A dentist or dental hygienist is effective at removing plaque and its hardened form, calculus, from teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on the surface of teeth.
If this soft film is not removed regularly through daily oral hygiene, it begins a process of mineralization, leading to a much tougher substance that cannot be removed at home. Professional intervention is necessary to eliminate this buildup, which is a primary cause of gum disease and tooth decay.
Understanding Plaque and Calculus
Plaque is the initial bacterial biofilm that develops on the teeth, feeding on sugars and starches to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. This soft, whitish film can be removed by proper brushing and flossing at home. If plaque is left undisturbed, however, it begins to attract mineral salts, primarily calcium and phosphate, from the saliva.
This process of mineralization causes the soft plaque to harden into dental calculus. Calculus can begin to form in as little as 24 to 72 hours, though it takes between 10 and 12 days to fully calcify into its hardened form. Once calculus has formed, it adheres firmly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by a toothbrush or floss. Calculus is a threat to oral health because its rough, porous texture attracts and traps even more plaque.
The Professional Removal Process
The removal of hardened calculus is achieved through a professional dental cleaning, often called scaling. Dental professionals use specialized tools and techniques to dislodge these deposits from the tooth surface, both above and below the gum line. The procedure typically begins with an examination to identify areas of calculus buildup, sometimes using X-rays to assess the extent of deposits below the gum line.
One common technique is ultrasonic scaling, which uses a device with a vibrating tip to break up the calculus. This tool simultaneously sprays a stream of water to flush away the debris and cool the tip. For more precise work or limited buildup, the dental hygienist may use manual scaling. This involves specialized instruments to scrape the calculus from the tooth surface. This tactile approach allows the professional to remove deposits from root surfaces and tight spaces.
After the calculus is removed, the teeth are polished using a low-speed handpiece fitted with a soft rubber cup and a mildly abrasive paste. Polishing is not primarily for stain removal, but rather to smooth the tooth’s surface, which makes it more difficult for new plaque to attach and accumulate. A professional fluoride treatment may also be applied to the cleaned surfaces to help strengthen the enamel and offer protection against future acid attacks.
Maintaining a Plaque-Free Mouth at Home
While professional cleaning removes calcified deposits, the patient’s daily routine manages the continuous formation of soft plaque. Effective at-home care focuses on disrupting the bacterial film before it has a chance to mineralize. This involves brushing twice a day for a full two minutes each time, using a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel.
Proper technique requires using gentle, short strokes to clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the outer, inner, and chewing areas. Flossing at least once daily is equally important, as this removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and beneath the gum line, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, remain a necessary part of prevention, allowing the dental team to remove any new calculus and monitor overall oral health.