When a small piece of dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, dislodges from a tooth and is accidentally swallowed, it can cause immediate concern. This occurrence is frequent, especially during rigorous brushing, flossing, or a professional dental cleaning. Understanding the nature of this hardened material and how the body processes it provides reassurance, as the digestive system is capable of managing the passage of small, inert substances.
What Exactly is Dental Tartar?
Dental tartar is a calcified deposit that forms on the teeth and is strongly bonded to the enamel surface. It is a hardened form of dental plaque, a soft, sticky film composed of bacteria, food debris, and salivary proteins. If plaque is not removed consistently through daily oral hygiene, minerals from saliva—primarily calcium and phosphate—are deposited into the biofilm. This mineralization process causes the plaque to harden, typically within 24 to 72 hours, transforming it into calculus.
Once the plaque has calcified into tartar, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Tartar is porous, often appearing yellow or brown, and it serves as a rough surface that attracts more plaque. The material is a mixture of mineral components and dead bacteria.
The Body’s Response to Swallowed Tartar
Once dental tartar is swallowed, it enters the gastrointestinal tract and encounters the highly acidic environment of the stomach. Stomach acid, primarily hydrochloric acid, maintains a very low pH (typically between 1 and 2). This extreme acidity is sufficient to neutralize and kill the organic components of the tartar, including bacteria and debris.
The mineral components of the calculus, such as calcium phosphate, are exposed to this strong acid. While the hard structure may not fully dissolve immediately, the gastric acid begins to break down the material’s integrity. The digestive system is designed to handle non-digestible, inert materials, and the tartar moves from the stomach into the small and large intestines.
The rhythmic muscular contractions of the intestines, known as peristalsis, safely propel the remaining material through the digestive tract. Because the fragments are small and smooth, they pass without issue. The material, now stripped of its organic matter and partially demineralized, is safely excreted through the stool, typically within a few days.
Evaluating the Risks and Potential Side Effects
The act of swallowing dental tartar is generally considered harmless, and the material is not toxic to the body. A primary concern for many people is the potential for systemic infection from the bacteria present in the tartar. However, the powerful acidity of the stomach is highly effective at destroying most pathogens, preventing them from entering the bloodstream or establishing an infection in the digestive system.
Concerns about physical complications, such as choking or intestinal blockage, are also largely unfounded in the context of typical tartar fragments. The pieces that break off are usually quite small, making the risk of choking negligible. Furthermore, the small size and inert nature of the calcified material mean it is unlikely to cause an obstruction as it travels through the intestines.
It is important to distinguish the minimal risk of swallowing tartar from the serious health risks associated with chronic, untreated periodontal disease. In severe gum disease, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gums, which has been linked to systemic issues like heart disease. Swallowing calculus does not replicate this systemic entry of bacteria or cause heart problems.
Preventing Tartar Accumulation
The best way to avoid the concern of swallowing tartar is to prevent its formation in the first place. This requires diligent and consistent oral hygiene practices to remove plaque before it hardens. Brushing teeth for two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste is a fundamental step in plaque control.
Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line where a toothbrush cannot reach. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce the bacteria that contribute to tartar formation. Since only a dental professional can remove existing calculus, scheduling regular checkups and professional cleanings, often every six months, is necessary to keep the mouth healthy.