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What Is Calculus and How Is It Different From Plaque?
Plaque is a clear sticky film of bacteria that constantly occurs in your mouth. It is a pasty film that you can sometimes feel and that can leave a bad taste in your mouth. If plaque is not removed, the sugars in the foods that you eat mix with the plaque (or bacteria in your mouth) to produce an acid that attacks your teeth and can cause cavities and gum disease. Plaque begins to build in your mouth within four hours of eating, so brushing after meals is the best defense against it. A minimum of brushing in the morning and at night will help prevent plaque buildup.
When plaque is allowed to build up in your mouth, it can turn into calcified deposits called calculus (also known as tartar), which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, is very harmful to the health of your mouth, teeth and gums, and is often the culprit behind cavities, gingivitis and tooth loss.
Calculus can build up quickly or slowly accumulate over time, and can develop both above and below your gum line. The presence of calculus in your mouth creates rough surfaces which provide a perfect environment for more plaque and calculus. Once calculus has built up in your mouth, it can only be removed by a dentist, so regular professional cleanings that are performed in your dentist’s office are essential for removing any calculus buildup that has accumulated on your teeth or gums. If your teeth or gums have a build up of calculus, they may require a deep cleaning that includes scaling or the use of an ultrasonic dental cleaning device to bring your mouth back to a healthy condition. Scaling requires the use of a special tool to remove infected deposits of plaque or calculus that may exist below your gum line, behind your teeth or in the area between your teeth. Once the scaling process is completed in your dentist’s office, your teeth are then polished. Removing calculus with scaling and then polishing your teeth will help prevent gum disease.
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help control calculus by constantly eliminating plaque, which is the foundation for calculus. And calculus, if it is allowed to build up, will create an unhealthy environment in your mouth that, if left untended, can lead to a multitude of dental problems. Understanding the difference between calculus and plaque, along with the importance of good oral hygiene and regular office visits, will prevent build-up on your teeth and gums and help ensure good oral health. |
