If your dentist or hygienist has mentioned “calculus” or “tartar”, you may be wondering exactly what it is and why it matters. Dental calculus is more than a cosmetic nuisance – it plays a direct role in gum disease and tooth loss. Here is a plain-English guide to what calculus is, how it forms, and the best ways to keep it under control.

What is dental calculus?

Dental calculus, commonly called tartar, is hardened dental plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed by brushing and flossing, minerals from your saliva gradually harden it – a process sometimes described as the plaque “calcifying” on the teeth. Within a day or two it sets into calculus, a rough, crusty deposit that is firmly stuck to the tooth.

(If you have searched for “callus on teeth”, calculus is almost certainly the term you are after – a callus refers to hardened skin, while calculus is the hardened deposit on teeth.)

Where does tartar build up?

Calculus tends to collect in the places that are hardest to clean: along the gum line, between the teeth, and on the inside surfaces of the lower front teeth, which sit near salivary glands. It can form both above the gum line, where it looks yellow or brown, and below it, where it is hidden but more damaging.

Why calculus is a problem

Unlike soft plaque, calculus cannot be brushed away once it has hardened – and its rough surface gives even more plaque a place to cling. This matters because:

• It irritates the gums, leading to redness, swelling and bleeding (gingivitis).
• It can progress to gum disease, where the bone supporting the teeth is gradually lost – a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• It contributes to bad breath and staining.

How is calculus removed?

Once plaque has hardened into calculus, only a dental professional can remove it safely. During a hygiene appointment we use specialised instruments and ultrasonic scalers to lift the deposits away from the tooth and below the gum line, without harming the enamel. Many patients also benefit from Airflow polishing, which uses a jet of fine powder and water to remove staining and lighter deposits comfortably. The result is a properly clean, smooth tooth surface that feels noticeably fresher.

How to prevent calculus build-up

You cannot stop plaque forming, but you can stop it hardening into calculus by removing it daily:

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush towards the gum line.
2. Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes – this is where calculus loves to form.
3. Consider an electric toothbrush, which many people find more effective at removing plaque.
4. Keep up regular hygiene visits so any calculus is removed before it can cause harm.

Book a hygiene visit in Crowthorne

Regular professional cleaning is the most reliable way to stay ahead of calculus and protect your gums. To learn more, see our plaque and calculus FAQ, or call Heathwood Dental Practice on 01344 776933 to book a hygiene appointment.