Accidental ingestion of dental tartar, also known as calculus, is a common concern, particularly following professional dental cleanings or when a piece naturally breaks off. Dental tartar is a hardened deposit that forms on the teeth. Swallowing a fragment prompts questions about the safety and physiological effects of introducing this foreign material into the digestive system. This information clarifies the nature of dental tartar and its journey through the body.
Understanding Dental Tartar Versus Cream of Tartar
Dental tartar is chemically distinct from the common household ingredient known as cream of tartar. Dental tartar is mineralized dental plaque, a hardened, inorganic deposit consisting primarily of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and magnesium phosphate. It forms when plaque absorbs minerals from saliva, creating a hard, cement-like structure that bonds strongly to the tooth enamel. This inert, biological mineral deposit is similar in composition to bone or tooth structure.
Cream of tartar is a white, powdery substance (potassium bitartrate) used in baking as a leavening agent or to stabilize egg whites. It is a potassium acid salt derived as a byproduct of the winemaking process. The two substances are completely unrelated chemically, and cream of tartar is a common, safe food additive. Concerns about swallowing dental calculus relate to its physical nature as a foreign body, not to any inherent toxicity.
The Digestive Process After Ingestion
When a small fragment of dental tartar is swallowed, it enters the gastrointestinal tract, beginning with the stomach. The stomach environment is highly acidic, relying on hydrochloric acid to break down food and destroy pathogens. However, dental tartar is a stable, inorganic material, making it resistant to rapid chemical dissolution by stomach acid.
The primary mineral components of tartar, such as calcium phosphate, are not easily broken down during the brief transit time through the stomach. Hydrochloric acid exposure is not prolonged or concentrated enough to significantly erode the dense, hardened structure of the calculus fragment. Consequently, the digestive system treats the swallowed piece of tartar like any other small, indigestible foreign body.
Once past the stomach, the fragment moves into the small and large intestines. Because the substance is inorganic and cannot be absorbed, it passes through the bowels virtually unchanged. The small piece of tartar is typically surrounded by food matter and waste products during transit, which helps cushion and protect the intestinal walls. Within a few days, the fragment is eliminated from the body through normal waste processes. For a healthy adult, ingesting a small chip of dental tartar presents no systemic or toxicological risk.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While ingesting small, smooth pieces of dental tartar is generally harmless, medical attention is warranted in specific, rare circumstances. Potential complications relate to the physical characteristics of the fragment, not its chemical composition. If the piece of calculus is particularly large or has sharp, jagged edges, it could pose a minimal risk of physical injury or obstruction.
One concern is if the fragment irritates or scratches the throat lining, causing persistent pain or difficulty swallowing that does not quickly resolve. More serious, though uncommon, is the possibility of the fragment becoming lodged in the digestive tract. This is more frequently associated with swallowing larger objects like dental appliances. If you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain, a fever, or continuous vomiting after swallowing a piece of tartar, these signs necessitate a physician’s evaluation. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable if you have any lingering discomfort or concern following accidental ingestion.