How to Remove Calculus from Teeth?

Ever felt like your teeth have a rough and gritty surface? The most probable cause for it is calculus, also known as tartar. Removing calculus from your teeth is not an extensive task. You just have to use the right approach with simple steps towards a healthy and shiny smile.

How is Calculus Different from Plaque?

Understanding the difference between calculus and plaque is important. Plaque is constantly formed on your teeth due to the accumulation of food particles and saliva. It is a sticky and colourless bacterial film, especially in the areas of the mouth where a brush or floss is hard to reach. However, if left uncleaned, it starts building up into tartar or calculus.

Calculus, unlike plaque, is a hard and toughened substance. It forms when regular brushing and flossing of teeth are neglected. This mineralized matter is impossible to remove by toothbrush alone, necessitating removal by a dental professional using specialised tools.

How to Prevent Calculus Formation?

To avoid calculus formation, it is vital to adopt good oral hygiene habits. Some of the easiest ways to prevent plaque buildup from converting into calculus are:

• Healthy Dental Hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day.
• Use of Fluoride Toothpaste: Using toothpaste with fluoride.
• Regular Flossing: Flossing your teeth daily.
• Professional Teeth Cleaning: Regular visits to a dental professional for professional cleaning.

What are the Disadvantages of Calculus?

Besides causing stains and a decayed appearance of your teeth, calculus can lead to several other oral health issues, including:

• Gum Disease: Tartar buildup can irritate and inflame the gums, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth decay or loss.
• Foul-smelling Breath: The trapped bacteria in calculus can cause bad breath due to foul-smelling gases released by the microbes, known as halitosis.
• Discoloration of Teeth: Calculus deposits can stain the teeth, making them appear yellow or brown, which affects the aesthetic appearance.
• High Risk of Cavities Formation: The rough surface created by plaque buildup facilitates bacteria adhesion, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
• Gum Recession: Accumulation of calculus along the gumline can lead to gum recession, exposing the sensitive tooth roots and increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay.

Regular visits to your dental hygienist for professional teeth cleaning will help maintain good oral health and prevent the consequences of tartar or calculus accumulation.

• Read More: Emergency Dental Care: What to Do When Tooth Troubles Strike
• Read More: How to Remove Plaque from Teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is calculus the same as plaque?
   • Although related, calculus and plaque are not identical. Plaque is a sticky film of germs that builds upon the teeth, whereas calculus is hardened plaque that cannot be removed with regular cleaning.
2. Can I remove calculus at home with a toothbrush?
   • No, once plaque hardens into calculus, it cannot be removed effectively with just a toothbrush. Professional dental cleanings are necessary to properly remove calculus.
3. How often should I have a dental cleaning?
   • Most Bowral Dentists recommend having a professional dental cleaning every six months to minimise calculus buildup and maintain oral health.
4. Can calculus cause tooth decay?
   • Yes, calculus can trap germs against the teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease if not treated promptly.
5. Are there any potential risks involved with calculus removal?
   • While rare, aggressive scraping during a dental cleaning can potentially harm the enamel or cause gum recession. However, trained dental practitioners can minimise these risks.

In conclusion, while calculus buildup on your teeth can be unsightly and harmful to dental health, it can be effectively treated with proper methods. By practising good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can keep your smile free of calculus and your teeth healthy for years to come. Remember, prevention of dental problems is always better than treatment!