Calcium deposits on teeth, commonly known as tartar or calculus, are hardened accumulations that significantly impact oral health. Addressing them is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing various dental issues.
Understanding Calcium Deposits
Dental plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. This biofilm forms when bacteria in the mouth mix with food particles and saliva. These bacteria produce acids that can damage tooth enamel. Plaque accumulates particularly in hard-to-reach areas like between teeth, along the gumline, and in molar crevices.
If not removed regularly through proper oral hygiene, plaque can absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate from saliva, causing it to harden. This hardened form is known as tartar, or dental calculus. Unlike soft plaque, tartar adheres strongly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home. Tartar can appear yellowish, brown, or even black. Its rough, porous surface creates an ideal environment for more plaque and bacteria.
Professional Removal
Once tartar has formed on the teeth, it requires professional intervention for effective removal. Dentists and dental hygienists use specialized tools and techniques to thoroughly clean the tooth surfaces. This process is known as dental scaling, which involves removing both plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline.
Scaling can be performed using manual instruments, which are small hand-held tools designed to scrape away deposits. Ultrasonic scalers are also employed, using high-frequency vibrations and a water spray to break down and dislodge tartar from various tooth surfaces, including within periodontal pockets.
After scaling, teeth are polished to smooth surfaces and remove remaining stains and plaque. This procedure typically uses a small rubber cup with abrasive paste or an air-polishing system.
At-Home Prevention and Maintenance
Maintaining consistent oral hygiene practices at home is important for preventing plaque from hardening into tartar and sustaining oral health after professional cleanings. Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a fundamental step. Effective brushing techniques involve using a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean all tooth surfaces for at least two minutes each time.
Flossing daily is equally important, removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and slightly below the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Traditional dental floss or interdental brushes can be used.
Incorporating an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria that cause plaque and tartar buildup, but it should not replace brushing and flossing. Limiting sugary and starchy foods also reduces the food source for bacteria that contribute to plaque formation.
Impact of Untreated Deposits
Allowing calcium deposits, or tartar, to remain on teeth can lead to several oral health complications. Tartar’s rough surface provides an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate, triggering inflammation of the gums, a condition known as gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, an advanced gum disease. This involves the destruction of tissues and bone supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loosening and loss.
Untreated tartar also contributes to persistent bad breath (halitosis) as bacteria produce foul-smelling compounds. Plaque and tartar create an acidic environment that can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.