Dental Calculus (Tartar)- Causes and Treatment

Calculus, commonly known as tartar, is the hardened version of dental plaque. Calculus develops along the gumline and surfaces of the teeth, affecting gum health. In comparison, plaque on teeth is a less hardened, sticky film of bacteria, easily removable with good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing. Upon deposition of mineral salts from saliva, plaque on teeth develops into hard, rough calculus teeth, also referred to as tartar teeth, which can only be removed through professional tartar removal done by a dentist.

The presence of plaque leads to various other problems such as it can irritate gums and cause local inflammation (gingivitis), which if not treated on time leads to more destruction of gums and supporting bone leading to loosening of teeth and gums( pyorrhea).

Knowing the symptoms of dental calculus, what causes dental calculus, and the treatments available help patients maintain their bright, confident smiles. Keep reading the following blog to know everything about Dental Calculus.

What is Dental Calculus?

Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened dental plaque that forms on teeth. It’s caused by minerals from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid that precipitate in plaque.

The process of precipitation kills the bacterial cells within the dental plaque, but the surface that is formed is rough and hardened, thus providing an ideal surface for the formation of further dental plaque. The process causes calculus buildup, thus compromising the health of the gingiva (gums).

Conditions that trigger formation of calculus

The primary reason for the formation of dental calculus is poor oral hygiene. Dental Plaque will begin to form due to failure to brush and floss properly, and it will eventually become hard and form calculus. Other factors that can promote calculus formation include the following:

1. Diet: A diet high in sugar and starch food promotes plaque to start building up and eventually forming into calculus.
2. Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing on tobacco increases the possibilities for calculus to occur.
3. Age: During advancing ages, there is an increased tendency to have calculus as this period shows changes in composition of saliva and the general gum health.
4. Dry mouth: Calculus can also be caused due a condition known as Xerostomia, (Dry mouth). This can sometimes be due to medications leading to formation of plaque.

What happens if dental calculus is not removed?

1. Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease/Pyorrhea)

• Can cause gingivitis (bleeding, red swollen gums).
• Peridontitis could follow which causes loss of gum tissue, bone destruction, and finally, tooth loss.

2. Tooth Decay: Calculus favours bacterial growth inside mouth which increase the chances of tooth decay also and make person more prone for dental cavities.

3. Bad Breath (Halitosis): The foul smell compounds that the bacteria produce in tartar teeth.

4. Tooth Staining: Food, drinks, and tobacco deposits on tartar absorb stains thus causing discoloration.

5. Enhanced Susceptibility to Infection: Microorganisms in calculus can infect oral tissue or enter the blood stream.

6. Loose Teeth: Having calculus weakens the supporting structures of the teeth eventually making them loose.

7. Inability to Clean Teeth Properly: If you have calculus, it is difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene because the interdental spaces are occupied by calculus making it difficult to clean. This can eventually lead to dental caries and extremely bad breath.

8. Cosmetic Problems: Tartar teeth can be seen, hence affecting the look of your smile.

9. Systemic Disease: In the long run calculus can lead to heart conditions, diabetes complications, and pneumonia.

10. Dental Cost Increases: Advanced calculus complications often require costly treatments that include deep cleaning, surgery, or even teeth replacement.

Treatment for Dental Calculus

Calculus that has formed cannot be removed by brushing and flossing at home. Removal of calculus needs professional cleaning that is mostly done with ultrasonic scalers; sometimes manual instruments also require depending on severity of calculus.

Post removal of the calculus, the dentist will prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash that helps decrease the count of bacteria in the oral cavity. There should be an intense regime of oral hygiene to be followed once the treatment is over so there are no chances for calculus to come back. Taking simple oral hygiene measures like brushing and flossing regularly can prevent its formation.

Dental Calculus Prevention

Dental calculus is hardening of the plaque on teeth if it is left on the teeth for some time. To prevent it, maintain good oral hygiene practices through:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day
2. Use a fluoride based toothpaste
3. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush; brush all the surfaces of the teeth in circular motion.
4. Replace your toothbrush after 3 to 4 months or if its bristles have frayed.
5. Use your brush at a 45 degree angle for best results.
6. Rinse your mouth after every meal.
7. Floss Daily
8. Healthy Diet
9. Fresh crunchy fruits and vegetables bring better health.
10. Hydrate yourself throughout the day to wash out all the food bits and bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can calculus be removed at home?
No, it can’t be removed by brushing and flossing. It can only be removed via professional scaling.

2. What will happen if calculus is not removed?
If not removed, tartar causes gum disease (gingivitis), tooth decay, and periodontitis, leading to loss of teeth.

3. How long does it take for plaque on teeth to become tartar?
Generally, it takes a few days for plaque to turn into tartar, but this can happen faster under some specific conditions. Dry mouth increases the rate at which tartar hardens, and use of tobacco materials makes plaque harden more quickly. Other conditions such as crowded teeth and wearing braces can further make it challenging to remove plaque.

4. Does mouth wash prevent calculus?
Yes, using mouthwash can help prevent calculus from forming, but it can’t remove calculus that’s already there. It can help to alleviate bad breath or bacterial load but use mouthwash on professional consultation only.

Final Thoughts

Dental calculus is one of the most common dental problems that can lead to many oral health issues if not addressed. However, with proper oral hygiene and the help of professionals like those at Clove Dental, it can be managed effectively and prevented. Do not wait for the risk of your dental health; act now for the maintenance of a healthy beautiful smile.

Clove Dental has taken the initiative to assist each and every person who seeks professional dental care and expertise. With over 1.5 million satisfied patients and clinics in 550+ locations across India, Clove Dental has found its place among the elite dental healthcare providers.

Clove uses the best sterilization practices, post treatment care. We have the most trained and skilled professionals who are available to manage any kind of complications/ medically compromised patients.

It provides great care and support for always having a healthy, beautiful smile. Its vast network of clinics has all the services- from routine check-ups to treatment of dental calculus and anything else.

Clove Dental is all about promising excellence in how patients get the best of care and support to smile healthy and beautiful. And from routine check-ups all the way to dental calculus treatment or any other treatment, Clove Dental clinics are everywhere, waiting on you.