Tartar Breaking Off Teeth: Causes, Prevention and Treatment
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for dental health.
Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, can pose problems if not properly managed.
You don`t know whether it is a chipped tooth or tartar?
This article will explore the causes, prevention, and treatment options for tartar breaking off teeth.
Understanding Tartar Formation
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth when bacteria combine with food particles and saliva.
If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which can lead to oral health problems such as gum disease.
Tartar buildup is common in hard-to-reach areas and requires professional dental cleaning.
Causes of Tartar Breaking Off Teeth
Tartar, despite its hardened form, can become loose and break off from teeth under certain circumstances.
Several factors contribute to tartar breakage, including:
- Poor oral hygiene practices: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow tartar to accumulate and weaken the bond between the tartar and teeth. Over time, this can lead to the loosening and eventual breakage of tartar.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Individuals who grind their teeth, especially during sleep, put excessive pressure on their teeth. This constant grinding can cause tartar to loosen and eventually break off.
- Biting hard objects: Chewing on hard things, such as ice, pens, or fingernails, can also contribute to tartar breakage. The force exerted during biting can dislodge or fracture tartar from the tooth surface.
It is important to note that tartar breakage can occur even with regular oral hygiene practices if these contributing factors are present.
Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and being mindful of habits contributing to tartar breakage is essential for dental health.
Consequences of Tartar Breaking Off Teeth
When tartar breaks off from teeth, it can lead to various complications and oral health problems.
Understanding the consequences of tartar breakage is important for recognizing the importance of managing tartar buildup.
Here are some potential complications:
- Increased risk of tooth decay: Tartar provides a rough surface where bacteria can thrive, making it more difficult to clean the teeth effectively. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay as the bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel.
- Gum disease (periodontal disease): Tartar buildup can irritate the gums and cause inflammation, leading to gum disease. When tartar breaks off can expose the gums to further bacterial infection, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Gum disease can result in gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
- Tooth sensitivity: Loose tartar exposes the sensitive parts of the teeth, such as dentin and nerve endings. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, causing discomfort or pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Bad breath (halitosis): The presence of tartar provides a suitable environment for bacteria to multiply, leading to bad breath. Tartar breakage can exacerbate this issue, as the loosened tartar particles release a foul odour.
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene: Loose tartar can make maintaining proper oral hygiene practices challenging. It can obstruct the toothbrush bristles and prevent thorough cleaning, allowing bacteria to thrive and causing further oral health problems.
To prevent these complications, regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene practices, and prompt treatment of tartar buildup are essential.
Seeking professional dental care and following recommended treatment plans can help address tartar breakage and maintain optimal oral health.
Prevention of Tartar Buildup
Preventing tartar buildup is crucial for maintaining good oral health and avoiding its potential complications.
Here are some practical tips to help prevent tartar formation:
- Regular brushing and flossing techniques: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Pay attention to all tooth surfaces, including along the gum line, and brush for at least two minutes each time. Additionally, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and the gumline.
- Antimicrobial mouthwash: Incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine. This can help reduce the bacterial population in your mouth, preventing plaque buildup and minimizing tartar formation.
- Interdental cleaning tools: Consider using interdental cleaning tools like dental picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers. These tools can effectively clean areas difficult to reach with regular brushing and flossing, such as the spaces between teeth and around dental restorations.
- Healthy diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. These foods promote oral health by providing essential nutrients and stimulating saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles that can contribute to plaque formation.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking or using other tobacco products can increase the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. Quitting or avoiding tobacco can significantly improve oral health and reduce the likelihood of tartar formation.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can minimize tartar buildup and maintain a healthier smile.
However, it is important to remember that professional dental cleanings are still necessary to remove any stubborn tartar that may have formed despite your best efforts.
Home Remedies for Tartar Control
In addition to regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene practices, some natural remedies may aid in preventing tartar buildup.
While these remedies are not a substitute for professional dental care, they can complement your oral hygiene routine.
Here are some home remedies for tartar control:
- Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spitting it out. This practice is believed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup by removing bacteria and toxins from the mouth. Do oil pulling on an empty stomach before brushing your teeth is recommended.
- Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help remove plaque and surface stains from teeth. You can create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and use it as an alternative to regular toothpaste once or twice a week. However, it is important to use baking soda sparingly, as excessive use can erode tooth enamel.
- Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables can support oral health. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, act as natural cleansers for teeth. Their fibrous texture helps stimulate saliva production, which aids in cleansing the teeth and reducing plaque buildup.
It is important to note that while these home remedies may have potential benefits, they should be used in conjunction with proper oral hygiene practices and regular professional dental care.
It is always advisable to consult with your dentist before incorporating any new home remedies into your routine.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, remains the foundation for preventing tartar buildup and promoting overall oral health.
Treatment Options for Tartar Breakage
When tartar breaks off from teeth, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.
Here are some treatment options that can be considered when dealing with tartar breakage:
- Dental scaling: Dental scaling is a common procedure dental professionals perform to remove loose tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces. During scaling, the dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to scrape away the tartar and smooth the tooth surfaces carefully. This helps eliminate bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Restorative procedures: In some cases, tartar breakage can lead to damage on the tooth surface, such as cavities or fractures. Restorative procedures such as fillings or dental crowns may be necessary to repair and restore the affected teeth. These procedures help strengthen the teeth and prevent further deterioration.
- Periodontal treatment: If tartar breakage has resulted in gum disease, periodontal treatment may be required. This treatment aims to remove tartar below the gum line and treat any underlying gum infection. Procedures such as deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), antibiotic therapy, or gum surgery may be recommended depending on the severity of the gum disease.
It is important to consult with a dental professional to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on your specific situation. They will assess your oral health, consider the extent of tartar breakage, and recommend the necessary procedures to address the issue effectively.
Early intervention and proper treatment are crucial for preventing further complications associated with tartar breakage and maintaining optimal oral health.
Maintaining Oral Health After Tartar Breakage
After experiencing tartar breakage, it is important to maintain good oral health practices to prevent further issues and promote healing.
Here are some tips for maintaining oral health after tartar breakage:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Pay attention to all tooth surfaces, including where tartar broke off. Remember to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
- If your dentist has recommended specific treatment plans, such as restorative procedures or periodontal treatment, it is important to follow them diligently. This will help address underlying issues and promote healing in the affected areas.
- Maintain regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health and address any potential issues promptly. Your dentist can assess the healing progress, perform further cleanings if necessary, and provide guidance on maintaining oral health after tartar breakage.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall oral health. Avoid tobacco products as they can increase the risk of tartar buildup and gum disease. Limit sugary and acidic food and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Instead, opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support oral health.
- To prevent further tartar buildup, continue practising preventive measures such as using an antimicrobial mouthwash, incorporating interdental cleaning tools, and maintaining a healthy diet. These actions can help reduce plaque formation and minimize the risk of tartar recurrence.
By maintaining these habits and seeking regular dental care, you can effectively manage tartar breakage and promote optimal oral health.
Prevention is key, so staying committed to good oral hygiene practices is essential for long-term oral health after experiencing tartar breakage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tartar breakage can affect oral health, including tooth decay, gum disease, sensitivity, and bad breath.
However, through understanding the causes, prevention methods, and treatment options discussed in this article, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent tartar buildup and address any tartar breakage promptly.
By maintaining good oral hygiene practices, seeking professional dental care, and following recommended treatment plans, individuals can ensure a healthy and beautiful smile while minimizing the risks associated with tartar breakage.
