Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit on the teeth that complicates oral hygiene and contributes to gum issues. While daily brushing and flossing manage the softer precursors to calculus, the hardened material presents a unique challenge that makes non-professional removal nearly impossible. Understanding the difference between soft film and hard deposit is the first step toward effective dental care.
The Difference Between Plaque and Calculus
Plaque is a soft, sticky, and nearly invisible film that constantly forms on the teeth, composed of bacteria and food remnants. This biofilm can be safely and entirely removed at home through regular mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and floss. Plaque begins to form within minutes of eating and drinking, making consistent oral hygiene the primary defense against it.
If this soft plaque is not removed consistently, it begins to absorb minerals like calcium and phosphate from the saliva. This process, known as mineralization, causes the plaque to solidify into a hard, crust-like deposit called calculus or tartar. This transformation can begin in as little as 24 to 72 hours if plaque is left undisturbed. Unlike its soft precursor, calculus is a rough, porous material that clings tenaciously to the tooth surface and often appears yellow or brown.
Why Professional Intervention is Necessary for Calculus Removal
Once plaque hardens into calculus, it forms a dense, rock-like deposit that cannot be removed by simple brushing or flossing at home. The bond between the calculus and the tooth enamel is too strong for any non-professional method to break safely. Attempting to chip or scrape calculus off with household tools or non-professional dental picks is highly discouraged and poses significant risks.
Scraping the teeth with sharp objects can easily scratch tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity and creating rough surfaces where plaque accumulates quickly. Improper technique also causes trauma to the gum tissue, leading to recession, bleeding, and potential infection. Furthermore, a significant portion of calculus, known as subgingival calculus, forms below the gum line where it is invisible to the untrained eye.
Dental professionals use specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand curettes, to remove calculus. Ultrasonic scalers vibrate at a high frequency, fracturing the hard deposit from the tooth surface with minimal enamel damage. Hand curettes are then used with precision to clean the tooth surface, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and below the gum line. This professional scaling process requires specialized training and is followed by polishing to create a smooth surface, making it difficult for new plaque to adhere.
Proven Home Strategies for Preventing Calculus Formation
Since true calculus removal is restricted to the dental office, the most effective home strategy is rigorous prevention by managing plaque before it mineralizes. This involves meticulous attention to the technique and consistency of daily oral care. Brushing should be performed twice daily for a full two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush angled at 45 degrees toward the gum line.
This specific angle allows the bristles to clean the surface of the tooth while also gently sweeping away plaque from the gum-tooth margin. Using small, gentle circular motions is significantly more effective than aggressive horizontal scrubbing, which can damage gums and wear away enamel over time. The chewing surfaces and the often-missed back sides of the molars require equal attention during each session.
Flossing once a day is an equally important action, as it removes plaque from between the teeth and just beneath the gum line where toothbrush bristles cannot reach. The floss should be wrapped into a “C” shape around the side of each tooth and gently slid beneath the gum line, then moved up and down two or three times. This action disrupts the bacterial film in the interdental spaces, preventing plaque from sitting long enough to harden into calculus.
Tartar-control toothpastes aid in prevention by utilizing chemical ingredients that interfere with the mineralization process. These toothpastes often contain pyrophosphates, which bind to calcium and phosphate ions, inhibiting the crystallization of plaque into calculus. Some formulations also include zinc citrate, which reduces plaque and slows the rate of calculus formation. Consistent use of these products, combined with proper mechanical cleaning, significantly reduces the likelihood of plaque hardening.