What is Calculus?
Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened form of dental plaque that builds up on teeth over time. It can lead to serious oral health issues, including gum disease, gum recession and bad breath, if not properly managed. This guide will explain what calculus is, how it forms, why it's harmful, and—most importantly—how to prevent and remove it.
Why is Calculus Harmful?
At first, calculus might seem like just a cosmetic issue—after all, it’s only hardened plaque, right? But beneath the surface, it’s doing far more damage than you might realise. Because calculus is rough and porous, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a range of dental problems.
The longer it stays on your teeth, the more it contributes to gum disease, gum recession, bad breath, and staining. Here’s why calculus is more than just an unsightly nuisance:
Gum Disease (Gingivitis & Periodontitis) – Calculus buildup irritates gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, leading to gum recession and tooth loss.
Bad Breath (Halitosis) – The bacteria trapped in calculus release foul-smelling compounds.
Staining – Calculus absorbs stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, leading to yellow or brown discolouration.
Causes of Calculus
Calculus forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on teeth and isn’t removed through brushing and flossing.
Within 24 to 72 hours, minerals in saliva, such as calcium and phosphate, begin to harden the plaque, turning it into calculus (tartar). As it solidifies, the rough surface attracts even more plaque, which continues to mineralise and grow over time.
This buildup can extend both above and below the gum line, creating a cycle that worsens without professional cleaning. Once formed, calculus can’t be removed with regular brushing and requires dental scaling to be eliminated.
Plaque Accumulation – Bacteria, food particles, and saliva create a thin film on teeth.
Mineralization – Within 24 to 72 hours, minerals in saliva (like calcium and phosphate) begin hardening plaque into calculus.
Hardening & Growth – Over several days to weeks, the calculus grows and spreads, making it easier for more plaque to attach and cause further buildup.
Preventing Calculus Build-Up
Since calculus is impossible to remove at home, prevention is key! Here’s how to keep your teeth calculus-free:
Brush Properly & Regularly
Brush twice daily for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.
Use a good electric toothbrush and focus on all surfaces of the teeth, especially the insides of your lower front teeth
Floss Daily
Flossing removes plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
If traditional floss is difficult, try water flossers or interdental brushes.
Stay Hydrated & Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which naturally fights plaque.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings every 6 months ensure any calculus buildup is removed before it worsens.
If you’re prone to calculus, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings.
Treating and Removing Calculus
Once calculus forms, it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. A professional dental cleaning is required.
A dentist or, more likely, a hygienist will use a scaler to remove the calculus buildup from your teeth (Scale and Polish).
Ultra-sonic scalers are powered and use high frequencies to dislodge calculus and clear staining from your teeth.
Hand scalers and manual scalers that have a sharp blade to scrape away calculus build up
Appointments for scaling and polishing usually last between 30-60 minutes, depending on how much build-up there is around your teeth.
Still got questions?
If you want to speak to one of our dentists for some personalised advice about calculus, click the button below and get in touch :)