What Causes Tartar Build-up and How to Keep it Away?

Dental calculus or tartar accumulates overtime depending upon how much plaque is on one’s teeth.  Plaque forms on the teeth in layers and if not removed frequently it hardens and becomes dental calculus.  Dental calculus /tartar is composed of mineral salts, food, and other debris.  Dental calculus is a hard (calcified) substance that appears on the tooth surface as a yellowish-white color or yellowish-brown color.

Dental calculus can form either above or below the gum-line.  When the tartar forms beneath the gum tissue or at the gum-line it can be very dangerous.  This accumulation of dental calculus/tartar is a resting place for bacteria that is harmful to the gum tissue and underlying bone tissue surrounding the teeth.  If this tartar build-up resides at or below the gum tissue for an extended length of time it causes infection and bleeding.  Over time, this leads to periodontal disease which is a disease that causes bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth.  Dental calculus/tartar forms in layers above the gum-line and if left for an extended amount of time can lead to cavities.  The areas where dental calculus/tartar form quickly are; the tongue side of the lower front teeth and the cheek side of the upper back teeth.  Tartar/calculus build-up occurs in these locations frequently because they are adjacent to 2 major salivary glands.

Frequent visits to the Dental Hygiene department at my Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness office will help keep dental calculus at bay.  My Dental Hygiene team has years of experience with dental calculus removal techniques as well as trained eyes to spot any beginning tissue inflammation.  My team of Dental Hygienists’ will also provide you with education and tools to use at home to better assist you with your daily oral health.  Please contact our Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness to visit our Dental Hygiene team at (951)686-3666.