Dental calculus is a technical terms for calcified plaque around the teeth. Initially, after we chew the food, there will be some leftover food debris around the teeth. These food debris are whitish in color and they are also called plaque. Overtime, if these food debris are not completely removed by toothbrushing, they can continue to adhere onto the surface of the teeth and slowly they will become hardened. They become hardened because the calcium in the saliva will calcify these food debris and make them to become more resistent to removal.
Small amount of calculus are usually not detected visually. They require dentist to use special dentist instrument to detect their presence if they are located within the gum pocket under the gumline. Sometimes, if the calculus becomes big enough, it will show up in the xray radiograph image as white granules on the tooth surface.
These calculus requires professional treatment for complete removal.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Practicing Cosmetic Dentist Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona.
Dental Office in Tempe AZ
