If you’ve ever visited the dentist and heard the term “calculus,” you might have wondered what it meant. You’re not alone! Calculus teeth are a common dental concern that can lead to various oral health issues if left untreated. This guide will explain everything you need to know about calculus buildup, its causes, and the better ways to prevent and treat it.
What Is Calculus on Teeth?
Calculus teeth, often referred to as tartar, is a hard, mineralised substance that forms on your teeth when plaque (a sticky, soft film of bacteria) is not removed effectively through regular brushing and flossing. Plaque that stays on your teeth for too long hardens due to minerals found in saliva. Once it hardens, plaque becomes calculus, which can be difficult to remove without professional dental cleaning.
Unlike plaque, which can be easily brushed off, calculus teeth are firmly attached to the teeth and require a dentist or hygienist to remove them using special tools.
Why Is Calculus on Your Teeth a Problem?
While you might think of calculus as just an aesthetic concern, it has significant implications for your oral health. Here’s why you should take it seriously:
- Gum Disease: Calculus buildup can irritate your gums, leading to inflammation, redness, and bleeding. Over time, this irritation can cause gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
- Cavities: The bacteria trapped in calculus can produce acids that break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
- Bad Breath: The bacteria in calculus can contribute to bad breath, making it harder to maintain fresh-smelling breath.
- Tooth Decay: As calculus traps bacteria against the teeth, it can accelerate the decay process, leading to more significant dental issues.
What Causes Calculus on Teeth?
Several factors contribute to the formation of calculus on your teeth, and understanding these causes is the first step in preventing its buildup.
One of the primary causes is poor oral hygiene habits. Infrequent or improper brushing techniques can leave plaque on your teeth, while not flossing regularly allows plaque to accumulate between your teeth, leading to calculus formation.
Diet also plays a significant role. A high intake of sugar or carbohydrates fuels the bacteria that cause plaque to form, while acidic foods and drinks, such as soda or citrus fruits, further contribute to plaque accumulation.
Smoking or chewing tobacco can create a sticky film on your teeth, which eventually hardens into calculus. Additionally, some individuals naturally produce more minerals in their saliva, increasing the likelihood of calculus buildup.
Lastly, age can be a contributing factor. Older adults may experience increased calculus formation due to changes in saliva production and overall oral care habits over time.
What Does Calculus on Teeth Look Like?
You may be wondering how to tell if you have calculus teeth. Here are some common signs:
- Visible Deposits: Yellow, brown, or even black discolouration around the gums or on the surfaces of the teeth.
- Rough Texture: Teeth may feel bumpy or gritty when you run your tongue over them.
- Inflamed Gums: Swollen or bleeding gums, which often accompany calculus buildup.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Foul-smelling breath that doesn’t improve even after brushing.
How Is Calculus on Teeth Treated?
Unlike plaque, calculus cannot be removed with just a toothbrush or floss. Here’s how dental professionals treat it:
1. Professional Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Your dentist or hygienist will use special tools to gently scrape away the calculus from your teeth, a process known as scaling. For deeper deposits below the gumline, root planing may be necessary to smooth the root surfaces and promote healing.
2. Polishing
After scaling, your dentist will usually polish your teeth to remove any remaining plaque and help prevent further buildup.
3. Laser Treatment (In Some Cases)
In certain cases, laser treatments may be used to remove calculus more effectively and speed up the healing process of gum tissues.
4. Follow-up Care
After removing calculus, your dentist will likely recommend more frequent cleanings to keep tartar from building up again. They may also suggest improving your brushing and flossing habits at home.
How to Prevent Calculus on Teeth?
Preventing calculus teeth is much easier than treating it after it form. Establishing a good oral hygiene routine and adopting certain habits can significantly reduce the risk of tartar buildup. Here are the most effective strategies for preventing calculus teeth:
1. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth is the foundation of good oral hygiene. It’s essential to brush your teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before bedtime. This removes plaque and prevents it from hardening into calculus.
- Choose the Right Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums or enamel. A toothbrush with a small head can help you clean all areas of your mouth more effectively.
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste helps clean teeth, strengthens enamel, and prevents decay. It also contains mild abrasives that help remove plaque.
- Take Your Time: Brush for at least two minutes each time, ensuring you cover all surfaces of your teeth. Make sure to brush along the gumline, as plaque builds up there. Don’t rush through your brushing routine.
2. Floss Daily
Brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your teeth completely clean. Flossing is a crucial part of your oral care routine that helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and along the gumline—areas your toothbrush may miss. Regular flossing can prevent plaque from accumulating in these tight spaces and turning into calculus.
- Use Proper Flossing Technique: Gently slide the floss between your teeth and curve it into a C-shape to clean along the sides of each tooth. Be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.
- Consider Floss Alternatives: If traditional flossing is difficult, try using floss picks or interdental brushes. These are easier to handle and just as effective in removing plaque between teeth.
3. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, calculus teeth can still form, especially if plaque isn’t thoroughly removed or if you have a condition that predisposes you to tartar buildup. That’s why professional dental cleanings are essential. During these visits, a dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home, removing any plaque or tartar before it hardens.
- Professional Cleaning: Regular cleanings, typically every six months, help prevent tartar from building up on your teeth. Your dentist will use specialised instruments to remove any tartar that may have accumulated.
- Early Detection: Visiting the dentist regularly allows for early detection of issues like gum disease or cavities that could be exacerbated by tartar. Addressing problems early prevents them from progressing and causing more significant issues.
