Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. These bacteria consume sugars from food and drinks, producing acids that can damage tooth enamel. Over time, this bacterial accumulation can harden, leading to oral health concerns. Many people notice a hardened piece detaching from their teeth, prompting questions about its nature.
Plaque Versus Tartar
Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar is important. Plaque is a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It adheres to tooth surfaces, particularly along the gumline and between teeth. If not removed regularly through effective brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate.
Within 24 to 72 hours, minerals in saliva begin to combine with soft plaque. This process, known as calcification, causes plaque to harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar is a rough, porous deposit that typically appears yellowish or brownish and can form above or below the gumline. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing at home, requiring professional dental intervention. What usually “falls off” a tooth is a piece of hardened tartar.
Reasons Hardened Deposits Detach
Hardened tartar deposits can detach from teeth due to mechanical forces during daily activities. Brushing teeth with a toothbrush, flossing, chewing firm foods, or grinding teeth can dislodge calculus. These actions create enough stress on brittle tartar to fracture and separate it from the tooth surface.
Tartar itself is a rough and porous material, susceptible to chipping or breaking. Natural wear and tear, coupled with slight movements of the teeth or gums, can gradually weaken the bond between calculus and enamel. While detachment might seem like a positive event, it often indicates a significant buildup that has become unstable. The remaining surfaces can feel rough and may still harbor bacteria, making the area prone to further plaque accumulation and oral health issues.
What to Do When Deposits Detach
If a hardened deposit detaches from a tooth, avoid attempting to remove any remaining calculus yourself. Using sharp objects or excessive force can damage tooth enamel, gums, or underlying dental work. Gently rinse your mouth with water or an antimicrobial mouthwash to clear any small fragments and temporarily reduce the bacterial load.
Scheduling a prompt dental check-up is advisable. A dental professional can assess the area to determine if any calculus remains and evaluate the health of your gums and teeth. They can identify any rough spots left by the detachment, which can serve as new areas for plaque to accumulate. A thorough cleaning can remove any remaining hardened deposits and address underlying issues that contributed to the calculus buildup.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Consistent oral hygiene practices prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. Brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste, helps remove plaque before it can calcify. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria. Mechanical removal through brushing is the primary defense against plaque formation.
Daily flossing is necessary to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas that toothbrushes cannot effectively reach. An antimicrobial mouthwash can further aid in reducing oral bacteria, though it should not replace brushing and flossing. Regular professional dental cleanings, typically every six months, are important for removing any tartar that has formed, as it cannot be removed at home. Limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks reduces the fuel for plaque-forming bacteria, supporting overall oral health.