What is calculus?

Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that can form on your teeth.

Calcium and phosphate are natural minerals found in your saliva. These minerals can soak into plaque and harden.

What causes calculus build up?

If plaque isn't removed through brushing and flossing, it can harden into calculus. 

The rough and hardened surface that is formed provides an ideal surface for further plaque formation. This leads to further calculus build-up, which can compromise the health of your gums.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Calculus formation is associated with a number of clinical manifestations linked to periodontal disease, including bad breath, receding gums and bleeding gums.

How can calculus be treated?

Brushing and flossing can remove plaque, from which calculus forms. However, once formed, calculus is too hard and too firmly attached to be removed with a toothbrush. 

Your dental hygienist/dentist can remove calculus with specialised instruments like an ultrasonic scaler leaving your teeth feeling clean and smooth.

What can happen if it is untreated?

Periodontal disease can worsen. This can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, bad breath and in the more severe cases loose teeth which may need extraction.

Can I prevent calculus building up?

Yes, with a good tooth cleaning regime, calculus build up can be minimised

Why does calculus build up on the back of my lower teeth quicker than other areas?

Due to gravity, saliva pools in the floor of your mouth, behind your lower teeth. As these teeth are constantly bathed in saliva calculus can form here quicker

It can also be harder to clean these areas.