2006-12-31 02:48:28 · 5 answers · asked by Unknown O.O 1 in Health ➔ Dental
A hard yellowish deposit on the teeth, consisting of organic secretions and food particles deposited in various salts, such as calcium carbonate. Also called tartar.
Basically it is plaque that has harden and built up
2006-12-31 02:51:56 · answer #1 · answered by jewelsthomas 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of the other answers are hilarious! Anyway - dental calculus starts out as plaque that collects on your teeth. What is plaque ... plaque is composed of a bunch of bacteria (billions of cells) and left over food that you didn't manage to swallow (there are also some of your own skin cells from your gums and cheeks in the mix). When plaque isn't cleaned off of the teeth with adequate brushing and flossing (yeah, you need to do both and mouthwash isn't a good substitute) the phosphorus and calcium ions in your saliva (spit) cause the plaque to get hard (mineralize). This can happen in 48 hours. Calculus is also called Tartar. Because calculus is mineralized, it can actually become glued to your tooth. A tooth brush or floss cannot remove the material. You have to see a dentist or dental hygienist to have it removed.
Because it is rough and full of bacteria it causes gum disease (like gingivitis and periodontitis). These lead to bleeding when you brush, floss or eat, or spontaneous bleeding of your gums. Gum disease results in bad breath and tooth loss. Plaque and calculus can also cause cavities (tooth decay).
Hope this helps ... not as funny as the other responses though.
2006-12-31 03:35:05 · answer #2 · answered by r_smart2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dental calculus is a very complex mathematical theory based on the limits of how clean your teeth are.
2006-12-31 02:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by Baaadsport 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm a dentist.
Calculus is basically mineralized plaque.
Generally, you find that calculus develops in places where saliva is most abundant: the back side of your lower front teeth, and the maxillary molars. These two areas have openings where saliva produced in the submandibular and parotid glands, respectively, is released.
2006-12-31 07:09:33 · answer #4 · answered by Nebula D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Count your teeth
2006-12-31 02:50:02 · answer #5 · answered by havanadig 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