Tartar Broke off While Flossing! What Should I do Now?

Flossing is an integral part of maintaining good oral hygiene, aimed at removing plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. This is why experiencing tartar breaking off teeth while flossing can be an alarming experience.

Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is hardened plaque that has firmly attached to the tooth surface. It can lead to a variety of dental issues, including gum disease and tooth decay, if not properly managed.

In this article, we delve into the reasons behind tartar detachment during flossing, its implications for your oral health, and the steps you can take to prevent such occurrences.

What Should I Do If Tartar Breaks Off While Flossing?

If tartar breaks off while you’re flossing, it can be scary, but you shouldn’t worry too much.

Here’s what you should do:

Don’t Panic

Try not to panic. Tartar breaking off can be surprising, but it’s not always a sign of a major dental problem. It may indicate that the tartar was already loosened, possibly due to your diligent oral hygiene routine.

Examine Your Mouth

Gently examine your mouth to see if there are any sharp edges or discomfort that might indicate a larger piece of tartar has broken off. Be cautious not to poke or prod too hard, as this could cause injury to your gums or teeth.

Rinse Your Mouth

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash. This can help clean the area and remove any small particles that may have been dislodged along with the tartar.

Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Continue with your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. This will help prevent further plaque and tartar buildup.

Monitor for Any Changes

Keep an eye on the area where the tartar broke off. Look out for signs of irritation, swelling, or bleeding. If you notice any changes or if the area becomes painful, it may be time to consult your dentist.

Schedule a Dental Check-Up

Even if there are no immediate signs of discomfort, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up with your dentist. They can examine your mouth to ensure there’s no underlying damage and perform a professional cleaning to remove any remaining tartar.

Discuss Preventive Measures

Use this opportunity to discuss with your dentist any preventive measures you can take to avoid future tartar buildup. This might include improvements to your brushing technique, the use of specific dental hygiene products, or more frequent professional cleanings.

Consider Professional Cleaning

If tartar frequently breaks off or if you have a significant buildup, professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist is necessary. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove tartar without damaging your teeth or gums.

If you are thinking about how to remove tartar from teeth without a dentist, I don’t recommend trying it. There are some home remedies you can try to improve your situation, but the best option is to see your dentist and let a professional treat you.

What Broke Off Of My Tooth When I Was Flossing?

If you notice something breaking off of your tooth while flossing, it’s important to determine whether it was tartar (dental calculus) or a piece of the tooth itself.

Here’s how to identify what broke off and what steps you should take next:

Identifying What Broke Off

• Tartar: Tartar is hardened plaque that has accumulated on the teeth. It can vary in color from yellow to brown. If the piece that broke off is hard, crusty, and was attached to the surface or between the teeth, it’s likely tartar. Tartar removal can sometimes happen during vigorous flossing, especially if it was already loosened by previous dental hygiene activities.
• Tooth Fragment: A piece of the tooth might break off due to decay, injury, or weakness. This fragment could be part of the tooth’s enamel, a filling, or a part of a decayed tooth. It might feel harder than tartar and more integral to the tooth’s structure. If you’re unsure, compare the broken piece to your teeth. Look for a missing part or a new rough or sharp edge on your tooth.

Steps to Take

1. Examine your mouth: Carefully check your teeth and gums in a mirror. Look for any visible damage or changes to your teeth where the piece broke off.
2. Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce the risk of infection.
3. Save the fragment: If possible, save the broken piece in a clean container. If it’s a part of the tooth or a filling, your dentist may want to see it.
4. Avoid using the damaged tooth: Try not to chew on the side of the mouth where the breakage occurred to prevent further damage.
5. Contact your dentist: Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Explain what happened and describe the piece that broke off. Your dentist will need to examine your mouth to determine the next steps, whether it’s removing remaining tartar, repairing the tooth, or other treatments.
6. Follow dental hygiene practices: Continue with your oral hygiene routine, being gentle around the affected area until you can see your dentist.

Preventing Future Breakage

• Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings to prevent tartar buildup and to catch any potential issues early.
• Ensure you’re using proper flossing techniques to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.
• Consider using tools like soft picks or water flossers if traditional flossing is challenging or if you have a lot of tartar buildup.

Preventing tartar buildup

Here are effective strategies to prevent tartar buildup:

Maintain good Oral Hygiene

• Brush Twice a Day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for two minutes, ensuring you cover all surfaces of your teeth.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash: This helps kill bacteria that contribute to plaque formation.

Choose the Right Toothpaste

Opt for toothpaste containing anti-tartar ingredients like pyrophosphates and zinc citrate, which can help prevent tartar formation. Some toothpastes also contain triclosan to fight plaque and bacteria.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Limit sugary and starchy foods that can contribute to plaque formation. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber to stimulate saliva flow, which helps protect against cavities and tartar buildup.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for the development of tartar and gum disease. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the likelihood of tartar buildup and improve overall oral health.

Regular Dental Checkups

Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. These visits allow removing tartar that can’t be eliminated with at-home care and for catching any potential issues early.

Consider Dental Sealants

For individuals prone to tartar buildup, dental sealants can provide an additional layer of protection against plaque and tartar on the back molars, where decay often starts.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of plaque and tartar formation.

Use Dental Tools Appropriately

If you use interdental brushes or water flossers, ensure you’re using them correctly to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of tartar buildup and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

What other dental conditions may seem like it but is not fallen off tartar?

A condition that may seem like tartar has fallen off but is actually different is a missing filling. This condition shares similarities with fallen-off calculus, such as the sensation that something is missing in your mouth and a sharp feeling when you run your tongue over the area.

A key difference is that a missing filling is likely to be sensitive or potentially painful because it exposes dentin, whereas fallen-off tartar reveals enamel underneath, which does not lead to sensitivity or pain.

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