Calcium buildup on teeth, commonly known as tartar or dental calculus, represents a hardened form of dental plaque. This accumulation adheres firmly to tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. While plaque begins as a soft, sticky film, tartar is a more resilient substance that requires professional intervention for removal.
Understanding Dental Deposits
Dental deposits primarily involve two forms: plaque and tartar. Plaque is a soft, sticky, and often colorless film composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on teeth surfaces, between teeth, and along the gumline. If plaque is not removed through regular oral hygiene, it can lead to various dental problems.
When plaque remains on the teeth, minerals from saliva begin to deposit into it, transforming the soft film into a hard, calcified substance known as tartar. Unlike plaque, which can be removed with consistent brushing and flossing, tartar is too hard to be removed by at-home methods. Professional dental cleaning is necessary to eliminate existing tartar.
How Tartar Forms
The process of tartar formation begins with the accumulation of dental plaque. Minerals, particularly calcium phosphate salts, from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid precipitate into the plaque. This precipitation hardens the plaque.
The mineralization process can begin relatively quickly, with calcification reported to occur within as little as 4 to 8 hours after plaque formation. This hardened surface then provides an ideal site for further plaque accumulation, leading to continuous buildup.
Factors Increasing Tartar Formation
Several factors can accelerate the formation of tartar. Inadequate oral hygiene is a primary contributor, as insufficient brushing and flossing allow plaque to remain on teeth long enough to harden. Dietary habits also play a role; consuming foods high in sugars and starches promotes bacterial growth and acid production, which can contribute to plaque formation. Sticky foods also cling to teeth, providing a prolonged food source for bacteria and increasing tartar risk.
The composition of an individual’s saliva also influences tartar development. Saliva contains minerals like calcium and phosphate, and a higher concentration of these minerals can increase the likelihood of calcification. Conditions leading to reduced saliva flow, such as dry mouth, can also increase tartar risk because saliva helps naturally cleanse the mouth and neutralize acids.
Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and tobacco use, are linked to a higher risk of tartar. Certain medications can also contribute to increased tartar formation. Some drugs can cause dry mouth, reducing saliva’s protective effects, while others may lead to gum overgrowth, creating areas where plaque and tartar can accumulate more easily.
Age is another factor, as tartar accumulation tends to increase with advancing age. Crowded teeth can also make effective cleaning more challenging, leading to increased plaque buildup and subsequent tartar formation in hard-to-reach areas.
Consequences of Tartar Accumulation
The accumulation of tartar poses several threats to oral health. Its rough and porous surface serves as an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, leading to further plaque accumulation. This bacterial presence irritates the gums, causing inflammation known as gingivitis, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding.
If left unaddressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis involves the breakdown of the tissues supporting the teeth, including the bone and ligaments, which can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. Tartar’s presence can also contribute to tooth decay because it traps plaque, which produces acids that erode tooth enamel.
Tartar also has aesthetic consequences. It can absorb stains from food and beverages, leading to discoloration on teeth. The presence of tartar can also contribute to persistent bad breath due to the bacteria it harbors.
Preventing and Managing Tartar
Preventing tartar primarily involves consistent and effective removal of plaque before it has a chance to harden. Brushing teeth thoroughly at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is fundamental. Flossing daily is equally important to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot easily reach.
Dietary considerations also contribute to tartar prevention. Limiting the consumption of sugary and starchy foods reduces the fuel source for plaque-forming bacteria.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial for managing tartar. Dental professionals remove existing tartar that cannot be removed at home.