Have you ever noticed small, hard pieces breaking off your teeth? You’re not alone. This problem, often a result of tartar breaking off teeth, can be alarming. Tartar accumulation is a common dental issue that, if left untreated, can lead to more severe problems like periodontal disease. Understanding the formation of tartar and its impact on your oral health is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why tartar breaks off teeth and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile.
What is Tartar Buildup?
Dental plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up on your teeth. This sticky film is a result of bad bacteria feeding on food debris, especially carbohydrates in food and starchy foods. If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, this plaque buildup will harden and become tartar, a calcified, yellowish deposit. The process of tartar formation transforms this sticky film into a hardened form that adheres firmly to the teeth. Tartar buildup not only causes a dull yellow appearance but also contributes to bad breath, tooth decay, and the development of gum disease.
Unlike dental plaque, tartar buildup cannot be removed with regular brushing or flossing. Poor oral hygiene practices can accelerate the accumulation of plaque and tartar, worsening dental issues significantly. In some cases, the pressure applied during eating or brushing can cause hardened tartar to break off teeth, which can be alarming.
This calcified tartar, or tartar breaking off teeth, can be a sign of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the gum tissues. Regular dental check-ups are essential for tartar removal and maintaining overall oral health.
Why is Tartar Breaking Off Teeth?
Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, is difficult to remove at home. However, some people may experience tartar breaking off their teeth. This can occur due to several reasons, such as aggressive brushing, chewing hard foods, biting on hard objects, or trauma to the teeth.
Applied pressure from these activities can cause tartar to break. Additionally, tartar can sometimes break off spontaneously if it becomes weak and crumbly, further emphasizing the importance of regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup and ensure optimal oral health.
What Happens When Tartar Breaking off Teeth?
When pieces of tartar break off teeth, they can lead to several uncomfortable and potentially serious issues. The sharp tartar fragments can create an uncomfortable feeling as your tongue rubs against the sharp edges, causing tongue irritation and sores. Additionally, if you have gum recession due to gum disease, the broken tartar can expose the sensitive root surfaces of your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity.
Furthermore, some patients may experience tooth mobility as a result of severe tartar buildup. When tartar accumulates along the gumline, it can lead to inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and the surrounding bone.
It’s crucial to seek a proper evaluation by dental professionals if you experience tartar breaking off, as they can remove any remaining tartar, address any resulting dental issues, and help prevent further complications.
Recognizing the Difference: Tartar Breaking Off Teeth vs. a Chipped Tooth
Distinguishing between tartar breaking off teeth and a chipped tooth can be challenging, as both can produce similar sensations. Healthy tooth enamel is very hard and usually not prone to breakage during normal daily activities. Here’s how to tell the difference between calcified plaque (tartar) breaking off and a broken tooth:
- Appearance of fragments: Tartar breaks off into small, jagged pieces with sharp edges, while a broken piece of a tooth will typically have a smoother, more uniform texture.
- Impact on tooth shape: Chipped teeth alter the shape, structure, and size of the tooth, whereas tartar breaking off does not affect the underlying tooth’s form.
- Color difference: Tartar is yellow, brown, or black in color, whereas broken tooth fragments will match the natural color of tooth enamel.
- Applied pressure: Tartar breaks under mild pressure, such as chewing or brushing, while chipped teeth usually result from more significant force and do not break as easily.
If you suspect enamel damage or are unsure whether you’re dealing with a broken piece of tooth or tartar, it’s essential to seek a proper evaluation from a dental professional to prevent further complications.
What to Do If Tartar is Breaking Off Teeth?
Tartar formation on your teeth is unhealthy and should be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, tartar can infect the tissues supporting your teeth, leading to gum recession, gum pockets, and even tooth loss.
If tartar is breaking off your teeth, it’s crucial to visit your dentist for proper tartar removal, regardless of whether the tartar is breaking off or not. Dental professionals use specialized tools and professional equipment to remove tartar from teeth and infected gum pockets.
Treatment Options
The appropriate dental treatment depends on the severity of the tartar buildup, including:
- Professional Dental Cleaning (Regular Cleaning): This dental cleaning procedure involves removing visible tartar from the teeth using special tools. Regular cleanings, typically performed every six months, are the best way to prevent tartar buildup from becoming a problem.
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): For severe tartar buildup that has caused gum disease, this procedure removes tartar from below the gum line and smooths rough areas on the root surfaces of your teeth to prevent further plaque and tartar accumulation. In severe gum disease, some patients may experience loose teeth after deep cleaning due to the damage of tooth-supporting tissues.
- Gum Flap Surgery: In cases of advanced gum disease and severe tartar buildup, flap surgery may be recommended. This more invasive procedure involves cutting and folding back the gum tissue to perform a more effective scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and shrink gum pockets.
- Improving oral hygiene practices: Incorporate daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria. Enhancing your oral hygiene routine is crucial to prevent the recurrence of tartar buildup.
In addition to these treatments, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain medicines to manage any discomfort associated with tartar removal. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are essential for preventing tartar formation and ensuring long-term oral health.
Effective Strategies to Prevent Tartar Buildup
Your best defense against the formation of tartar is a consistent and thorough oral care routine. Here are some essential tips to help maintain your dental hygiene and prevent tartar buildup:
- Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. Ensure proper brushing technique, covering all tooth surfaces, including the chewing surface, for two minutes.
- Daily flossing: Use dental floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque and food debris between teeth, along the gum line, and hard-to-reach areas where toothbrushes can’t clean.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bad bacteria and plaque, promoting a healthy mouth.
- Routine dental visits: Schedule regular checkups and professional teeth cleanings with your dentist to remove tartar that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing.
- Limit sugary and starchy Foods: Maintain a balanced diet and limit the intake of sugary foods and starchy foods that encourage bacterial growth.
- Avoid tobacco products: Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, as they increase the risk of plaque buildup and other oral health issues.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, particularly warm water, to help wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the teeth and neutralizes acids in the mouth.
- Consider a water flosser: A water flosser can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially for hard-to-reach areas and ensuring a thorough cleaning.
By incorporating these practices into your daily dental care routine, you can effectively prevent the buildup of tartar, ensuring better dental health and reducing the risk of oral health issues.
Conclusion: Maintaining a Tartar-Free Smile
Tartar breaking off teeth can cause discomfort, such as tongue sores and tooth sensitivity. If the sticky substance of tartar buildup is not removed regularly, it can lead to complications like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. It’s essential to visit your dentist for tartar removal, regardless of whether it is breaking off or not. The appropriate treatment, which may include professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, or flap surgery, depends on the severity and extent of the buildup.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental appointments are crucial steps to prevent tartar buildup and ensure healthy teeth and gums. By consistently removing the sticky layer of plaque before it hardens into tartar, you can maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.
