What Is Dental Calculus - Is It Harmful?

Let’s discuss dental calculus today.

When plaque stays on your teeth for a longer duration, say 2 to 3 days, it hardens & minerals to form tartar (calculus) on your teeth.

Now the main question is, what is plaque?

When you eat sweets or candies, they have sugar and starches that interact with normal bacteria found in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth.

The process of generating plaque on the teeth is so fast, and sometimes it can happen within 24 hours, which is not usually removed by brushing the teeth. We all know that saliva in our mouth has high mineral content, which also helps calculus formation quickly.

Now, this hard layer of calculus creates a protective shield on the teeth for bacteria. Bacteria in your mouth frequently release acids that break down the protective layer of tooth enamel, which is the biggest reason for tooth decay and cavities on the teeth.

If you don’t remove the calculus on time, it will irritate your gums, and with the passage of time, you may have gum disease, which is also called gingivitis.

Now the question is how to control calculus buildup on the teeth?

There are several ways to control calculus formation, which are as below.

Brush regularly
Use tartar control toothpaste with fluoride
Floss
Avoid junk food
Eat less sugar
Drink lots of water
Avoid smoking

Since calculus is hard, it’s quite challenging to brush & floss your teeth effectively. It may not be removed just by simple brushing. We recommend you consult with a dentist for professional dental cleaning.

Have any questions about the topic? Feel free to ask in the comments section below.

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