A 42-year-old member asked:
is it possible for plaque to break away from the teeth/tooth?
4 doctor answers
Dr. SCOTT HARWOOD answered
45 years experience Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Yes : Plaque deposits can break off of the teeth. However, waiting for that to happen is not as wise as going to the dentist for a good cleaning.
Answered on Feb 17, 2013
1
1 thank
Dr. Robert Mokbel answered
42 years experience Dentistry
Very Rarely: Dental plaque is by nature a thin sticky film that covers the surfaces of the teeth, it hardens in 24 hours and then it becomes tarter ( calculus) , it is possible for a small piece of tarter to chip away, it is best if you get everything removed by a heath care professional.
Answered on Dec 3, 2012
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1 comment
Dr. Ronald Achong commented
18 years experience Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Great answer. I agree 100%
Dec 3, 2012
Dr. Yigal Prilutsky answered
20 years experience Dentistry
Yes: It is possible and desirable! that's the main goal of brushing and flossing. You want to remove plaque before it hardens and turns into tartar.
Answered on Oct 22, 2018
2
2 thanks
Dr. Arnold Malerman answered
53 years experience Orthodontics
Terminology: Dental plaque is composed of bacteria and food debris. It is soft, sticky, and easily removed w toothbrush and dental floss or water pik. If calcium from your saliva accumulates in the plaque on the teeth, it hardens into tarter (what dentists cal calculus). Gum damaging tarter usually needs to be removed professionally, it won't fall off on its own. Please see your dentist.
Answered on Oct 22, 2013
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1 comment
Dr. Susan Hollinsworth commented
43 years experience Dentistry
I agree but sometimes a calculus(hardened plaque) chunk can come off with a pick or even your fingernail if it is large enough and soft enough to get under it. This doesn't happen very often, but I know many people who try to pick it off.Sometimes they can get a little chunk of it, but a dentist and/or hygienist needs to remove the bulk of it,especially under the gum.
Oct 22, 2013
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A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. John DeWolf answered
40 years experience Dentistry
Exam: If what came off was calculus (tartar), that's fine. If it was tooth or filling, it's something that will need attention. Best bet is to get it checke ... Read More
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. John Thaler answered
41 years experience Prosthodontics
Not Good: Not good, BUT, you might have only dislodged a piece of the buildup (calculus/tartar) and not your actual tooth. Likely that is the case. See your Den ... Read More
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A 49-year-old female asked:
Dr. Zev Kaufman answered
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Baby : Baby teeth and plaque are not related.
As the matter of fact, it is actually good that your daughter still has her baby teeth, if her oral hygiene is ... Read More
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A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. John DeWolf answered
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Yes: The tannins and other agents in wine tea and coffee are fully capable of causing these stains. Of course the solution is proper plaque removal with br ... Read More
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