What is Dental Calculus – Causes, Consequences, Methods of Removing, How to Prevent

Dental calculus is a common yet often overlooked contributor to various oral health issues. It tends to accumulate gradually, leading to complications that extend beyond just aesthetic concerns. Understanding what causes it and how to prevent its formation is essential for maintaining long-term dental hygiene.

What is Dental Calculus?

Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened form of dental plaque that builds up on the surface of teeth when plaque is not effectively removed. This calculus in the teeth forms when minerals in saliva interact with plaque, leading to calculus formation on the tooth surface. Over time, this buildup can compromise dental health and requires removal by a dental professional.

Formation of Dental Calculus

Dental calculus forms when dental plaque is not removed and gradually hardens into tartar due to the minerals present in saliva. This process creates calculus deposits on the surface of teeth, especially in areas difficult to clean with brushing and flossing, such as behind the lower front teeth. Over time, this hardened plaque can lead to calculus buildup both above (supragingival) and below (subgingival) the gum line.

Main Causes of Dental Calculus Formation

Dental calculus may develop when plaque is left to harden on the teeth and is not effectively removed through daily oral care and routine dental cleanings. Below are the main factors that increase the risk of dental calculus formation:

1. Lack of proper oral hygiene.
2. Diet rich in sugars and starches.
3. Tobacco smoking.
4. Genetic predispositions.
5. Insufficient saliva.
6. Lack of regular dental visits.

By understanding the causes of dental calculus, patients can improve their oral hygiene habits, attend regular dental visits, and seek timely professional dental care to remove dental calculus and reduce the risk of gum disease.

Consequences of Dental Calculus

Dental calculus, if not removed in time, can cause serious oral health issues. Here’s why removal of dental calculus is crucial:

1. Gum inflammation – plaque and tartar buildup cause gingivitis.
2. Periodontitis – subgingival calculus damages bone and soft tissues.
3. Tooth decay – bacteria thrive beneath calculus of the teeth.
4. Tooth loss – advanced dental calculus deposits weaken support structures.
5. Bad breath – plaque and tartar trap odor-causing particles.
6. Stains – visible calculus on the teeth affects appearance.
7. Systemic risks – potential links to heart disease and diabetes.

Professional dental cleaning by a calculus dentist is essential to remove calculus and protect teeth and gums.

Calculus Detection System

As plaque hardens and forms on the teeth, it becomes increasingly difficult to remove. Modern technologies help detect supragingival and subgingival calculus more accurately before it causes severe damage.

Main Detection Methods:

1. Periscopy – a tiny dental endoscope is used to visualize subgingival calculus below the gumline.
2. Auto-fluorescence based technology – identifies mineralized plaque by detecting fluorescent properties of calculus of teeth.
3. Optical Spectrometry – measures how light interacts with plaque on the teeth to distinguish it from calculus tartar.

These methods allow a dental professional to detect signs of calculus early, improving calculus removal outcomes and supporting oral hygiene and regular dental care.

Methods of Removing Tartar in Dynasty Stomatology

To effectively remove tartar and maintain oral health, Dynasty Stomatology uses advanced professional methods. These procedures are aimed at eliminating both supragingival calculus and plaque buildup before they harden into calculus and lead to complications.

Main Methods:

1. Scaling. Mechanical removal of calculus deposits and plaque on the teeth using specialized dental instruments.
2. Polishing. Smooths the tooth surface after scaling, helping reduce plaque accumulation and prevent calculus formation.
3. Fluoride Treatment. Strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to plaque buildup and helping to reduce the risk of dental tartar reformation.

We select the appropriate method for each patient individually, based on the type of dental calculus, the rate of calculus formation, and overall oral condition. After treatment, we provide personalized care recommendations to help prevent tartar and maintain hygiene between routine dental visits.

Methods of Preventing Tartar

Excellent oral hygiene is the foundation for preventing tartar and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Consistent care helps remove plaque before it hardens and turns into calculus.

1. Every day floss and brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes.
2. Choose a brush with thin and closer bristles.
3. Prefer toothpaste with fluoride.

Eating a healthy diet also plays a key role in tartar prevention by supporting overall dental health and reducing plaque buildup.

1. Limit sugary and starchy snacks (candies, chips, etc.).
2. Maintain adequate intake of Vitamins C and D.
3. Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
4. Avoid late-night snacking.

When tartar dental calculus has formed, Scaling and Root Planing is a key prevention and removal method performed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

1. Removes calculus deposits below the gumline where plaque is a sticky film
2. Smooths the surface of calculus tooth roots to prevent tartar and calculus from hardening and becoming calculus again
3. Helps reduce the risk of calculus often leading to gum disease
4. Supports overall dental health through regular dental cleaning and hygiene
5. Only a dental professional can safely remove calculus; it cannot be removed effectively at home
6. Recommended by the American Dental Association as part of prevention and treatment of dental calculus

Dental Calculus – Conclusion

Dental calculus in dental care is a common issue that requires attention because tartar can lead to serious oral health problems. Known as dental calculus, it forms when plaque hardens, including subgingival calculus forms beneath the gumline. Rapid calculus formation increases risks, and since calculus can only be removed safely by a dental professional, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene and regular dental visits. For effective prevention and treatment, consult a dental professional rather than trying to remove calculus at home.

Frequently Asked Questions about tartar

• What is the difference between plaque and calculus?

  Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on teeth, while calculus, also called dental calculus, is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional.

• How often should I visit the dentist to prevent plaque build-up?

  Regular dental visits every six months help prevent plaque build-up and the formation of dental calculus.

• Who is at major risk for calculus?

  People with poor oral hygiene, smokers, and those prone to dry mouth are at higher risk for dental calculus.

• How does this affect gum and teeth?

  Tartar provides a rough surface that promotes bacterial growth, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

• How can we control calculus build-up?

  Consistent brushing, flossing, using tartar control toothpaste, and regular dental cleanings help control calculus build-up.

• How to remove tartar without a dentist?

  Dental calculus can only be safely removed by a dental professional; home removal is not recommended.

• Can a Waterpik remove tartar?

  Waterpiks help remove plaque but cannot remove hardened tartar (dental calculus).

• Can tooth tartar break off?

  Tartar is firmly attached to teeth and does not break off easily without professional removal.

• Is tartar removal painful?

  Tartar removal is usually painless, though some may experience mild sensitivity during professional cleaning.

• What is tartar made of?

  Tartar is mineralized dental plaque, primarily composed of bacteria, saliva minerals, and food debris.

Author of the article

, Dentist-Endodontist

Anastasiia Danyliuk

📋 Link copied ✅

Copy link

• 
• 
•