Have you ever noticed a rough, yellowish buildup along your gum line despite brushing your teeth regularly? This common dental concern, known as calcium buildup or tartar, is something many people face. That’s why knowing what calcium buildup is, why it forms, and how to prevent and treat it is essential to maintaining good oral health.
Let us explore the causes, effects, and ways how to get rid of calcium buildup in teeth.
What Is Buildup of Calcium on Teeth?
Calcium buildup, also known as tartar or dental calculus, occurs when plaque—a soft, sticky film containing bacteria—hardens on your teeth. This hardening process happens when the minerals in your saliva, including calcium phosphate, combine with plaque to form a rough, calcified deposit. Unlike plaque, which can be removed by brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning at the dentist, tartar requires deep teeth cleaning.
Tartar can form both above and below the gum line. Above the gum line, it’s usually yellow or brown and can often be seen on the front or back of your lower teeth. Below the gum line, tartar isn’t as visible and can cause the gums to become irritated and inflamed.
What Causes This Buildup?
- Improper Oral Hygiene. The primary cause of calcium buildup on teeth is inadequate oral hygiene. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, isn’t regularly removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calcified plaque), seen as white spots. Tartar buildup starts at the gumline and can extend onto the tooth surfaces, leading to calcium deposits over time.
- Diet. Consuming foods high in sugar and starch fuels the production of plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars and release acids that attack tooth enamel. Over time, this can accelerate plaque formation and contribute to the development of tartar and calcium deposits.
- Saliva Composition. Some individuals naturally produce more plaque-promoting bacteria in their saliva than others. Factors like pH balance and saliva flow rate can influence how quickly plaque hardens into tartar. This variation in saliva composition can affect susceptibility to calcium buildup.
- Smoking. Using tobacco, such as smoking or chewing, raises the risk of tartar buildup on teeth. Smoking weakens gum immunity, aiding bacteria in tartar formation. Nicotine and tar in tobacco products also stain teeth and worsen dental health.
- Age. As we age, changes in saliva composition, gum recession, and natural wear on tooth enamel can contribute to increased tartar formation. Older adults may also find it more challenging to maintain rigorous oral hygiene practices, which can exacerbate calcium buildup over time.
- Poor Diet. Nutrient deficiencies, such as lack of Vitamin C, can compromise overall dental health and contribute to calcium buildup. Vitamin C is essential for gum health and collagen production in the gums, which helps maintain the integrity of the tooth-supporting structures. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can weaken gums and make them more susceptible to bacterial invasion and tartar formation.
How Does the Buildup of Calcium Impact Dental Health?
- Gum Disease. Tartar irritates gums, leading to inflammation called gingivitis. If not treated, this can advance to periodontitis, a serious gum disease that harms the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
- Cavities. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce acids that can erode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Once tartar forms, it creates a rough surface that makes it easier for plaque to adhere, enhancing the risk of cavities.
- Tooth Loss. Prolonged extreme calcium buildup on teeth and untreated gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. As gum disease progresses, it can destroy the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, causing them to become loose and eventually fall out.
- Bad Breath (Halitosis). Tartar buildup can harbor bacteria that produce foul-smelling compounds. These bacteria can contribute to persistent bad breath, which can be embarrassing and indicative of underlying dental issues.
- Tooth Sensitivity. As tartar builds up and gum disease advances, the protective enamel on teeth can erode. This exposes the dentin underneath, which houses sensitive nerve endings. You might notice heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
How Can You Remove Calcium Buildup?
Professional Dental Cleaning
Regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health. Dental professionals use specialized tools where you can see calcium buildup on teeth breaking off, especially along the gum line and between teeth. This prevents tartar buildup, which can lead to calcium deposits. After scaling to remove tartar, teeth are polished to resist plaque. These cleanings improve oral hygiene and prevent further calcium buildup.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are intensive dental deep cleaning procedures for treating gum disease. Scaling removes tartar above and below the gumline, reducing inflammation and bone loss. Root planing smooths root surfaces to prevent bacteria from re-adhering. These treatments not only address existing calcium deposits but also promote gum health by preventing future buildup.
Vital Ways to Prevent This Buildup
Brushing
Calcium buildup on teeth removal at home includes brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, ideally after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to clean tooth surfaces and along the gumline. Consider an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal, which is beneficial for dexterity issues or braces.
Flossing
Daily flossing is essential for eliminating plaque and food debris from between teeth and along the gumline, areas often missed by brushing alone. This helps prevent plaque from solidifying into tartar, which requires professional removal by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Mouthwash
Add an antiseptic mouthwash into your daily routine to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Mouthwash can reach areas of the mouth that brushing and flossing may miss, helping to control plaque buildup that leads to tartar formation. Choose a mouthwash with fluoride to strengthen teeth further.
Healthy Diet
Limit sugar and starch intake to prevent plaque formation. Opt for a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and dairy for calcium and vitamin C, essential for strong teeth and gums. Crisp fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots naturally clean teeth and boost saliva production.
Stay Hydrated
Consuming water throughout the day, particularly after meals, flushes out food particles and neutralizes mouth acids from bacteria. This helps prevent plaque buildup and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Adequate hydration also boosts saliva production, naturally safeguarding teeth by washing away bacteria and debris.
Get Professional Help for Calcium Buildup: Contact Us Today!
Calcium buildup on teeth may be a common issue, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. By understanding its causes and effects, taking proactive actions to maintain good oral hygiene, and seeking professional dental care, you can protect your teeth from the drawbacks of tartar, like periodontal disease, and maintain your oral health.
At Miller’s Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. If you’re concerned about calcium buildup on your teeth, schedule a visit with us today to discuss personalized care solutions and keep your smile at its best.
