Dental calculus
Dental Calculus
Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that forms on the teeth when plaque is not removed regularly. It is a common dental problem that can lead to other serious oral health issues if not treated properly.
Pronunciation
Dental calculus is pronounced as /ˈdɛntəl ˈkælkjʊləs/.
Etymology
The term "dental calculus" comes from the Latin word "calculus", which means "small stone". This is a fitting description as dental calculus can feel like small stones or pebbles on the teeth.
Related Terms
- Plaque: A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth and along the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
- Periodontal disease: A serious gum infection that damages gums and can destroy the jawbone. It's often a result of plaque and tartar build-up.
- Gingivitis: A common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of your teeth.
- Tooth decay: Damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of dental calculus involves regular and thorough brushing and flossing to remove plaque. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important. Once dental calculus has formed, it can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools in a process called scaling.
Treatment for dental calculus includes professional dental cleaning and in severe cases, a procedure known as root planing. This procedure smooths the root surfaces, discouraging the accumulation of plaque and calculus, and removes bacterial toxins.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dental calculus
- Wikipedia's article - Dental calculus
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