Dental Calculus: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment in Houston

Dental health is one of the most important aspects of overall health who are unaware of the hidden killer, threatening oral health. Dental calculus, or tartar, is one such enemy as explained by a family dentist. In this blog, we will provide you with information about dental calculus including what it is, what causes it, how to prevent it, and treatment options in Houston.

What is Dental Calculus?

Dental calculus — also called tartar — is hardened dental plaque that forms on the teeth and under the gumline. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not adequately removed with daily brushing and flossing, it can mineralize and harden into calculus. Unlike plaque(calcified) that can be removed through oral hygiene measures, calculus can only be removed by a dentist.

Causes of Dental Calculus

The leading cause for the development of dental calculus is insufficient removal of dental plaque. Many reasons can lead to plaque formation and later calcification into calculus:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly or properly can leave plaque behind, which later solidifies into tartar.
• Diet: A diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates provides the bacteria in plaque with a fuel source that allows them to thrive and increases the risk of calculus formation.
• Dry mouth: Saliva washes away the food and bacteria. Anything that reduces the production of saliva will also increase plaque and calculus.
• Tobacco use: Higher plaque levels and calculus build-up
• Genetics: Factors that a person may genetically produce causing the build-up of plaque and tartar.

Lingual Calculus Prevention

To prevent dental calculus, it is very important to keep a good oral hygiene routine and to have certain habits:

• Brushing: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Focus on spots that may be prone to plaque buildup, like the gumline and between teeth.
• Floss-Daily: Flossing can help remove plaque and traces of food from spaces that your toothbrush doesn’t reach.
• Dental Check-Ups: Visit your Houston dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and check-up.
• A Healthy Diet: Cut back on sugary and starchy foods and drink a lot of water, which helps rinse food particles away.
• Stop using tobacco: Steering clear of tobacco products can greatly decrease your risk of developing calculus.

Management of Dental Calculus

Dental calculus can only be removed by a dental professional during a process known as scaling. Scaling is the use of specially designed instruments to remove calculus on the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline. Sometimes, a second phase known as root planing may be called for to help smooth and clean the root surfaces, which may be necessary if the plaque has to build up.

Seeking Professional Help

Visiting a dentist in Houston regularly is key to better oral health also a very important preventive measure against the consequences of dental calculus. Your dentist will be able to notice the early signs of plaque and calculus buildup and can treat it accordingly keeping it from becoming more serious.

Dental calculus develops as a result of aging, and while it is a normal phenomenon, with proper hygiene and dental practices it can be effectively prevented. You will be much less likely to get calculus forming on your teeth when you know the causes and avoid them in your general pursuit of good oral health. Preventing and treating this condition requires regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Fortunately, there are numerous qualified professionals in Houston well-equipped to offer advice and care to help maintain the health of your gums and teeth. If you suspect that you have some buildup of dental calculus, or just have a routine cleaning coming due, contact your local dentist for an appointment. It is a matter of health and a great smile.