Calculus

Dental calculus, or tartar, is a hard calcified material that forms when layer upon layer of dental plaque accumulates on the teeth.

What is calculus?

While it can form anywhere on the teeth, it is most common where saliva enters the mouth, which is directly below the tongue and on either side of the upper first molars. Consequently, it can usually be seen on the outer surface of the upper molar teeth and the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth. Almost everybody has some degree of plaque present on their teeth. However, once calculus has formed, you cannot remove it at home. Dental calculus removal and teeth calculus treatment can only be done by a practised dental professional using either ultrasonic instruments or hand instruments (hand scalers).

Prevention of dental calculus

The calculus buildup can be prevented by implementing a good oral hygiene routine and attending cleaning appointments with a dental hygienist. Unfortunately, if you have allowed it to form, no amount of homecare will remove it. It is bound too strongly to the tooth surface. As a result, you will need to visit the dentist for professional tartar cleaning services. The dentist will use ultrasonic and hand scalers to remove it. While this is a routine procedure, it can cause some discomfort. Don’t let it reach this stage!

Neglecting to remove calculus causes gingivitis initially due to the accumulation of bacteria directly against the gums. If left unchecked can progress to periodontitis, an infection of the underlying bone and ligaments that support the tooth. To avoid these health problems, dentists recommend that you seek dental calculus removal services whenever you notice the calculus build-up on your teeth.

Get a consultation with a Teledentistry.com dentist at your convenience to see if you are a candidate for a prescription for an antibiotic mouthwash which can be used to slow the growth of bacteria that commonly cause gingivitis.

Commonly Asked Questions

Also called dental calculus, tartar is a hard calcified material that forms when layer upon layer of dental plaque accumulates on the teeth.
The only way to prevent the buildup of calculus is by implementing a good oral hygiene routine and attending tartar cleaning appointments with a dental hygienist.
Failure to seek dental calculus removal services could lead to gingivitis initially due to the accumulation of bacteria directly against the gums and,, if left unchecked can progress to periodontitis( infection of the underlying bone and ligaments that support the tooth).

Dental Calculus removal services will not be as costly as you think, so please check out our pricing page here to book your virtual appointment with Tele Dentistry today.

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