Medical Conditions - Tartar

Tartar or dental calculus is a hard mineralized deposit that builds upon the tooth. Plaque is a soft deposit formed due to the accumulation of debris, saliva, and dead tissues. Frequent removal of plaque is necessary and can be done at home with a brush and floss to prevent calculus formation. Plaque over time mineralizes to form calculus. They are the house to microbes and cause bad breath, gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. New calculus are yellowish, and old calculus are brown to blackish. Calculus can be supragingival or subgingival. Professional scaling by a dentist removes calculus and plaque. Dentists recommend once in six months or yearly scaling to maintain oral hygiene.