Dental calculus

Dental Calculus

Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that forms on the teeth and contributes to their decay. It is a form of hardened dental plaque and is caused by the precipitation of minerals from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in plaque on the teeth. 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 gingiva (gums). Dental calculus can form both along the gumline, where it is referred to as supragingival, and within the narrow sulcus that exists between the teeth and the gingiva, where it is referred to as subgingival.

Formation and Composition

Dental calculus forms over time as layers of dental plaque accumulate, become mineralized, and then get coated by a new layer of plaque. The process of dental calculus formation is a complex process and involves a number of stages. The first stage is the formation of a non-mineralized dental plaque biofilm on the surfaces of the teeth. This biofilm is composed primarily of various species of oral bacteria, which bind to the teeth by producing a sticky matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).

The second stage is the mineralization of this biofilm, which occurs when calcium, phosphate, and other minerals precipitate out of the saliva and GCF and become incorporated into the EPS matrix. This mineralization process results in the formation of dental calculus, which is composed primarily of calcium phosphate mineral, most commonly in the form of hydroxyapatite or whitlockite.

Prevention and Treatment

The prevention of dental calculus involves regular and effective tooth brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional dental cleanings. Tooth brushing and flossing help to remove dental plaque before it becomes mineralized and turns into calculus. Professional dental cleanings are necessary to remove calculus that has already formed, as it is too hard and firmly attached to be removed by brushing and flossing alone.

The treatment of dental calculus involves its removal by a dental professional. This is typically done using a combination of hand instruments, ultrasonic scalers, and laser devices. The removal of dental calculus is important to prevent the progression of periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis.

See Also

• Dental plaque
• Periodontal disease
• Tooth brushing
• Flossing