Calculus (dental)

<p>In <a href="/facts/Dentistry/p8b1zmts">dentistry</a>, calculus or tartar is a form of hardened <a href="/facts/Dental_plaque/b67GE1pA">dental plaque</a>. It is caused by precipitation of minerals from <a href="/facts/Saliva/gK4nvayc">saliva</a> and <a href="/facts/Gingival_sulcus/o0XCEbHV">gingival crevicular fluid</a> (GCF) in plaque on the <a href="/facts/Teeth/Wc6IqwVf">teeth</a>. This process of precipitation kills the bacterial cells within dental plaque, but the rough and hardened surface that is formed provides an ideal surface for further plaque formation. This leads to calculus buildup, which compromises the health of the <a href="/facts/Gingiva/4JhxlckG">gingiva</a> (gums). Calculus can form both along the gumline, where it is referred to as supragingival ('above the gum'), and within the narrow <a href="/facts/Sulcus_(morphology)/v2Ey54hq">sulcus</a> that exists between the teeth and the gingiva, where it is referred to as subgingival ('below the gum').
</p><p>Calculus formation is associated with a number of clinical manifestations, including <a href="/facts/Halitosis/8RGDp13v">bad breath</a>, <a href="/facts/Receding_gums/6kHMTxzk">receding gums</a> and <a href="/facts/Chronic_(medicine)/6CqLP41r">chronically</a> inflamed gingiva. Brushing and flossing can remove plaque from which calculus forms; however, once formed, calculus is too hard (firmly attached) to be removed with a toothbrush. Calculus buildup can be removed with ultrasonic tools or dental hand instruments (such as a <a href="/facts/Periodontal_scaler/R7Ia6Hf3">periodontal scaler</a>).
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Calculus (dental) open-in-new

Calculus (dental)