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What Exactly Is Calculus?

September 19, 2016 By HFDadmin

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When your dental hygienist says you have calculus on your teeth, have you ever wondered exactly what is calculus? According to Wikipedia the following is a very descriptive definition of calculus.  

In dentistry, calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. It is caused by precipitation of minerals from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in plaque on the teeth. This process of precipitation kills the bacterial cells within dental plaque, but the rough and hardened surface that is formed provides an ideal surface for further plaque formation. This leads to calculus buildup, which compromises the health of the gingiva (gums). Calculus can form both along the gumline, where it is referred to as supragingival (“above the gum”), and within the narrow sulcus that exists between the teeth and the gingiva, where it is referred to as subgingival (“below the gum”).

Calculus formation is associated with a number of clinical manifestations, including bad breath, receding gums and chronically inflamed gingiva. Brushing and flossing can remove plaque from which calculus forms; however, once formed, it is too hard and firmly attached to be removed with a toothbrush. Calculus buildup can be removed with ultrasonic tools or dental hand instruments (such as a periodontal scaler).                                       (Wikipedia website)

The best prevention of building up calculus on your teeth is thorough brushing and flossing at least two times a day along with 6 month preventative care appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist.

 

 

 

Filed Under: News

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Hours: Mon – Thur: 8 am to 5 pm
We are closed for lunch from 1 – 2 pm


Hastings Family Dental Care
212 W. State Rd.Hastings, MI 49058


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Related Links

American Dental Association The ADA is the largest professional organization of dental professionals, and a great source of information on dental and oral health topics.
Michigan Dental Association
With over 6,000 dentists and student members, the MDA is one the largest membership organizations in Michigan for dental professionals.

Contact Info

We are always available to talk with you and address your concerns. Please feel free to contact us during the following hours through our office phone number or e-mail address. After hours, you may contact us through our answering service.


Hours: Mon – Thur: 8 am to 5 pm We are closed for lunch from 1 – 2 pm each day. Hastings Family Dental Care

212 W. State Rd.Hastings, MI 49058


Get Directions...

Office: (269) 948-6684
Fax: (269) 948-4644

About Dr. Randall

Dr. Gregory Randall has been providing exceptional dental care since 1997! He earned his dental degree from the University of Michigan Dental School and completed a General Practice Residency. To stay up-to-date on all the latest advancements in the field of dentistry, Dr. Randall maintains active memberships with the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Southwest Michigan Dental Association and the Bunting Periodontal Society.


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