What Causes Calculus on Teeth and How to Prevent It

 Have you ever noticed a hard, yellowish build-up on your teeth, especially near the gum line? That’s called calculus, and it’s something that most of us will deal with at some point in our lives. You might also know it as tartar. It’s not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a serious problem for your oral health. 

In this blog post, we’re going to break down exactly what calculus is, how it forms, and most importantly, how you can prevent it. We’ll use simple language to make it easy to understand, so you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What is Calculus on Teeth?

First things first, let’s understand what we’re talking about. Calculus, or tartar, is a hardened form of dental plaque. Think of it like this: plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that’s always forming on your teeth. If you don’t remove this plaque regularly through brushing and flossing, it can absorb minerals from your saliva and harden into calculus.

Once plaque turns into calculus, it becomes a rough, porous surface that’s perfect for more plaque to stick to. It’s a vicious cycle. The colour of calculus can vary. It’s often yellow or brown, but it can also be stained by what you eat and drink, like coffee or tea.

You can’t remove calculus at home with a toothbrush. It’s so hard that you need a dentist or dental hygienist to remove it with special tools. That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important.

What Causes Calculus on Teeth?

The process of calculus formation is a bit like a chain reaction. It all starts with plaque. Every time you eat or drink, especially sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in your mouth produce acids. These acids mix with food particles and saliva to form a sticky film called plaque. This plaque is full of millions of bacteria.

Plaque is soft and easy to remove. If you brush and floss thoroughly twice a day, you can get rid of most of it. But if you miss some spots, that plaque can hang around. After about 24 to 72 hours, the minerals in your saliva start to act on the plaque, causing it to mineralise and harden. This is when it becomes calculus.

This process happens most often in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, like between your teeth and along the gum line. The calculus can also form on the surface of your teeth and even on your dental work, like fillings or dentures.

The Role of Plaque in Calculus Formation

As we’ve mentioned, plaque is the villain in this story. Calculus wouldn’t exist without it. Plaque is the soft precursor to the hard, crusty calculus. It’s a sticky, invisible film that’s constantly forming on your teeth.

The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars in your food and drinks. As they do this, they produce acids that can damage your tooth enamel. This is what leads to cavities. The plaque itself, if left untreated, is what hardens into calculus.

So, the number one goal for preventing calculus is to control plaque. This is why dentists always emphasise the importance of brushing and flossing. They’re not just trying to annoy you; they’re trying to help you prevent a major dental problem.

Risk Factors for Developing Calculus on Teeth

Some people are more prone to developing calculus than others. Several factors can increase your risk:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: This is the big one. If you’re not brushing and flossing properly, you’re giving plaque a chance to build up and harden into calculus.
2. Genetics: Some people’s saliva contains more calcium and other minerals, which can speed up the hardening process.
3. Smoking: We’ll go into more detail on this later, but smoking is a huge risk factor. The chemicals in cigarettes can make plaque stickier and harder to remove.
4. Diet: Consuming a lot of sugary and starchy foods provides the bacteria in your mouth with more fuel to produce plaque.
5. Age: As we get older, our teeth are more exposed to plaque and calculus build-up.
6. Dry Mouth: Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria. If you have a dry mouth, you’re at a higher risk of developing plaque and calculus.

How Poor Oral Hygiene Contributes to Calculus Build-up

This one is pretty straightforward. If you’re not brushing and flossing correctly and consistently, you’re leaving behind a breeding ground for plaque. Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once a day, are the absolute minimum.

When you brush, make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a proper technique. Angle the brush at 45 degrees towards your gum line and use short, gentle strokes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as bacteria can hide there, too.

Flossing is just as important. A toothbrush can’t reach all the tight spaces between your teeth. Flossing removes the plaque that your toothbrush misses. If you find flossing difficult, consider using an interdental brush or a water flosser.

The Effects of Diet on Calculus Formation

What you eat and drink has a big impact on your oral health. Sugary and starchy foods are a feast for the bacteria in your mouth. Think of things like lollies, soft drinks, white bread, and chips. The more of these you consume, the more plaque you’re likely to produce.

Try to limit these foods and opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drinking plenty of water is also a great idea. Water helps to rinse away food particles and neutralise acids in your mouth.

How Smoking and Other Habits Lead to Calculus

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes make plaque stickier and more difficult to remove. This means it’s more likely to harden into calculus.

Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease, which is closely linked to calculus build-up. The calculus acts as a physical irritant to the gums, and the bacteria it harbours cause inflammation and infection.

Other habits, like not drinking enough water, can also contribute. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which we’ve mentioned is a risk factor. If you’re on medication, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP or dentist at Dental Care Mt Eliza about how to manage dry mouth.

Preventing Calculus: Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent calculus from forming. The key is to be proactive and consistent with your oral hygiene routine.

1. Brush Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes each time, covering all surfaces of your teeth.
2. Floss Daily: Flossing once a day is crucial to removing plaque from between your teeth.
3. Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque build-up.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and starchy foods and drink plenty of water.
5. Avoid Smoking: This is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your oral health.
6. See a Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and professional cleans are the only way to remove existing calculus. A dentist, like dentist Mt Eliza, can also give you personalised advice on how to improve your oral hygiene.

Conclusion

Calculus on your teeth is more than just a cosmetic problem. It’s a sign that plaque has been left to build up, and it’s a major risk factor for gum disease and other oral health issues. The good news is that by understanding what causes it, you’re already one step ahead.

Remember, it all starts with plaque. By brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and having a healthy lifestyle, you can keep plaque under control and prevent it from hardening into calculus. 

If you already have calculus, don’t try to scrape it off yourself. It’s a job for a professional. Make an appointment with Dental Care Mt Eliza now for a professional clean. A dental check-up isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them in the first place. So take control of your oral health and keep that smile shining!

 

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