How to Clean Calculus from Teeth: Effective Removal Tips

 Have you ever noticed a hard, yellowish or brownish buildup on your teeth, especially near the gum line? That’s dental calculus, also known as tartar. It’s a very common problem, and it’s a good idea to know how to deal with it. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about what calculus is, why it’s a problem, and the best ways to get rid of it and keep your smile healthy and bright.

What is Dental Calculus (Tartar) and How Does It Form?

Think of your teeth as a surface. Every day, a sticky, clear film called plaque forms on them. Plaque is made up of bacteria and food particles. You can usually remove plaque easily with a toothbrush and floss. But if you don’t clean your teeth properly, the plaque can sit there for a while.

Over time, the minerals in your saliva (the spit in your mouth) mix with the plaque. This causes the plaque to harden and turn into a rough substance. This hardened plaque is what we call calculus or tartar. Once it’s hardened into calculus, you can’t just brush it away with a normal toothbrush. It’s like a hard, little rock that has attached itself to your tooth.

Calculus can form both above and below the gum line. When it forms above the gum line, you can often see it as a yellowish or brownish stain. When it forms below the gum line, you can’t see it, but it’s much more dangerous because it can cause serious problems for your gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place.

The Risks Associated with Untreated Calculus Buildup

You might think that a bit of calculus is no big deal, but it’s actually quite serious. Because calculus is rough and porous (it has tiny holes in it), it’s a perfect place for more plaque to stick to. This means that if you have calculus, it’s much easier for more bacteria to build up on your teeth.

This build-up of bacteria can lead to several problems:

Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

The bacteria in the plaque and calculus release toxins that irritate your gums. This can make your gums red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, especially when you brush or floss. This is the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. If left untreated, it can get worse and turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease where the gums pull away from the teeth, and the bone and tissues that support your teeth start to break down. This can eventually lead to your teeth becoming loose or even falling out.

Bad Breath

The bacteria that live in plaque and calculus release gases that cause bad breath. No amount of mouthwash can permanently fix this if the source of the bacteria is still there.

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Calculus provides a perfect hiding spot for bacteria that cause cavities. These bacteria produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, creating holes or cavities.

Unsightly Appearance

Let’s face it, yellow or brown stains on your teeth don’t look great. Calculus can make your teeth look dirty and discoloured, which can make you feel less confident about your smile.

How to Prevent Calculus Buildup on Teeth

The best way to deal with calculus is to stop it from forming in the first place. Prevention is always better than a cure. Here’s what you can do:

Brush Regularly and Properly

Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Make sure you use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Use small, gentle, circular motions and make sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth: the front, the back, and the chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too! An electric toothbrush can be especially effective at removing plaque.

Floss Daily

Brushing alone isn’t enough. Flossing is crucial because it cleans the areas between your teeth and under your gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing once a day removes plaque before it has a chance to harden into calculus.

Use an Anti-Tartar Toothpaste

There are special toothpastes on the market that are designed to help prevent calculus formation. These toothpastes often contain ingredients like pyrophosphates or zinc citrate that help stop plaque from hardening.

Rinse with a Therapeutic Mouthwash

A mouthwash that contains an anti-bacterial agent can help kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce plaque buildup. Ask the dentist for a recommendation.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Sugary and starchy foods and drinks feed the bacteria in your mouth. Try to limit these foods and choose a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drinking lots of water throughout the day can also help wash away food particles and bacteria.

Professional Cleaning Methods for Calculus Removal

Once calculus has formed, you cannot remove it on your own at home. You need to see a dentist or a dental hygienist. This is a very common procedure, and there’s nothing to worry about. Dentists and dental hygienists use special tools and techniques to safely and effectively remove calculus.

Here’s what you can expect:

Scaling

This is the main part of the cleaning. The dentist or hygienist uses a special tool called a scaler. There are two types: a hand scaler and an ultrasonic scaler. A hand scaler is a small, curved metal tool that the hygienist uses to scrape the calculus off the tooth surfaces. An ultrasonic scaler uses high-frequency vibrations and a cool water spray to break up the calculus and wash it away. It’s usually very comfortable, and most people don’t feel any pain.

Root Planing

If there is calculus below the gum line, a deeper cleaning might be needed. This is called root planing. The dentist or hygienist smooths the surface of the tooth root to make it harder for plaque to stick to and to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This can sometimes be done with a local anaesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable.

Polishing

After the calculus has been removed, the dentist or hygienist will polish your teeth with a special paste. This makes the surfaces of your teeth smooth and shiny, which makes it harder for plaque to attach itself.

Fluoride Treatment

Sometimes, a fluoride treatment is applied to the teeth after cleaning. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist for Calculus Removal?

For most people, a professional dental cleaning every six months is recommended. This is enough to keep plaque and calculus under control and to catch any other dental problems early. However, some people might need to visit more often. This includes people who have a history of gum disease, are more prone to plaque buildup, or have certain medical conditions. The dentist will tell you what the right schedule is for you.

If you are a resident of Wollongong or the surrounding areas, it’s a good idea to find a reliable dentists Wollongong residents trust. Regular check-ups with a good dentist are the best way to maintain a healthy smile for life.

Tools to Reduce Calculus Buildup

You might see things online that claim to remove calculus at home. These often include special scraping tools, certain mouthwashes, or even brushing with things like baking soda. While some of these might seem appealing, it’s important to be very careful.

While there are some things you can do at home to help reduce plaque and slow down calculus formation, it is important to remember that they are not a substitute for professional dental care.

Plaque-Disclosing Tablets

These are a great tool to help you see how well you are brushing. You chew a tablet, and it stains the plaque on your teeth a bright colour (like pink or purple). This shows you the areas you are missing so you can improve your brushing technique.

Interdental Brushes

These are tiny brushes that fit between your teeth. They can be more effective than floss for some people, especially if you have gaps between your teeth.

Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators)

A water flosser uses a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line. It’s a great tool to use in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

Risks of Trying to Remove Calculus at Home

Trying to remove hardened calculus yourself is very risky and not a good idea. Here’s why:

Damaging Your Gums

You could easily jab the sharp tool into your gums, causing them to bleed and get infected. You could also push the calculus further under the gum line, making the problem much worse.

Damaging Your Tooth Enamel

The special tools that dentists use are designed to be safe for your teeth. A tool you buy online might be too rough, and you could scratch or chip your tooth enamel. Once the enamel is damaged, it can’t grow back, and your tooth becomes much more vulnerable to decay.

Spreading Infection

If you use a dirty tool, you could introduce new bacteria into your mouth, which could lead to an infection.

Incomplete Removal

You might only be able to remove the visible part of the calculus, while the more dangerous parts below the gum line remain. This gives you a false sense of security, leaving the real problem to worsen.

Dentists are trained professionals who have the right tools and knowledge to safely remove calculus without harming your teeth or gums. It’s always best to leave this job to them.

Conclusion

Calculus, or tartar, is a common dental problem that can lead to serious issues like gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. While it’s easy to prevent with good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a healthy diet, once it has formed, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

Trying to remove calculus at home is dangerous and can cause more harm than good. The best approach is a combination of excellent home care and regular check-ups with the dentist. If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a while, or if you’ve noticed calculus buildup on your teeth, now is the best time to book an appointment.

Experience the Difference at Wollongong Dentist 4 U

Taking care of your teeth is an investment in your overall health and well-being. A healthy smile is a confident smile. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one. 

Talk to the dentist at Dentist 4 U today about how to keep your teeth clean and free of calculus.

Source: How to Clean Calculus from Teeth: Effective Removal Tips