Calcium deposits on teeth, commonly known as tartar or dental calculus, represent a frequent dental concern. This hardened substance forms on tooth surfaces and can appear as yellow, brown, or even black stains, especially near the gumline. The formation of tartar involves a progression from a soft bacterial film to a calcified deposit that cannot be removed by routine brushing alone.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar
The initial stage of calcium buildup begins with plaque, a soft, sticky, and often colorless film that consistently forms on teeth. This film is a complex community of microorganisms, composed primarily of oral bacteria, along with saliva and food debris. Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles, particularly sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids. This sticky substance can make teeth feel “fuzzy” if not removed.
If plaque is not regularly removed through proper oral hygiene, it begins to harden. This hardened form is known as tartar. Unlike plaque, which is soft and can be brushed away, tartar is a rough, porous, and firmly attached deposit. Tartar provides an ideal surface for more plaque to adhere, which can lead to further accumulation.
The Mineralization Process
The transformation of soft plaque into hard tartar involves a process called mineralization. Saliva naturally contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate. When plaque is left undisturbed on tooth surfaces, these minerals from saliva begin to deposit into the plaque matrix. This deposition causes the plaque to calcify, gradually hardening into tartar.
This calcification process can occur relatively quickly, with plaque beginning to harden into tartar in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Once the plaque has mineralized, it becomes strongly bonded to the tooth enamel, creating a rough, crust-like shell. This hardened tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home and requires professional dental instruments for removal.
Dietary Influences
Diet plays a significant role in the initial formation of plaque, which then precedes tartar buildup. Consuming sugary and starchy foods provides a readily available food source for oral bacteria. When these bacteria metabolize sugars and carbohydrates, they produce acids that contribute to the sticky film of plaque. Foods like candies, refined carbohydrates, and sugary drinks such as soda are common contributors to increased plaque formation.
Acidic foods and drinks can influence the oral environment. These substances may erode tooth enamel, potentially creating rougher surfaces where plaque can more easily adhere. While not directly causing tartar, enamel erosion can create conditions that make teeth more susceptible to plaque accumulation and subsequent mineralization. A balanced diet helps maintain oral health and reduces the availability of bacterial fuel.
Oral Hygiene Habits
Insufficient oral hygiene is a primary factor allowing plaque to accumulate and harden into tartar. If teeth are not brushed thoroughly and frequently enough, the sticky plaque film remains on the tooth surfaces. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time to effectively remove plaque before it mineralizes.
Brushing alone is often insufficient, as it cannot effectively clean between teeth or along the gumline. A lack of daily flossing allows plaque to remain in these interdental spaces, where it can calcify into tartar. Improper brushing or flossing techniques can also leave behind significant amounts of plaque, despite regular attempts at cleaning. Consistent and proper oral hygiene practices are central to preventing the initial plaque buildup that leads to tartar.
Beyond Diet and Hygiene
Factors beyond diet and personal hygiene also influence calcium buildup on teeth. The composition and flow of an individual’s saliva can affect the rate of mineralization. Saliva with a higher concentration of minerals or certain pH levels may contribute to faster plaque calcification. Conditions causing dry mouth, such as certain medications or health issues, can also alter saliva’s protective properties, potentially increasing susceptibility to buildup.
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to produce more plaque or have saliva that promotes faster tartar formation. This means certain people might be more prone to buildup regardless of diligent oral care. Specific medical conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease, and medications can impact oral chemistry and saliva flow, increasing the likelihood of plaque and tartar accumulation. Tobacco use, including smoking, also contributes to higher rates of plaque and tartar buildup due to its effects on oral health and saliva.