Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hardened deposit on the teeth that cannot be removed by simple brushing or flossing. This substance forms when the soft, sticky film of bacteria called plaque is not consistently removed from the tooth surface. Once hardened, calculus provides a rough, porous surface that attracts even more plaque, creating a continuous cycle of buildup. Understanding that calculus requires professional intervention for removal is the first step toward maintaining long-term oral health.
What Exactly is Dental Calculus?
Dental calculus is calcified plaque, formed through mineralization when plaque absorbs calcium and phosphate from saliva. This hardening process can begin within 24 to 72 hours if plaque is left undisturbed on the tooth surface. Once hardened, the deposit is firmly bonded to the enamel, which is why a toothbrush cannot remove it.
Calculus is categorized based on its location: supragingival, which forms above the gum line, and subgingival, which develops below it in the gum pockets. Supragingival calculus is often visible as a yellowish or brown deposit. Subgingival calculus is darker in color and is more concerning because it harbors bacteria that directly contribute to gum disease.
The rough texture of calculus irritates the gum tissue, leading to inflammation known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease involving the loss of connective tissue supporting the tooth. Professional removal is necessary because calculus significantly expands the area where harmful plaque bacteria can accumulate.
Professional Methods for Calculus Removal
Professional intervention by a dental hygienist or dentist is the only safe and effective solution, as calculus is too hard to be removed with at-home tools. The standard procedure is known as scaling, which involves removing the deposits from the tooth crown and exposed root surfaces. Scaling is performed using two primary methods: manual instruments and ultrasonic devices.
Manual scaling involves specialized, hand-held instruments, such as curettes, to physically scrape the hardened calculus off the tooth surface. Ultrasonic scalers employ a rapidly vibrating metal tip and a stream of water to chip away the calculus. The high-frequency vibrations fracture the deposits, while the water spray flushes away the debris.
When calculus has built up beneath the gum line, a deeper cleaning procedure called root planing may be required. This process involves smoothing the root surfaces after calculus removal to discourage future bacterial attachment and allow the gums to reattach. After scaling and root planing, the teeth are often polished to create a smooth surface that resists the adhesion of new plaque.
Avoid attempting to scrape off calculus at home using dental picks or sharp objects. These tools are difficult to use safely without professional training and can cause serious harm to oral tissues. Improper use risks scratching the tooth enamel, damaging gum tissue, or accidentally pushing the calculus further below the gum line, increasing the risk of infection and gum recession.
Essential Daily Habits to Prevent Buildup
Preventing calculus formation depends on the consistent removal of soft plaque before it mineralizes. Brushing twice daily for two minutes is the foundation of effective plaque control. Using a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste is recommended, and electric toothbrushes often provide superior plaque reduction compared to manual ones.
Flossing or using an interdental brush once every day is equally important, as a toothbrush cannot effectively clean the tight spaces between teeth or just beneath the gum line. These tools mechanically remove plaque biofilm from areas where it commonly hardens. Water flossers are a helpful supplement to traditional flossing for dislodging food particles and loose plaque.
Dietary choices and specialized rinses can further inhibit mineralization. Minimizing sugary and starchy foods reduces the fuel source for plaque bacteria. Mouthwashes containing anti-plaque or anti-calculus agents can help control bacterial levels and slow the rate at which plaque hardens. Even with diligent home care, regular professional cleanings, typically every six months, remain necessary to remove minor, unavoidable calculus buildup.