The majority of adults worldwide have calcium buildup on their teeth. Whether above or below the gumline, everyone needs to try every day to remove the bacteria that can lead to the formation of this hardened mixture of calcium and other minerals, bacteria, saliva, and food particles.
To help prevent calcium build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a professional teeth cleaning.
What Are Dental Calcium Deposits?
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. Plaque sticking to your teeth is the reason for the taste and feeling in your mouth that you wake up with each morning. Although you can’t prevent plaque formation, you can keep it from accumulating.
If plaque is not removed, it begins to harden or calcify after one to three days into dental calculus. This is often referred to as a calcium buildup or tartar, which can accumulate above or below the gum line. Besides being harder than plaque, tartar also binds more tightly to teeth.
What Are The Signs Of Tartar Buildup?
You can have calcium build-up on your teeth with no symptoms. However, eventually, you develop symptoms such as:
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Your teeth feel rough to your tongue.
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Your gums bleed when brushing and flossing.
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You have persistent bad breath.
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Your teeth have yellow or dark discoloration.
Removing tartar early in its development is critical to preventing more serious problems, such as:
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Gingivitis.
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Receding gums.
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Gum infection (periodontal disease).
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Tooth decay.
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Sensitive teeth.
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Tooth extractions.
Removing Calcium Buildup On Teeth
You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. However, only a dental professional can remove calcium buildup from teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist uses specialized dental instruments to thoroughly remove tartar and plaque. The procedures for doing this include:
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Scaling. Instruments known as scalers are used to physically remove the tartar without damaging your teeth or gums. Many dental professionals also use ultrasonic scalers that use water and vibration to clean the teeth of calcium deposits.
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Periodontal scaling and root planing. A deep cleaning is needed if you have tartar below the gumline in pockets that have formed. This procedure, known as scaling and root planing, may require a dental anesthetic and take multiple visits to complete.
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Professional flossing. Even if you floss daily, most people have one or more areas they miss, typically around the back teeth. Professional flossing makes sure that all plaque is removed from these areas.
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Polishing. After removing all tartar and plaque, your teeth are polished with a special dental paste. Polishing gives your teeth a final smooth and clean finish, making plaque accumulation more difficult.
Preventing Calcium Build-Up On Teeth
Calcium build-up and gingivitis are preventable if you take these steps:
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Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Floss daily.
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Have regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
Schedule Appointment
Prevention and early removal of dental tartar contribute significantly to oral and overall health. Contact us for an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning to help keep your smile bright and your breath fresh.