More than 50% of adults have dental tartar. Most are not careful about their teeth, so dental plaque builds up. If that plaque is not cleared within 24 – 72 hours, it will become hard and form tartar. Tartar buildup can lead to difficulty brushing, cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Tartar cannot be removed at home. Only dental professionals can remove it, as tartar is strongly bonded with tooth enamel.

 

First, you need to know about plaque and how it turns into tartar. This blog post explains all that, along with why tartar breaks off teeth, what tartar looks like when it breaks off, and how to prevent tartar buildup.

 

What is a Dental Plaque?

 

Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth both above and below the gum line. Bacteria are present in the mouth to help in digestion. When saliva mixes with food and fluids, bacterial deposits are produced, which are stored in the teeth and form a sticky film called plaque. 

 

Plaque contains bacteria that produce dangerous acids that can attack tooth enamel and damage the gums. If bacterial buildup is not cleared through regular flossing and brushing, it could cause tooth decay, gum disease, and tartar buildup.

 

What is Tartar?

 

Tartar is a hardened dental plaque. If you do not regularly clear plaque buildup, it can become difficult to remove the hardened plaque, which is called tartar.

 

Dental plaque can be removed by flossing and brushing, but tartar, also called dental calculus, can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

 

What causes mouth tartar?

 

Mouth tartar is caused due to improper oral hygiene. Tartar is usually caused by the buildup of dental plaque, which builds up in the mouth regularly. Regular flossing and brushing can clear it up.

 

Can tartar buildup cause bad breath?

 

Yes, tartar could cause bad breath and bad taste as it could trap food particles between your teeth and gums.

 

Why Tartar is Breaking Off Teeth

 

When tartar forms, it bonds tightly to the enamel and gums, often requiring professional cleaning to remove it. However, in certain cases, tartar may break off on its own.

 

Tartar break-off can happen for a variety of reasons:

 

  1. Advanced Buildup: When tartar layers become thick, the buildup can loosen and chip off due to pressure from chewing or brushing.
  2. Diet or Lifestyle Factors: Hard or crunchy foods can sometimes dislodge tartar, especially if it has formed around the gumline.
  3. Underlying Dental Issues: Conditions such as gum disease, cavities, or weakened tooth enamel may cause tartar to break off and compromise tooth structures.
  4. Improper Brushing or Flossing: Excessive force during brushing or flossing can occasionally cause tartar fragments to come loose, although this is not a reliable way to remove tartar.
  5. Age of Tartar: Older deposits of tartar can become more brittle over time, cracking or flaking off in pieces.

 

What Does Tartar Look Like When It Breaks Off?

 

When tartar breaks off from the teeth, it often appears as small, hard, irregularly shaped pieces. These fragments are usually off-white, yellowish, or brown, depending on the duration of buildup and the presence of stains from food, drink, or smoking. Some common characteristics include:

 

  1. Size and Shape: Tartar can break off in various sizes, from tiny, sand-like granules to larger, pebble-sized chunks. The pieces are usually rough and gritty to the touch.
  2. Color: Fresh tartar tends to be pale yellow or off-white, while older tartar may appear darker due to the absorption of stains from coffee, tea, tobacco, or other substances.
  3. Texture: When you touch or rub a tartar fragment, it feels hard, almost like a grain of sand or a small stone. It may also feel sharp or jagged, especially if it has broken off from an area around the gumline.
  4. Consistency: Since tartar is calcified, it is much harder and more brittle than regular plaque. Therefore, when it breaks off, it feels solid rather than sticky or soft, like food debris or plaque.

 

Takeaway

 

Proper oral hygiene, like regular flossing and brushing, is the proper way to avoid plaque buildup and tartar. A professional dentist should remove Tartar or dental calculus. Even if you notice pieces of tartar breaking off, it’s crucial to consult your dentist. Tartar removal should be done in a controlled manner, as dislodged pieces can expose sensitive parts of the tooth and gums, leading to further dental complications. Contact Surya Dental Care for removing tartar from the teeth with proper care and advanced treatment methods.