Tartar buildup is a common dental concern that arises from the hardening of plaque on the teeth, usually due to inadequate oral hygiene. It often accumulates at the back of the front teeth, making it a prevalent issue for many.
In this article, we will explore the implications of tartar breaking off from the back of the teeth while flossing, and provide insights on what to do in such situations.
Quick Answer: What Should I Do If Tartar Breaks Off While Flossing?
If tartar breaks off while flossing, it’s crucial not to ignore it. While there’s nothing wrong with tartar chipping off of the tooth, it is an indication that your home care routine is inadequate and likely that you are due for a professional cleaning.
Maintain optimal oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to prevent further buildup.
Schedule a dental appointment for a professional assessment and cleaning to remove any remaining tartar and to address any underlying oral health concerns.
If you have so much tartar on your teeth that it chips off while flossing, there is a high likelihood that you also have dental issues (such as decay or bone loss) that should be identified and treated.
Understanding Tartar & Determining What Broke Off Your Tooth
Tartar is a hardened plaque (often found at the back of the lower front teeth) that can sometimes break off due to flossing, eating, or brushing. If something breaks off of your tooth, it is important to figure out whether the broken material was tartar or whether it was part of your natural tooth.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is a hardened form of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria coating our teeth.
It forms when plaque is not removed promptly through regular brushing and flossing.
Tartar is often yellow or brown in color and contributes to gum disease and bone loss.
What Broke Off Of My Tooth?
Tartar can sometimes break off, usually due to the force applied while flossing or brushing. If a hard, calcified piece is found in the mouth, it could likely be tartar. However, it is important to determine whether it was tartar, or whether it was actually part of the tooth.
Often, you can visually inspect your teeth in the mirror to determine whether the broken portion was part of a tooth, or whether it was tartar buildup. If in doubt, visit a dentist for a proper evaluation.
Attempting to remove tartar at home (with anything besides a toothbrush and dental floss) can lead to gum lacerations or damage to a tooth. Instead, schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with a good oral hygiene routine, to manage tartar buildup effectively.
Understanding the Importance
Discovering tartar pieces in your mouth can be unsettling, but immediate and thoughtful action can help address any immediate discomfort and prevent future occurrences.
Breaking off of tartar, while not a dental emergency, acts as a wake-up call to revisit and refine our daily oral care routines.
Rinse Thoroughly:
Initially, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to remove any remaining small pieces of tartar and bacteria, ensuring a clean oral environment.
Next, you should floss and brush your teeth to get things as clean as possible.
At this point, you should be able to determine whether the broken portion is tooth or tartar.
Schedule a Dental Visit:
If you’re frequently finding tartar pieces breaking off, it is a signal that there’s more buildup, and a dental visit can help address any underlying issues. A dentist can provide personalized advice and strategies to minimize tartar accumulation based on your specific oral health conditions.
Long-term Oral Care Routine:
Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using a mouthwash can help in maintaining oral health and preventing tartar formation.
Balanced nutrition and avoiding excessive sugary foods and drinks are also pivotal in maintaining optimal oral health.
Preventing Tartar Buildup
Preventing the formation of tartar is crucial as it is much easier to remove plaque while it’s still in a soft state, than to deal with hardened tartar. Here’s how you can be proactive in preventing tartar buildup:
Regular Dental Cleanings:
Attending regular dental cleanings will allow professionals to remove any plaque or tartar accumulated in areas hard to reach by regular brushing or flossing. This step is pivotal to avoid any long-term damage.
Brushing and Flossing:
Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth where your brush can’t reach.
Healthy Diet:
Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can fortify your teeth and gums. Limiting the intake of sugary snacks and drinks can significantly reduce the risk of plaque and tartar formation.
Use of Mouthwash:
Regularly using a mouthwash can help in reducing plaque and can prevent the formation of tartar and gum disease.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help in washing away food particles and bacteria, maintaining a cleaner oral environment.
Final Thoughts
Implementing preventative measures such as regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene practices, maintaining a healthy diet, and using a mouthwash can play a vital role in averting tartar buildup and ensuring the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Remember, maintaining oral hygiene is not just about keeping the teeth clean, but it's also pivotal for maintaining overall health — so don’t overlook the significance of a consistent and effective oral care routine.
FAQs
What happens if tartar breaks off?
Tartar breaking off of a tooth is not harmful, although it often serves as a warning sign that your dental hygiene is inadequate. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any further accumulation of plaque and tartar. If you notice tartar breaking off, it’s advisable to schedule a dental checkup to assess your oral health and receive a professional cleaning if necessary.
Why is my tartar breaking off?
Tartar may break off due to a significant buildup that has become heavy or brittle over time. This can happen when oral hygiene practices are not adequate, leading to the accumulation of plaque, which hardens into tartar. Consuming hard foods or brushing and flossing vigorously can also cause tartar to break off.
Can tartar just break off?
Yes, tartar can indeed break off if it has accumulated substantially, especially at the back of the teeth where it’s harder to reach with a toothbrush. While there is no harm in tartar breaking off while flossing, it is usually a sign of inadequate oral hygiene and a precursor to potential dental issues.
How do you break up tartar on the back of your teeth?
Other than daily flossing and brushing, it’s not recommended to attempt to break up tartar on your own, as this can damage the tooth enamel and gum tissue. For substantial tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the back of the teeth, professional dental cleaning is necessary to safely and effectively remove tartar and assess overall oral health.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.