While often called “calcium deposits,” the hard, crusty buildup on teeth is correctly termed dental calculus, or tartar. This material is a mineralized form of dental plaque, not simply settled calcium. Unlike soft, sticky plaque, calculus is a hardened substance firmly adhered to the tooth surface. Due to its rigid nature and strong attachment, existing dental calculus cannot be removed through simple at-home brushing or flossing. Safe and complete removal requires professional intervention by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Understanding the Nature of Dental Calculus
Calculus is a calcified mass of bacteria and organic material that forms when soft plaque remains undisturbed on the teeth. The process begins when food debris and oral bacteria combine to create plaque, a sticky biofilm. If plaque is not mechanically removed, it matures and hardens through mineralization.
Minerals in saliva, primarily calcium and phosphate ions, integrate into the plaque matrix, causing it to petrify. This mineralization can begin quickly, though it typically takes about 10 to 12 days for plaque to fully transform into hard calculus. Calculus consists of crystalline calcium phosphate salts, including hydroxyapatite, the main component of tooth enamel.
Calculus often forms near salivary glands, such as on the tongue-side of the lower front teeth and the cheek-side of the upper molars. Once formed, its rough, porous surface attracts more plaque, creating a cycle of buildup that leads to gum irritation and periodontal disease. Calculus is classified as supragingival (above the gum line) or subgingival (below the gum line), the latter being destructive to gum health.
Why Home Removal Methods Fail
Calculus adheres strongly to tooth enamel and root surfaces, making removal impossible with non-professional tools. Standard toothbrushes or floss are designed to remove soft plaque, not the dense, mineralized structure of tartar. Once plaque has hardened, specialized instruments and techniques are required to break its bond with the tooth.
Attempting to scrape calculus off at home using sharp objects or over-the-counter tools is ineffective and dangerous. These DIY methods risk damaging tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and dental problems. Improper scraping also causes trauma to delicate gum tissue, potentially resulting in gum recession, infection, or pushing calculus deeper below the gum line.
A major risk of self-removal is creating “burnished calculus,” where the outer layer is smoothed but not fully removed. This remaining smooth deposit is harder for a professional to detect and remove, while still harboring harmful bacteria and promoting inflammation. Only a trained professional has the necessary skill and sterile tools to safely access all surfaces, especially those below the gum line.
Essential Professional Removal Procedures
The definitive solution for removing existing dental calculus is a professional dental cleaning involving a procedure known as scaling. This treatment is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist using specialized instruments to meticulously remove the hardened deposits. Scaling targets calculus both above the gum line (supragingival) and below the gum line (subgingival).
Two main types of tools are used during the procedure: manual scalers and ultrasonic devices. Manual instruments are hand tools used to physically scrape the calculus off the tooth surface. Ultrasonic scalers are electric devices that use high-frequency vibrations to break up the tartar, often paired with a water spray to flush away debris and cool the tip.
For patients with deeper calculus deposits and signs of gum disease, cleaning may extend to a deeper procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling removes calculus and plaque from the tooth and root surfaces within the gum pockets. Root planing follows, smoothing the root surface to remove remaining toxins and embedded bacteria. This smoothing promotes gum reattachment and healing, serving as the first line of treatment to prevent periodontal disease progression.
Strategies for Preventing Recurrence
Preventing calculus recurrence relies on the consistent, mechanical removal of soft plaque before it mineralizes. This requires a rigorous daily self-care routine, beginning with proper toothbrushing. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush is recommended, ensuring all tooth surfaces, particularly near the gum line, are cleaned.
Daily flossing or using interdental cleaners is equally important, as a toothbrush cannot effectively reach tight spaces where plaque accumulates. Daily flossing disrupts the bacterial film in these inaccessible areas, preventing the initial stage of mineralization. Utilizing an anti-calculus toothpaste can also help, as these products often contain chemical inhibitors like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate.
These specialized ingredients interfere with the crystal formation process, keeping plaque in a softer, more manageable state for mechanical removal. Regular professional check-ups and cleanings, typically scheduled every six months, are the final measure of prevention. These visits allow the dental team to remove any minor deposits that have formed, ensuring the cycle of calculus buildup is continuously broken.