Dental Calculus

The term dental calculus refers to solid, often yellowish deposits on tooth surfaces, consisting of mineralized bacterial plaque, which is removed through professional dental cleaning.

The mineralization of dental plaque occurs over time if not removed by regular tooth brushing. Dental calculus is more likely to develop in regions where salivary glands release saliva into the oral cavity, particularly on the inner surfaces of the lower front teeth and in the vicinity of the upper molars.

As long as there is no irritation of the gums, dental calculus does not pose significant health risks.

Dental calculus can take on various colors depending on saliva composition. It is often white or yellowish but can also be brownish or reddish. It is described as a hard crust on the tooth surface.

Dental calculus forms as bacteria in the oral flora create a plaque on teeth, which subsequently hardens due to minerals in saliva. The mineralization of the plaque is the root cause of dental calculus formation.

Soft dental plaque forms particularly in hard-to-clean areas such as between teeth. If not removed, mineralization, or hardening, begins within days, incorporating saliva minerals like calcium, magnesium, or phosphates into the plaque.

The resulting solid deposit is called dental calculus and cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Bacteria in the calculus become embedded and inactive.

In principle, saliva’s mineral content is beneficial for oral health, allowing for tooth remineralization after acid exposure.

Depending on dietary habits, external factors, and bacterial flora, dental calculus can take on different colors and cause tooth discoloration.

Intake of strongly pigmented substances in food, such as coffee, black tea, nicotine/smoking, and frequent consumption of licorice, can lead to black dental calculus.

Brown dental calculus is possible depending on dietary habits, occurring more when the consumption of coffee, tea, and cigarettes is lower than in individuals with black dental calculus. Consequently, fewer color particles are deposited, resulting in lighter calculus.

Dental calculus can be removed by a dentist during a professional dental cleaning. Hand instruments like curettes and scalers or the use of ultrasound are employed. Gentle ultrasound application is preferred by patients over the scraping with hand instruments.

Dental calculus always begins supragingivally (above the gumline) and can progress subgingivally (below the gumline) over time. This poses a risk, as it can lead not only to gingivitis (gum inflammation) but also to periodontitis (deeper inflammation of the tooth-supporting apparatus).

Regular dental check-ups are essential to detect and address any dental calculus that may irritate the gums and cause problems. This removal should be gentle to avoid tissue damage. In dental prophylaxis, both soft and hard deposits are meticulously and atraumatically removed.

We do not recommend attempting to remove solid dental calculus at home, as it may inadvertently cause gum and tooth injuries.

However, we are happy to work with you to develop an individualized plan for removing initial, softer dental calculus at home. The foundation for this lies in personal oral hygiene, as plaque should be removed as early as possible. This not only prevents dental calculus formation but is also effective against cavities and periodontitis. Proper at-home oral hygiene, combined with an improved oral flora, can effectively minimize plaque and, consequently, dental calculus formation.

If plaque accumulates in larger quantities, it should be professionally removed in a dental office. Regular check-ups, combined with prophylactic sessions, help ensure long-term success.

We advise against using toothpaste specifically marketed for dental calculus, as they can be highly abrasive. Caution is also advised with at-home dental calculus removers to prevent injuries and resulting inflammations.

Dental calculus dissolves in acidic solutions. While dental calculus can be dissolved with acidic liquids like vinegar or lemon juice, this process also erodes tooth enamel. Therefore, we do not recommend using acidic home remedies for dental calculus removal.

Rinses with coconut oil or diluted tea tree oil may be helpful in some cases but should not replace professional advice and dental cleaning.

The best way to prevent dental calculus is to remove bacterial plaque with a toothbrush before it transforms into calculus. Thorough daily oral hygiene is sufficient to prevent dental calculus formation. Additionally, building a healthy oral flora and eliminating harmful bacteria in the oral cavity is recommended.

The cost of dental calculus removal depends on the amount of calculus and, consequently, the duration of the necessary dental cleaning. We recommend optimizing the bacterial flora with ozone during prophylactic appointments.

We often receive similar questions, so here is a list of frequently asked questions about dental calculus. If you have any remaining concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.

Relevant information is listed below to provide you with more insight.