4. Reduce Sugar and Starchy Food Intake
The foods and drinks you consume can contribute to plaque formation. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids that lead to plaque buildup. If this plaque is not removed, it eventually turns into calculus teeth.
- Limit Sugary Snacks: Avoid sugary snacks like candy, pastries, and soda. These provide the bacteria in your mouth with an easy food source, promoting plaque formation.
- Choose Healthy Snacks: Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts, which are not only healthy but also help clean your teeth naturally. For instance, apples and carrots help scrape away food particles from your teeth while you chew.
- Drink Water: Water is essential for overall health and helps rinse food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. Drinking water, especially after meals, can help prevent plaque from building up.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products significantly increases the likelihood of tartar buildup. Tobacco creates a sticky film on your teeth that traps plaque, making it easier for calculus to form. The chemicals in tobacco also reduce the amount of oxygen in your saliva, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive.
- Healthier Gums and Teeth: Quitting smoking can drastically improve your gum health and reduce your risk of gum disease, tartar buildup, and tooth loss.
- Improved Breath: Tobacco also causes bad breath, and quitting can help you maintain fresher-smelling breath, in addition to healthier teeth and gums.
6. Use Tartar-Control Toothpaste
If you’re prone to plaque and tartar buildup, using tartar-control toothpaste can be beneficial. These types of toothpaste contain special ingredients designed to slow down the hardening of plaque into calculus. They can help reduce the risk of tartar formation and keep your teeth cleaner for longer.
- Choose the Right Formula: Look for toothpaste with fluoride and tartar-control properties. Some toothpaste brands also include extra ingredients like pyrophosphates, which prevent calcium from binding to your teeth and forming tartar.
- Consult Your Dentist: Your dentist can recommend the better tartar-control toothpaste for your specific needs. If you are prone to calculus teeth, they may advise using it as part of your daily oral care routine.
What happens if calculus is not removed?
Ignoring calculus on your teeth can lead to more than just aesthetic concerns. If left untreated, tartar buildup can cause:
- Gum Disease: Gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease, such as periodontitis, leading to tooth loss.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Bacteria under the calculus layer can affect the nerves in your teeth, making them more sensitive to hot and cold.
- Bone Loss: Severe gum disease caused by untreated calculus can lead to bone loss around your teeth, potentially resulting in tooth mobility.
Can you remove calculus from your teeth at home?
While it might be tempting to try to remove calculus at home, it’s essential to leave this job to a professional dentist. Attempting to remove tartar on your own could damage your enamel or gums. Over-the-counter tartar-control toothpaste may help reduce plaque buildup but won’t eliminate existing calculus.
Don’t Let Calculus Take a Toll on Your Teeth
Calculus on teeth is a serious oral health concern that should not be ignored. If you suspect you have tartar buildup or have noticed signs like swollen gums, bad breath, or discoloured teeth, it’s time to take action. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are key to keeping your teeth free from calculus and maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
At Optimal Dental Health, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health through comprehensive dental care. Book your next dental cleaning today and take the first step toward a cleaner, healthier mouth. If you haven’t scheduled your appointment, contact us now to learn more about how we can help prevent calculus from forming on your teeth!
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning Today!
Don’t wait for calculus to build up—maintain a healthy smile by booking your next dental cleaning with us. Our team at Optimal Dental Health is ready to provide you with the highest quality care. Contact us now to reserve your spot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you get rid of calculus on your teeth?
The most effective way to remove calculus is through professional dental cleaning, a process known as scaling. A dentist or dental hygienist uses specialised instruments to carefully remove the hardened tartar from your teeth. A procedure called root planing may also be performed for deeper calculus below the gumline. Regular brushing and flossing at home and professional cleanings every six months can help prevent future buildup.
2. Is calculus the same as tartar?
Yes, calculus and tartar are the same thing. “Tartar” is the term commonly used for calculus once it has hardened on the teeth. Calculus forms when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, hardens due to the minerals in saliva. Once this happens, it is much harder to remove, and only a dental professional can effectively clean it off.
3. Can dental calculus break off?
Dental calculus can be broken down into small pieces during a professional cleaning session, but it is not easy to remove on your own. If calculus is not properly removed, it can remain attached to the teeth and cause ongoing dental issues, such as gum disease and cavities. It’s crucial to have it removed by a dentist to avoid complications.
4. Does dental calculus spread?
Yes, dental calculus can spread if it is not removed. As plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, more plaque can accumulate on top of it, continuing the cycle. If left untreated, calculus can spread along the gumline and under the gums, leading to more significant oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay.
5. How painful is calculus removal?
Most people find the process of calculus removal relatively painless. However, if the calculus has built up significantly, you may experience some discomfort, particularly around sensitive areas of your gums. Your dentist can use local anaesthesia if needed to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. Afterwards, you may experience mild sensitivity, but this typically subsides within a few days.
6. Do gums grow back after calculus removal?
If your gums have receded due to the irritation caused by calculus buildup, they may not fully “grow back” on their own. However, once the tartar is removed and inflammation is reduced, the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth, potentially restoring some of their original position. For more severe cases of gum recession, your dentist may recommend additional treatments to promote gum tissue regeneration.
7. Will my teeth fall out after tartar removal?
No, your teeth will not fall out after tartar removal. In fact, removing the buildup can help prevent future tooth loss. If tartar is left untreated for an extended period, it can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. By removing calculus and addressing any underlying issues, you can improve the health and stability of your teeth.
