Dental Calculus: What It Is and How to Deal with It
Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that forms on teeth due to the mineralization of soft plaque. This process begins with the accumulation of food particles, bacteria, and calcium phosphate salts on the tooth surface. Over time, the soft plaque hardens into calculus, which can negatively impact dental and gum health. It is essential to detect and remove dental calculus promptly to prevent complications such as cavities, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss.
How Dental Calculus Forms The formation of dental calculus occurs when oral bacteria feed on food residues, particularly carbohydrates, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth. Over time, calcium salts from saliva settle on the plaque, leading to its mineralization and the development of calculus.
What Is Dental Plaque? Dental plaque is a soft deposit that forms on teeth and can quickly mineralize into calculus if not removed in time. This is why regular brushing and oral hygiene are crucial for preventing tartar buildup.
Types of Dental Calculus Dental calculus is classified into two types:
1.Supragingival Calculus – This type forms on the tooth surface above the gum line. It is often visible and may appear yellowish or brown. Patients can detect it by noticing changes in the appearance of their teeth.
2.Subgingival Calculus – This type forms beneath the gum line and can only be detected by a dentist. Subgingival deposits are often accompanied by symptoms such as gum redness, swelling, and bleeding. If these signs are present, consulting a specialist is recommended.
Causes of Dental Calculus Formation Several factors contribute to the formation of dental calculus, including:
Inadequate Oral Hygiene – Failing to brush and floss regularly allows food particles and bacteria to remain on teeth, leading to plaque buildup and its eventual mineralization into tartar.
Smoking and Other Harmful Habits – Smoking promotes plaque and calculus accumulation while also altering saliva composition, accelerating mineralization.
Malocclusion (Improper Bite) – Crooked or crowded teeth can make brushing difficult, increasing the risk of calculus formation.
Metabolic Disorders – Changes in saliva composition due to medical conditions can speed up plaque mineralization.
High Carbohydrate Intake – Sugary foods create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to plaque and tartar buildup.
Soft Food Consumption – A diet consisting mainly of soft foods does not naturally cleanse teeth, increasing the risk of calculus formation.
Dangers of Dental Calculus Tartar can lead to several serious dental problems:
Gum Disease – Plaque and tartar contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis. Subgingival calculus is particularly dangerous as it can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and pain.
Periodontal Pockets – Subgingival calculus can lead to the formation of periodontal pockets, which trap food and bacteria, resulting in inflammation, pus formation, and damage to the tooth-supporting structures.
Bad Breath (Halitosis) – The proliferation of harmful bacteria feeding on food debris and deposits can cause persistent bad breath.
Cavities – Over time, dental calculus can damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Calculus Formation on Dental Crowns Tartar can accumulate not only on natural teeth but also on dental crowns and prosthetics. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on crowns, potentially causing gum inflammation and deterioration of dental prostheses.
Common Locations of Dental Calculus Dental calculus frequently forms in areas with high saliva flow, such as:
The inner surface of the lower front teeth – Due to active saliva secretion, plaque and calculus accumulate quickly in this area.
How to Remove Dental Calculus Removing dental calculus requires professional dental care and involves several steps:
Ultrasonic Scaling – A dental scaler uses ultrasonic vibrations to remove both supragingival and subgingival deposits safely and effectively without damaging the enamel.
Air-Flow Cleaning – This method uses a pressurized stream of water, air, and fine powder to remove soft plaque and stains from the tooth surface.
Tooth Polishing – After tartar removal, teeth are polished with special brushes and pastes to smoothen the surface, reducing the likelihood of future plaque accumulation.
Preventing Dental Calculus To avoid tartar buildup, follow these essential guidelines:
Brush Teeth Twice Daily – Use a high-quality fluoride toothpaste to clean teeth thoroughly every morning and night.
Use Additional Oral Hygiene Products – Incorporate an oral irrigator, dental floss, and interdental brushes into your routine for better plaque removal.
Professional Dental Cleanings – Visit a dentist twice a year for professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar effectively.
Can Dental Calculus Be Removed at Home? It is not possible to safely remove dental calculus at home. Attempting to do so may damage the teeth and gums. The best approach is to maintain good oral hygiene and visit a dentist regularly for professional tartar removal.
By following these preventive measures and seeking professional care when necessary, you can maintain optimal oral health and keep your smile bright and healthy.