Feeling a hard, stone-like fragment break away from a tooth can be alarming, prompting concern about a chipped tooth. While soft dental plaque does not “chip off,” its hardened form, called calculus or tartar, absolutely can break away from the tooth surface. Plaque is a colorless biofilm of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that forms constantly. If this soft material is not removed regularly, it absorbs minerals from saliva, turning into a brittle, calcified deposit that can detach. This detachment is usually a sign of significant mineral buildup that warrants professional dental attention.
Understanding the Difference Between Plaque and Calculus
Plaque is a soft, sticky substance that is mostly colorless or pale yellow, making it difficult to see. This film is primarily made up of living bacteria and can be effectively removed at home with daily brushing and flossing. Plaque begins forming minutes after cleaning and, if left undisturbed, can harden into calculus in as little as 10 to 12 days through mineral absorption.
Calculus, often referred to as tartar, is the mineralized form of plaque, incorporating calcium and phosphate from saliva. Unlike plaque, calculus is a rough, crusty, hard deposit that typically appears yellow, brown, or black, especially along the gumline. This hardened material is firmly bonded to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed by regular at-home oral hygiene methods. It requires professional scaling tools used by a dentist or dental hygienist for complete removal.
The material that chips off is nearly always this brittle calculus, which behaves like a rock-like material that can fracture under stress. To confirm the material is calculus, examine the piece: if it crumbles under mild pressure, has a dull yellow or brownish color, and is not a solid white tooth fragment, it is tartar.
Why Hardened Deposits Sometimes Chip Away
Hardened calculus is a brittle substance, and its detachment is usually due to external forces breaking the bond between the deposit and the tooth surface. Biting down on hard or crunchy foods can exert enough force to dislodge a piece of the calcified material. Aggressive or improper brushing and flossing techniques can also provide the mechanical stress needed to chip away at significant buildup.
The location of the buildup plays a role, as deposits behind the lower front teeth are common areas for this detachment to occur. In some cases, the calculus buildup can become so heavy that the lack of support causes a portion to break off under the normal stresses of chewing. While chipping may be a sensation of relief, it often indicates a large, long-standing accumulation that signifies an underlying issue with oral hygiene or gum health. Detachment can also be a sign of advanced gum disease, where receding gums or inflammation loosen the tartar’s hold.
Next Steps After Noticing a Chipped Piece
If you feel a piece of hard material chip away, contact a dental professional immediately. It is difficult to distinguish between calculus and actual chipped tooth enamel, and a dentist can quickly determine the source of the fragment. When calculus breaks off, it frequently leaves behind a rough or sharp edge of remaining tartar on the tooth.
This sharp edge can irritate the tongue, gums, and other soft tissues in the mouth. Avoid attempting to scrape or remove the remaining jagged material yourself, as this can cause damage to the gums or the tooth’s surface. The dental professional will safely remove any residual calculus using specialized tools and examine the area for damage or signs of gum disease. They will recommend a professional cleaning and advise on prevention, which involves brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing daily, and attending regular professional cleanings.