Dental calcification refers to the hardening of deposits on teeth, a common oral health concern. Understanding this process is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. While the term might sound complex, it describes the formation of a substance that can impact overall oral well-being. This phenomenon affects many adults, making awareness of its nature and management valuable.
What is Dental Calcification?
Dental calcification, commonly known as tartar or calculus, involves the accumulation of hardened mineral deposits on tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This substance typically appears as yellowish or brownish deposits. Unlike plaque, calculus is firmly bonded to the tooth enamel and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
The presence of calculus indicates plaque has been left undisturbed for a period, allowing mineralization to occur. While calcification can also refer to the hardening of tissues within the tooth (internal calcification), the external form, tartar, is the form that most commonly affects the visible tooth surface. These hard deposits can form above the gumline (supragingival calculus) or below the gumline (known as subgingival calculus). Supragingival calculus is often visible and typically yellow or brown, while subgingival calculus is harder to detect and can be darker due to blood pigments.
How Dental Calcification Forms
Dental calcification begins with the accumulation of dental plaque on tooth surfaces. Plaque is a soft, sticky biofilm composed of oral bacteria, food debris, and salivary proteins that adheres to teeth shortly after eating and drinking. If plaque remains, minerals in saliva, primarily calcium and phosphate, precipitate into the plaque matrix. This mineralization process hardens the soft plaque into calculus.
This transformation can start within 24 to 72 hours if plaque is not removed. Factors contributing to its formation include inadequate oral hygiene, which allows plaque to persist and mature. An individual’s saliva composition, specifically the concentration of calcium and phosphate ions, also influences the rate and extent of calculus formation. Diets high in sugary or starchy foods can increase plaque accumulation, thereby accelerating the calcification process.
Effects on Oral Health
If left unaddressed, dental calcification can lead to several negative consequences for oral health. Its rough, porous surface provides an ideal environment for more plaque and bacteria to adhere, creating a cycle of buildup. This continuous bacterial presence irritates the gums, leading to inflammation known as gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
When calculus extends below the gumline, it can contribute to the progression of gum disease to a more severe form called periodontitis. Periodontitis involves the destruction of bone and tissues supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loosening and tooth loss. Dental calcification can also contribute to halitosis, or bad breath, due to bacteria and decaying food particles trapped within its rough surface. Calculus can obscure and harbor cavity-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, as it can hide cavities beneath its hard exterior.
Managing and Preventing Dental Calcification
Managing existing dental calcification requires professional intervention because it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home. Dentists and dental hygienists use specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments, to perform a procedure called dental scaling. This process effectively removes both supragingival and subgingival calculus from the tooth surfaces. For more extensive buildup below the gumline, a deeper cleaning procedure known as root planing may be necessary to smooth root surfaces and prevent further bacterial attachment.
Preventing dental calcification primarily involves consistent and effective daily oral hygiene practices. Brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque before it hardens into calculus. Fluoride toothpastes also strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Daily flossing is equally important, as it removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline, areas that toothbrushes often cannot reach effectively.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are essential for early detection and removal of any developing calculus. Dental professionals identify areas where plaque accumulates and provide guidance on improving brushing and flossing techniques. Dietary considerations also play a role; limiting the consumption of sugary and starchy foods reduces the fuel source for plaque-forming bacteria. Avoiding tobacco products further aids in prevention, as smoking can increase the risk of calculus formation. Using an electric toothbrush may also enhance plaque removal efficacy compared to a manual toothbrush.