Imagine you’re enjoying a delicious meal or brushing your teeth when something crunchy grinds in between. Did a part of your teeth just break off?! Before the horror sets place, remember that it might just be tartar breaking off teeth instead of your actual tooth falling out!
It can be frightening to think that your teeth could break off in pieces. The feeling of a fractured tooth fragment in your mouth can be unsettling, whether it happens during dental care when you’re eating or on a random sunny day. So in this blog, let’s talk about why tartar might be breaking off your teeth and if it’s a cause of concern just yet…
What is tartar?
There are many names for tartar such as dental calculus and a calcium buildup on your teeth. But what exactly is tartar, and where does it come from? Tartar forms when dental plaque isn’t removed properly, which creates a hardened and more permanent version that can’t be removed by just brushing.
Plaque itself is a sticky layer of germs that solidify around your teeth, especially if you consume a lot of starchy and sugary meals. Without flossing and regular brushing, plaque gets mineralized which eventually turns into tartar.
Why is tartar breaking off back of teeth?
There are more reasons than one for tartar at the back of teeth chipping away, and we’ll talk to you about them all now. Here are 3 reasons why you’re noticing tartar breaking off teeth:
Improper brushing and flossing methods
Plaque and tartar mostly accumulate when you’re not brushing or flossing effectively. Missing spots or using the wrong gestures are the main reasons why these germs accumulate, especially in the back of the teeth.
Hence, if you brush or floss aggressively or improperly, it can cause a chunk of this accumulation to chip off and fall out. So, it’s possible that tartar broke off while flossing or you might notice the back of bottom front tooth chipped off when eating something hard.
Gum disease
A longstanding buildup of tartar can cause gum irritation that quickly turns into gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis. As this gum disease worsens, gum recession causes more tooth surfaces to be exposed and promotes the likelihood of tartar breaking off back of teeth.
Dental procedures
Last but not least, tartar might chip off your teeth as your dentist removes tartar accumulation during dental procedures like scaling and root planning. This one is completely safe and is intended to happen during the treatment so you have nothing to worry about!
Is tartar breaking off a good sign?
In general, calcium buildup on teeth breaking off is not a good sign because it can mean that there are deeper problems with your dental health.
While removing tartar build-up in itself may be of some benefit, a large piece of tartar broke off can be an indication of more serious dental issues such as:
- Gum disease (Tartar that breaks off could be a sign of advanced gum disease where gum recession or inflammation has caused the tartar to become loose),
- Poor oral hygiene (Tartar that breaks out from the teeth could indicate persistent issues with oral hygiene that need to be fixed to stop more build-up and possible dental concerns),
- Underlying dental issues such as cavities and weakened tooth enamel,
- Risk of tooth damage,
Is it tartar breaking off teeth or a chipped tooth?
It can be difficult to distinguish between a chipped tooth and tartar breaking off from teeth without a professional examination. However, there are a few significant differences that could aid you in distinguishing between the two:
| Texture | Sharp and jagged | Hard and gritty |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible break or fracture in the tooth structure, light in color | Yellow or brownish |
| Location | Anywhere on a tooth’s surface, especially the cusps or edges | Around the gum line or the space between teeth |
| Sensitivity | High sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and sweet foods. | Not usually, unless it was a large piece that exposed your tooth structure |
What does tartar look like when it breaks off?
Generally, tartar appears to be yellowish or brown. It can keep this tint when it breaks off, but other factors, such as its age and mineral content, may cause it to seem lighter or darker.
The texture of tartar is typically hard and crusty, resembling a piece of hardened clay or a rock. It appears the same when it breaks off, but if it has been partially dislodged or broken into smaller pieces, it may also become softer or crumbly. Tartar can also split into pieces that are different in size and thickness and have an uneven form.
What should you do if a large piece of tartar broke off?
It’s crucial to take the right action to treat the issue and preserve your oral health if a sizable piece of tartar comes from your teeth. Here’s what you should do:
- In order to determine the extent of the damage and any accompanying symptoms, such as pain or sensitivity, carefully inspect the area where the tartar broke off. Keep an eye out for indications of bleeding gums or exposed tooth structure.
- To get rid of any blood, tartar particles, or loose debris, gently rinse your mouth with warm water. Steer clear of mouthwash and chemical-based items that could worsen the area.
- Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain medicines can assist in reducing symptoms if you’re in any pain or discomfort. However, medications such as aspirin should not be applied directly to the affected area as this may irritate it.
- To stop more irritation or injury, try not to touch or poke at the place where the tartar broke off. Avoid trying to scrape out any last bits of tartar or debris by yourself since you risk becoming hurt or infected.
- Make an appointment as soon as you can with your dentist for additional assessment and care. Your dentist is best equipped to determine the degree of the damage while also cleaning the affected area and recommending the best course of action to treat any underlying problems like gum disease or tooth decay.
How to prevent tartar from building up?
There are many ways you can prevent tartar from building up in your teeth in the first place. After all, prevention is better than cure! Here is what you can do to ensure tartar never finds a home in your mouth at all:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with the right brushing methods.
- Floss daily, even if you hate the concept of it.
- Use a tartar-control toothpaste if you notice a plaque buildup forming.
- Limit yourself on your intake of sugary and starchy food.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash at least once a day.
- Get a dentist appointment occasionally to notice any dental diseases early on.
- Quit smoking as it can cause the plaque to mineralize into tartar.
FAQs
No, it’s close to impossible for your teeth to fall out after getting a deep cleaning at the dentist. Tartar removal is a safe and painless procedure that improves your overall oral health instead of making you lose a tooth.
Tartar damage can become permanent if it’s left untreated for long enough. Over time, tartar accumulation can result in numerous gum diseases, damage, and even enamel problems that can’t be treated. The easiest way to prevent this is to ensure regular brushing, flossing, and an occasional trip to the dentist to get your teeth checked out!
Final Thoughts
While not the worst, tartar accumulation to the point it breaks off poses a serious risk to your dental health. Along with gum diseases, it can permanently damage part of your teeth with a side of gum diseases that aren’t fun to deal with.
If you’ve noticed plaque, tartar buildup, or tartar breaking off teeth, book an appointment with Premiere Dental and let our professionals take it from there. With the right care, you won’t have to feel any pain in your teeth and get a sparkling smile in no time!
