1. Talking Teeth, Not Math
Calculus, also known as tarter, is a calcified deposit on your teeth. It occurs when dental plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing. Plaque is soft and sticky, but over time, it hardens and turns to calculus. Everyone has some calculus.
2. Start of Gum Disease
Calculus can appear on your teeth as brown or yellow stains. Your teeth and gums may feel irritated, sore and uncomfortable. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. This is the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. Untreated, calculus will continue to increase and become a foundation for more plaque and bacteria. The tissue that holds your teeth to the your gums will break down and cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Known as periodontitis, this gum disease will eventually form deep pockets where your teeth meet the gum line. These pockets are ripe for pus and infection, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
3. Scrape it Off
The best way to treat calculus is to get it early. Your dentist or dental hygienist can usually remove most of it with two procedures called scaling and root planing. In scaling, the hygienist will use a sharp instrument to scrape the calculus off your teeth. She'll also be able to go just under the gum line to get any calculus that has formed there. Root planing involves smoothing the tooth, so that bacteria no longer has a rough surface on which to adhere.
4. Getting to the Root of the Matter
When calculus is not removed, it leads to a more serious gum disease called periodontitis. Surgery may be the only answer if the bacteria is deep under the gum line. Flap surgery, performed by an oral surgeon, is a common treatment. Your doctor will make an incision in your gums so he can get to the deep inflammation around the roots. There, he can do scaling and planing. He can also administer an antibiotic right to the source of the inflammation. This treatment is usually done under light anesthesia. Extremely severe periodontitis, where the disease has actually destroyed the bone around the root of your tooth, may require grafts of soft tissue or bone.
5. It's Up to You
You can prevent gum disease by thoroughly brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Dentists say many people only brush for a few seconds, and this just is not adequate. They recommend playing a CD while brushing your teeth. When the song ends, you've brushed enough. In addition, you should see your dentist once or twice a year for a professional cleaning.
