Calculus (dark yellow colour) can be seen on almost all teeth near the gums

In dentistry, calculus or tartar refers to hardened plaque on the teeth, formed by the presence of saliva, debris, and minerals. Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for bacterial growth, threatening the health of the gums and absorbing unaesthetic stains far more easily than natural teeth. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1211x867, 558 KB) Summary Photo taken of patient, who will remain anonymous, treated at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center: College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1211x867, 558 KB) Summary Photo taken of patient, who will remain anonymous, treated at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center: College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee. ... Radiographs (X-rays) can reveal if a person has cavities, bone disease or other abnormalities Dentistry is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures as it relates to human beings. ... Dental plaque is a yellowish biofilm that builds up on the teeth. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Saliva, often informally known as spit, is the moist, clear, and usually somewhat frothy substance produced in the mouths of some animals, including humans. ... Debris (French, pronounced (IPA) dibri) is a word used to describe the remains of something that has been otherwise destroyed. ... Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. ... Phyla/Divisions Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Omnibacteria Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria (singular, bacterium) are a major group of living organisms. ... The gingivae (sing. ...

Tartar accumulates in the absence of proper oral care. Once formed, it can be removed only by professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist (see tooth scaling). Tartar causes swelling, bleeding and weakening of gums, and can lead to gum recession. Calculus can even extend into pockets created between the tooth and gums. X-rays can reveal if a person has cavities Dentistry is the practical application of knowledge of dental science (the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth) to human beings. ... A dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive care. ... This article needs to be wikified. ... The gingivae (sing. ... The gingivae (sing. ... Types of teeth Molars are used for grinding up foods Carnassials are used for slicing food. ... The gingivae (sing. ...

Tartar comes in two forms. Supragingival (outside the gums) tartar is the visible deposit that forms on the top of the teeth. Subgingival (inside the gums) tartar forms in pockets between teeth and gums. Subgingival tartar is more harmful as it facilitates faster growth of bacteria. Subgroups Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are a major group of living organisms. ...

The anaerobic bacteria found in pockets around teeth may be linked to cardiovascular disease and pre-term low birth weight babies. Further research is still needed.

The best way to prevent the build up of calculus is through twice daily toothbrushing and flossing and cleaning visits based on a scedule recommended by your dental health care provider. When it accumulates excessively, natural tooth structure may become hidden by it. Dental floss is a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (teflon or polyethylene ) ribbon used to remove food and plaque from teeth. ...