Tartar Broke Off While Flossing: What to Do

When tartar breaks off while flossing, it can be both surprising and concerning. This unexpected event raises questions about your dental health and the integrity of your teeth. This article delves into what it means when tartar breaks off and the important steps you should take to address this issue. Curious about the implications for your oral health and what to do next? Read on to find out.

Understanding Tartar: What Is It and How Does It Form?

Understanding tartar, or dental calculus, is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Tartar forms when dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, is not removed through proper oral hygiene practices.

Formation of Tartar

Tartar buildup occurs when plaque on the tooth surface hardens over time due to the minerals in saliva. This hardened plaque, or tartar, adheres firmly to the enamel surface and cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing alone.

Location of Tartar Accumulation

When tartar accumulates, it typically forms along the gum line. If not properly managed, it can cause gum irritation, bleeding gums, and gum disease.

Causes of Tartar Buildup

Poor oral hygiene, irregular dental cleanings, and a diet high in sugary foods can accelerate tartar formation. Leftover food particles contribute to plaque growth, which eventually hardens into tartar.

Exacerbation of Dental Issues

Once tartar forms, it creates a rough surface on the teeth, making it easier for more plaque to accumulate, exacerbating the problem. This cycle can lead to more significant dental issues over time.

Professional Removal

Only a dentist or dental hygienist can effectively remove or prevent tartar buildup through professional cleanings.

Why Tartar Might Break Off While Flossing

When tartar breaks off while flossing, it can be unexpected and concerning. Understanding why this happens can help you take appropriate steps to prevent tartar and maintain oral health.

Hardened Plaque: Tartar, or dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has adhered to the tooth surface. Over time, this hardened plaque can become brittle and may break off during dental flossing.

Improper Flossing Technique: Using excessive force or an improper technique while flossing can dislodge tartar. This is particularly likely if the tartar has built up significantly and hard tartar is loosely attached to the tooth surface.

Existing Dental Issues: Tartar is more likely to break off if there are underlying dental problems, like gum disease or weakened tooth enamel. These issues can weaken the bond between the tartar and the tooth itself.

Regular Flossing: Regular and thorough flossing can remove plaque and sometimes dislodge small pieces of tartar that have not fully adhered to the teeth. This is generally a positive sign of effective dental hygiene, although it can be surprising.

Advanced Tartar Formation: In cases of significant tartar buildup, the calculus can become layered and less stable, making it more prone to breaking off during regular dental hygiene practices like flossing.

Immediate Steps to Take When Tartar Breaks Off

When tartar breaks off while flossing, it is essential to take immediate steps to manage the situation and ensure your oral health remains intact.

Rinse Your Mouth

After noticing that tartar has broken off, gently wash your mouth with warm water to get rid of any loose particles and cleanse the affected area. This helps prevent any debris from causing irritation or further issues.

Examine the Area

Carefully check where the tartar broke off for any signs of gum irritation, bleeding, or a chipped tooth. Identifying any immediate problems can help you take appropriate action.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Continue your oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and gently flossing. Maintaining cleanliness helps prevent further plaque buildup and supports gum health.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash can reduce bacteria and prevent infection in the area where the tartar broke off. This step is especially beneficial if you notice any gum irritation.

Avoid Hard Foods

Until you can see your dentist, steer clear of hard or sticky foods that could damageo to the afected area. Instead, choose softer foods that are gentle on your teeth and gums.

Schedule a Dental Appointment

Book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Let them know about the tartar breaking off and any symptoms you have observed. A professional examination is essential to ensure no underlying issues and remove any remaining tartar.

By following these steps, you can handle the situation when tartar breaks off while flossing and maintain your oral health until you can visit your dentist.

Potential Risks and Complications of Broken Tartar

When tartar breaks off while flossing, it is essential to understand the risks and complications that may arise. Addressing these concerns promptly can help maintain optimal oral health.

Gum Irritation and Inflammation: Broken tartar can lead to gum tissue irritation and inflammation. Sharp edges of the broken tartar can cause minor cuts or abrasions, increasing the risk of infection and discomfort.

Tooth Decay: Tartar is the hard form of plaque that harbors bacteria. When tartar breaks off, it can leave behind rough surfaces and crevices where bacteria can thrive, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay.

Gum Disease: The presence of tartar and the associated bacteria can contribute to gum disease. When tartar breaks off, it can expose the underlying gum tissue to infection, potentially leading to gingivitis or periodontitis if not addressed promptly.

Increased Sensitivity: The area where tartar has broken off may become more sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. This increased sensitivity can cause discomfort and may indicate underlying dental issues.

Chipped or Damaged Teeth: Tartar breaking off can sometimes chip or damage tooth enamel, especially if the tartar was firmly attached. This damage can weaken the tooth structure and necessitate dental treatment.

Potential for Infection: If the broken tartar causes cuts or abrasions in the teeth healthy gum tissue, there is a risk of infection. Bacteria can enter these openings and lead to abscesses or other oral health complications.

Difficulty in Removing Remaining Tartar: Once tartar breaks off, it can be challenging to ensure that all remaining tartar is removed without professional dental cleaning. Leftover tartar can continue to cause oral health issues if not thoroughly addressed.

Professional Dental Treatments for Tartar Removal

When tartar buildup becomes problematic, dental professional and dental treatments are essential for effective removal and maintaining oral health. Here are the key treatments that dental professionals in Dr Jack Bella Vista Dentist clinic use to address tartar accumulation.

Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning procedure is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Scaling involves removing tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach to the teeth and preventing further tartar buildup. This treatment is especially beneficial for patients with gum disease.

Ultrasonic Scaling: Dentists often use ultrasonic scalers, which employ high-frequency vibrations to break up tartar. These scalers have a water spray to wash away debris and cool the area. Ultrasonic scaling is highly efficient and less invasive, thoroughly cleaning both the visible tooth surfaces and below the gum line.

Polishing: After scaling, teeth are polished to remove any remaining plaque and stains, making it harder for tartar to form in the future. Polishing leaves the tooth surfaces smooth and shiny, enhancing the overall appearance of your smile.

Fluoride Treatment: After tartar removal, a fluoride treatment may be administered to fortify tooth enamel and guard against decay. Fluoride treatments help remineralize enamel that may have been weakened by the acids produced by bacteria in plaque and tartar.

Antibacterial Mouth Rinses: Dentists may recommend or provide antibacterial mouth rinses to reduce bacteria in the mouth and help prevent gum disease. These rinses can be particularly beneficial after scaling and root planing to ensure the gums remain healthy and infection-free.

Laser Therapy: In some cases, laser therapy may remove tartar and treat gum disease. Lasers can effectively target and remove infected tissue and tartar without damaging healthy tissue. This method can reduce discomfort and promote faster healing.

Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine dental appointments for exams and professional cleanings are essential for preventing tartar accumulation. These appointments enable your dentist in Pennant Hills, NSW at Beyond 32 Dental to oversee your oral health and offer timely interventions to address any issues before they escalate.

When tartar breaks off while flossing, it can signal underlying dental issues that need attention. It’s essential to consult with your dentist to ensure no complications and to discuss professional cleaning options.