What is dental calculus?
Dental calculus, also known as tartar or calcified plaque, is a hard, calcified deposit that forms on teeth when dental plaque is not removed regularly through brushing and flossing. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It’s made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If not removed regularly, plaque can harden into calculus, which is more difficult to remove.
Calculus formation is primarily composed of calcium phosphate crystals. This calcified plaque can lead to various oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
A recent study has found that 68% of adults have dental tartar. Hardened plaque forms when we don’t brush and floss regularly. If you let plaque hang around for too long—like just 24 to 72 hours—it can harden up into tartar and weaken tooth enamel. Tartar buildup can impede proper oral hygiene, resulting in an increased risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, forms of gum disease, and halitosis. Since tartar adheres firmly to the tooth surface, it must be professionally removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Causes of Dental Calculus
While maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, oral bacteria can still accumulate in the mouth, especially after consuming sugary foods or starchy foods. These bacteria create a sticky film called dental plaque that coats the teeth, gums, and dental restorations. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, which requires professional removal.
Several factors can increase the risk of plaque buildup, including:
- Consuming high-sugar foods like candies, desserts, and pastries
- Consuming carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, pasta, and potato chips
- Experiencing dry mouth due to inadequate water intake or certain medications
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
How Do Dentists Diagnose Calculus?
During a routine dental examination, your dentist can assess your oral health and identify any signs of dental tartar buildup. If they suspect the tartar has contributed to sensitive teeth, cavities, gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), or other issues, they may recommend additional procedures:
- Dental X-rays: These images can reveal hidden cavities or bone loss around your teeth.
- Measuring gum pockets: Deeper gum pockets can indicate signs of gum disease.
Treating Tartar Buildup
Unfortunately, removing tartar at home isn’t recommended. It hardens considerably, making it difficult to remove safely. Attempting to scrape it off yourself can damage your tooth surface or roots.
The only effective treatment for tartar buildup is a professional cleaning performed by a dentist or hygienist. They use specialized tools to gently remove the tartar without harming your teeth.
Depending on the severity of your tartar buildup, your dentist may recommend:
- Dental cleaning: This routine procedure removes tartar and plaque from your teeth, promoting healthy teeth and preventing future issues.
- Gum disease treatments: If your tartar buildup has led to gum disease, your dentist may recommend additional treatments to address the infection and promote gum health.
- Scaling and Root Planning: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar on the tooth root, below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to help prevent gum disease.
Preventing Dental Tartar Buildup
To minimize calculus build-up and maintain good oral hygiene habits:
- Daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes.
- Flossing once a day to remove food debris trapped between teeth.
- Limiting sugary and starchy foods that contribute to plaque buildup.
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings (typically every 6 months) for professional cleaning and oral health assessment.
By following these tips and addressing any existing tartar buildup with a professional cleaning, you can keep your teeth healthy, strong, and less prone to sensitivity or discoloration.
Dental Calculus Removal
Tartar forms a strong bond with tooth enamel and can only be removed by a dental professional. Common dental care procedures include professional cleaning, debridement, and scaling and root planning.
If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may use a special technique or numbing agent to make the cleaning more comfortable. For more severe cases of tartar buildup or gum disease, a deeper cleaning procedure may be necessary.
By prioritizing oral care routine and following these preventive measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of tartar buildup and maintain a healthy teeth.
Risk Factors for Calculus Formation
Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened form of dental plaque that can lead to various oral health problems. Several factors can increase your risk of calculus formation:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day can contribute to plaque buildup, which can eventually harden into tartar.
- Dietary Habits: Consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods and drinks can create an environment that promotes bacterial growth, leading to plaque and tartar formation.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and other tobacco products can irritate the gums and reduce blood flow to the mouth, making it more difficult to fight off bacteria and prevent plaque buildup.
- Braces: Braces can make it more challenging to clean teeth thoroughly, increasing the risk of plaque and tartar accumulation.
- Dry Mouth: A dry mouth can reduce saliva production, which helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. This can lead to increased plaque and tartar formation.
Consequences of Tartar Buildup
If tartar is not removed, it can cause several oral health problems, including:
- Gum Disease: Tartar can irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis and periodontitis, which can cause gum swelling, bleeding, and even tooth loss.
- Cavities: Tartar can create a protective shield for bacteria, making it easier for them to erode tooth enamel and cause cavities.
- Bad Breath: Tartar can contribute to bad breath by creating a breeding ground for bacteria that produce unpleasant odors.
- Discolored Teeth: Tartar can build up on teeth, causing them to appear stained or discolored.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth when bacteria feed on sugar and other food particles. It can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional.
