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Introduction
When it comes to oral health, tartar buildup is a common issue that many people experience. Tartar is a hardened deposit of dental plaque that can accumulate on the teeth and gum line, causing bad breath and gum disease. While preventing tartar buildup through regular brushing and flossing is important, what happens if tartar breaks off? In this blog post, we will explore the potential consequences of tartar breaking off and how to address this issue.
The Risk of Infection
One of the primary concerns when tartar breaks off is the risk of infection. Tartar is made up of bacteria and other substances that can lead to infections if they enter the bloodstream. When tartar breaks off, it can create an entry point for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially cause a range of health issues. Infection can cause inflammation, fever, and in some cases, sepsis. Sepsis is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes damage to its tissues and organs.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is essential to take action when tartar breaks off. This can involve seeking professional dental care to remove the tartar and clean the affected area. Antibiotics may also be necessary to treat any existing infections and prevent new infections from occurring.
Tooth Sensitivity and Pain
When tartar breaks off, it can also lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. Tartar buildup can cause the teeth to become more sensitive to temperature changes and pressure, which can be exacerbated when the tartar breaks off. Additionally, if the tartar has been present for a long time, it may have caused damage to the tooth enamel or gum tissue, leading to pain and discomfort.
To address tooth sensitivity and pain caused by tartar buildup, it is essential to seek professional dental care. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatment options. These may include using desensitizing toothpaste, applying a fluoride gel, or in more severe cases, filling or root canal treatment.
Gum Disease
Tartar buildup is a significant risk factor for gum disease, which can lead to serious oral health issues if left untreated. When tartar breaks off, it can exacerbate the symptoms of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. Tartar can also cause the gums to recede, which can lead to tooth loss if not addressed.
To prevent gum disease caused by tartar buildup, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings. If tartar has already broken off and caused gum disease, a dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to remove the tartar and address the underlying issue.
Bad Breath
Tartar buildup can also cause bad breath, which can be embarrassing and negatively impact one’s confidence. When tartar breaks off, it can exacerbate bad breath by releasing bacteria and other substances that contribute to the unpleasant odor.
To address bad breath caused by tartar buildup, it is essential to seek professional dental care. A dentist can clean the affected area to remove the tartar and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as using mouthwash or addressing underlying dental issues that may be contributing to bad breath.
Tooth Decay
Tartar buildup can also contribute to tooth decay, which can cause significant damage to the teeth if left untreated. When tartar breaks off, it can expose the teeth to additional bacteria and other substances that can lead to tooth decay. Additionally, if the tartar has been present for a long time, it may have caused damage to the tooth enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay.
To prevent tooth decay caused by tartar buildup, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits and seek professional dental care. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as fillings or crowns to restore the affected teeth.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
When tartar buildup is severe, it can lead to chipped or cracked teeth. This can occur when the tartar has been present for a long time and has caused the teeth to weaken over time. When tartar breaks off, it can cause further damage to the already weakened teeth, leading to chipping or cracking.
To address chipped or cracked teeth caused by tartar buildup, it is essential to seek professional dental care. A dentist can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as dental bonding or crowns to restore the affected teeth.
Prevention
Preventing tartar buildup is essential to avoid the potential consequences of tartar breaking off. This includes practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings can help remove any tartar buildup before it becomes a problem.
It is also important to be aware of the risk factors that can contribute to tartar buildup, such as smoking, a high-sugar diet, and certain medical conditions. Taking steps to address these risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of tartar buildup and its associated consequences.
Conclusion
Tartar buildup is a common oral health issue that can lead to a range of potential consequences if left untreated. When tartar breaks off, it can create a risk of infection, tooth sensitivity and pain, gum disease, bad breath, tooth decay, and chipped or cracked teeth. To prevent these consequences, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits and seek professional dental care. By taking these steps, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums and avoid the potential consequences of tartar buildup.
