to breaking off during the course of brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods.

4. External Forces

Such actions as aggressive brushing, dental scaling, or biting into hard objects can cause the dislodgment of tartar fragments.

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Is breaking off tartar dangerous to the teeth?

While the idea of tartar breaking off may seem like a self-solving issue, it is not necessarily a positive development. Here are the potential risks:

  • Exposed tooth surfaces: When tartar lets go, the underlying enamel or root surface becomes exposed to decay or sensitivity.
  • Gums irritated: Tartar with sharp edges can irritate the soft tissues and cause redness or inflammation.
  • Hidden cavities: Tartar breakdown may lead to the exposure of hidden cavities or enamel destruction.
  • Risk of infection: The retained fragments have the potential to trap and encourage bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, leading to increased insecurities in local gum infections.

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Symptoms That Might Accompany Detachment of Tartar

When tartar breaks off, an individual may experience:

  • Rough or sharp edges: Removed tartar may leave rough, unsafe tooth surfaces.
  • Toothy sensitivity: Exposed dentin under the tartar may react to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
  • Bleeding gums: Irritation of the gum tissues with the removal of tartar is expected, especially when performed forcefully or in a manner not considered proper.

How to Treat and Prevent Problems with Tartar

Effective management of tartar, however, involves professional care in addition to diligent home practice.

1. Professional Dental Cleaning

These visits to the dentist will help in the removal of tartars. Dentists have particular tools that help them carry out scaling and cleaning to remove buildup and smoothen the tooth surfaces.

2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

  • Brush twice daily: Brushing should be done twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in order to minimize plaque formation.
  • Floss once a day: This helps to remove from the teeth any plaque and food particles that are missed by a toothbrush.
  • Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash will reduce bacterial growth.

3. Tartar-Control Diet

Some of these foods can prevent Tartar from forming:

  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples and carrots also act as natural abrasives.
  • Calcium-rich foods: Calcium-rich foods strengthen the enamel to make it resistant to adhesion of plaque.

4. Risk Factors Avoidance

  • Consumption of sugary and starchy foods, that feed plaque-producing bacteria, must be minimized.
  • Quit smoking because it encourages the building up of tartar and worsens gum conditions.

5. Use Tartar-Control Products

Pyrophosphates and toothpaste or mouthwashes containing zinc citrate preparations may be prescribed to help avoid mineral deposits.

When to Seek Dental Advice

If the tartar breaks off and leaves sharp edges, sensitivity, or visible damage, consult a dentist. Early professional assessment allows for the right care and avoidance of further problems.

Signs You Need Immediate Attention

  • Persistent bleeding or swelling.
  • Sensitivity or a toothache upon detachment of tartar.
  • Loosening of the teeth or receding gums.

The Role of Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for the early detection and treatment of conditions related to tartar. Dentists may:

  • Deep cleaning will be carried out to remove both visible and hidden tartar.
  • Monitor the health of your gums to prevent any recession or disease.
  • Recommend personalized oral hygiene strategies.

Conclusion

The breaking of tartar from teeth is a phenomenon that underlines the importance of maintaining robust oral hygiene. While this may appear innocuous, at first, the underlying risks spotlight the need for professional care and prevention. By consistent dental habits and regular check-ups, we can safeguard our teeth against long-term effects caused by the building up and detachment of tartar.

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