What is dental calculus?

Dental calculus is formed when dental plaque and soft deposits on the surface of teeth or dentures calcify due to the deposition of inorganic salts in saliva or gingival crevicular fluid. Once formed, it cannot be easily removed by rinsing or brushing and requires professional cleaning.

Depending on its location, it can be classified as supragingival calculus or subgingival calculus.

What causes dental calculus?

When dental plaque and soft deposits on the surface of teeth or dentures are not promptly removed, inorganic salts in saliva or gingival crevicular fluid deposit and calcify on them. Over time, the accumulation of calculus can lead to oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Who is prone to dental calculus?

People with poor oral hygiene.

What are the symptoms of dental calculus?

1. Location:

• It adheres to the surface of teeth or dentures, often near the gumline. The lingual side of lower teeth and the buccal side of upper molars are common sites. In people with periodontal disease, calculus may also deposit on the root surfaces within periodontal pockets.

2. Color:

• Usually light yellow or yellowish-brown. In smokers or tea drinkers, it may appear black or brown.

3. Shape:

• Irregularly shaped deposits tightly adhering to teeth or dentures, sometimes crescent-shaped.

4. Texture:

• When crushed by hand, removed calculus feels similar to dry bread crumbs or small clumps of soil.

5. Odor:

• Often accompanied by a foul smell.

6. Gums around teeth with calculus often appear dark red and may bleed when pressed.

Which department should I visit for dental calculus?

Generally, the dental department. For scaling, you can directly visit the periodontal department.

How is dental calculus diagnosed?

Calculus on the outer or inner surfaces of teeth is visible to the naked eye, while deposits between teeth or below the gumline usually require a dental probe or periodontal probe for detection.

How is dental calculus treated?

Scaling, commonly known as "teeth cleaning," is the primary and effective method for removing calculus.

What is the prognosis for dental calculus?

The prognosis is good if calculus is regularly and promptly removed, preventing the onset and progression of oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. However, without proper oral hygiene, calculus can reaccumulate, so regular scaling is recommended to maintain oral health.

How to prevent dental calculus?

1. Brush teeth thoroughly and effectively:

• Brush after meals to remove plaque and deposits, preventing mineral deposition.

2. Rinse after eating:

• Rinsing with water after snacks helps remove food debris and reduces calculus formation.

3. Balanced diet and eating habits:

• Include fiber-rich foods like vegetables and fruits to aid in cleaning tooth surfaces and reducing plaque buildup. Limit sugary, sticky foods, and snacks.

4. Regular scaling:

• Professional cleaning 2-3 times a year helps remove calculus that cannot be eliminated by brushing or rinsing, maintaining oral health.