About Calculus on Teeth

Calculus builds up on teeth over a period of time. The plaque that forms is a soft sticky substance that is composed of food and bacteria. It will build up and become hard on an individual's teeth. Flossing and brushing will not remove the build up only a oral health care provider will be able to remove it. If left untreated the calculus will cause gum disease. The condition can even lead to tooth loss.

Calculus forms by the deposits of mineral salts in plaque. It will appear brown or yellowish on the teeth. When calculus build up it is hard to get the teeth cleaned. Bacteria just continue to grow and build up around the teeth. There is no specific area where the calculus will build up, it can appear just about anywhere.

Supra-gingival calculus and subgingival calculus are given to the most common areas of calculus build up. Supra-gingival calculus is commonly found on the tooth surface in the mouth near the tongue on the mandibular incisors, It will also be located near the cheek areas. Subgingival calculus forms on root surfaces below the gingival margin. They will also extend into periodontal pockets when periodontal disease is present.

If calculus is not removed the bacteria in the mouth will cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets will hold bacteria and food debris which will eventually cause the gum disease to become so severe that their will be bone loss below the gum line. Eventually the individual with the condition will begin to lose their teeth from a serious gum disease. There may be no pain and the teeth will just begin to fall out. This type of condition could cause other serious health problems.