Dental calculus, commonly known as tartar, is a hard, mineralized deposit that attaches to the teeth. It forms when dental plaque is left undisturbed, creating a concrete-like substance. This hardened material can accumulate on the tooth surface above the gumline (supragingival calculus) and below it (subgingival calculus). Its presence creates a rough surface that can lead to further oral health issues and requires professional methods for removal.
The Journey from Plaque to Calculus
The formation of calculus begins with dental plaque, a soft, sticky film of bacteria and food debris that constantly forms on teeth. When this plaque is not removed, it hardens through mineralization. Minerals from saliva, primarily calcium and phosphate, are deposited into the plaque matrix, transforming it into a hard, adherent deposit.
This hardening process can start within 24 to 48 hours of plaque formation if it is not disrupted. Supragingival calculus, which forms above the gumline, is exposed to saliva and is often a yellowish-white color. In contrast, subgingival calculus forms below the gums and is bathed in gingival crevicular fluid, which tends to make it darker, often brown or black.
Health Implications of Calculus Buildup
The presence of calculus has significant implications for oral health. Its rough and porous surface provides an ideal environment for new plaque to accumulate. This buildup of bacteria near the gumline leads to inflammation, a condition known as gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and often bleeding gums.
If inflammation persists, it can progress to periodontitis, where chronic inflammation leads to the destruction of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. This can cause gum recession, pockets between the teeth and gums, and eventually tooth loss. The bacteria in calculus also release compounds that are a primary cause of persistent bad breath (halitosis). Aesthetically, calculus can absorb stains from foods and drinks, leading to yellow or brown discoloration.
Removing Dental Calculus
Once plaque mineralizes into calculus, it chemically bonds to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by regular brushing or flossing. Attempting to scrape it off with foreign objects can damage tooth enamel and injure gum tissue. For this reason, its removal requires a professional dental cleaning.
Dental professionals use specialized instruments in a procedure called scaling to remove calculus. Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations to break up larger deposits of hardened tartar. Hand instruments, such as curettes and scalers, are then used to manually scrape away smaller pieces from tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline.
Strategies for Calculus Prevention
Preventing calculus formation centers on consistently removing dental plaque before it has the opportunity to calcify. This involves diligent home care combined with regular professional support. Effective strategies include:
- Brushing at least twice daily to mechanically disrupt the plaque film on all accessible tooth surfaces.
- Flossing daily to remove plaque from interdental spaces and just beneath the gumline, where calculus often begins to form.
- Using tartar-control toothpastes with ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that inhibit the crystallization of minerals into plaque.
- Attending regular professional cleanings to allow a hygienist or dentist to remove any plaque or early calculus missed during home care.