Dental tartar, sometimes called calculus, is a form of plaque that has become hardened. It is the result of the ongoing accumulation of plaque on the surface of one’s teeth.
Its roughness offers an ideal environment for further plaque to form, which subsequently threatens the gingiva’s health.
History Of Tartar
A Greek term for limestone, Calcis referred to a wide variety of stones, and many spinoffs of this word were created throughout the years.
One example of this was the word calculate, which referred to stones used for ancient counting methods.
In addition, the word calculus was first used in the 1700s to denote mineral buildups, whether typical or accidental, in the bodies of animals and humans.
An example of this would be mineral deposits on teeth or kidney stones.
Meanwhile, the word tartar also originated from the Greek language, and through the years came to mean cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate.
However, by the early 1800s, this term became the common word for calcium phosphate.
Tartar Removal
Flossing and brushing can remove the calculus-forming plaque. However, calculus that has already formed is typically too firmly attached and too hard for removal by a toothbrush alone.
Such buildup must be removed by a professional who will use special instruments such as ultrasonic tools.
Clinical Considerations
The accumulation of plaque causes the gingiva to become inflamed and irritated, which is essentially what is meant by the word gingivitis.
It is possible for the gingiva to become so inflamed that the connective tissue fibers responsible for holding the teeth in place become damaged and erode away, a condition that is otherwise known as periodontal disease, or periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease
Dental plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease. Plaque that is left for an indefinite period of time in the oral cavity eventually turns to calculus.
Calculus is harmful to the gingiva, as it encourages the increased formation and retention of plaque. For this reason, calculus, as well as every other cause of plaque build-up, are considered secondary causes of periodontal disease.
Calculus can form above or below the gum, and its presence is can result in a wide variety of negative and even embarrassing dental conditions, such as halitosis–bad breath–chronically inflamed gingiva, and a receding gum line.
Bacteria And Tartar
When plaque forms above the gum line, it is comprised mostly from yeast and aerobic bacteria, which can essentially survive in any oxygen-containing environment.
However, the composition of plaque that is living under the gum line is primarily anaerobic bacteria, which cannot survive in an oxygen-containing environment.
Anaerobic bacteria pose a particularly severe threat to the gingival fibers and gingiva tissues that keep the teeth attached to the gums and bone. When this tissue is damaged, the unfortunate result is adult periodontal disease.
Almost all people who are suffering from periodontitis experience a significant amount of calculus deposits under their gum line.
The anaerobic bacteria that causes this to occur have been linked to pre-term deliveries and cardiovascular disease. However, more evidence is needed before a specific link is verified.
Tartar Prevention
The most effective method of calculus prevention is through the daily flossing and brushing of one’s teeth. These tasks should be completed twice each day.
In addition, one should schedule regular visits with is or her dental health care provider in order to have a professional cleaning performed, as well as an evaluation for the presence of calculus or gingivitis.
Some individuals accumulate more calculus than other, although the reason for this is not yet known. Smoking and diabetes are also culprits regarding the formation of calculus.
Toothpaste containing zinc citrate has is known to produce a small reduction in the accumulation of plaque.
Facts About Tartar
Dental tartar, sometimes called calculus, is a form of plaque that has become hardened. It is the result of the ongoing accumulation of plaque on the surface of one’s teeth.
Its roughness offers an ideal environment for further plaque to form, which subsequently threatens the gingiva’s health.
History Of Tartar
A Greek term for limestone, Calcis referred to a wide variety of stones, and many spinoffs of this word were created throughout the years.
One example of this was the word calculate, which referred to stones used for ancient counting methods.
In addition, the word calculus was first used in the 1700s to denote mineral buildups, whether typical or accidental, in the bodies of animals and humans.
Meanwhile, the word tartar also originated from the Greek language, and through the years came to mean cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate.
However, by the early 1800s, this term became the common word for calcium phosphate.
Tartar Removal
Flossing and brushing can remove the calculus-forming plaque. However, calculus that has already formed is typically too firmly attached and too hard for removal by a toothbrush alone.
Such buildup must be removed by a professional who will use special instruments such as ultrasonic tools.
Clinical Considerations
The accumulation of plaque causes the gingiva to become inflamed and irritated, which is essentially what is meant by the word gingivitis.
It is possible for the gingiva to become so inflamed that the connective tissue fibers responsible for holding the teeth in place become damaged and erode away, a condition that is otherwise known as periodontal disease, or periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease
Dental plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease. Plaque that is left for an indefinite period of time in the oral cavity eventually turns to calculus.
Calculus is harmful to the gingiva, as it encourages the increased formation and retention of plaque. For this reason, calculus, as well as every other cause of plaque build-up, are considered secondary causes of periodontal disease.
Calculus can form above or below the gum, and its presence is can result in a wide variety of negative and even embarrassing dental conditions, such as halitosis–bad breath–chronically inflamed gingiva, and a receding gum line.
Bacteria And Tartar
When plaque forms above the gum line, it is comprised mostly from yeast and aerobic bacteria, which can essentially survive in any oxygen-containing environment.
However, the composition of plaque that is living under the gum line is primarily anaerobic bacteria, which cannot survive in an oxygen-containing environment.
Almost all people who are suffering from periodontitis experience a significant amount of calculus deposits under their gum line.
The anaerobic bacteria that causes this to occur have been linked to pre-term deliveries and cardiovascular disease. However, more evidence is needed before a specific link is verified.
Tartar Prevention
The most effective method of calculus prevention is through the daily flossing and brushing of one’s teeth. These tasks should be completed twice each day.
In addition, one should schedule regular visits with is or her dental health care provider in order to have a professional cleaning performed, as well as an evaluation for the presence of calculus or gingivitis.
Some individuals accumulate more calculus than other, although the reason for this is not yet known. Smoking and diabetes are also culprits regarding the formation of calculus.
Toothpaste containing zinc citrate has is known to produce a small reduction in the accumulation of plaque.
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