Calcium is an excellent source of strength for your teeth and bones. So much so that calcium is what mainly keeps them protected against enamel erosion and cavities. But then, why are calcium deposits on teeth considered to be bad? Well, simply put, that’s because the excess calcium on top of your teeth isn’t the good kind; it’s actually calculus — (and no, it has nothing to do with math).
What is Calcium Buildup All About?
Calculus — better known as Tartar or Calcium deposits — is basically your dried-up and hardened saliva. As gross as it sounds, the bacteria inside your saliva can damage your dental health. Thus, when it hardens, a greasy film forms across your teeth called Plaque. In fact, you can even feel it by running your tongue across the teeth’s surface.
Moreover, when the plaque isn’t brushed off your teeth, it can cling on super tight and dry up over time. This results in the plaque turning into a rigid coating of tartar or calculus. Once this happens, you can forget about getting rid of the plaque on your own. Because once it settles in, only the dentist can polish it away.
How to Identify Calcium Deposits
Calcium deposits that have been slowly building up on your teeth can largely be noticeable due to their yellow color. However, that only happens once the solidification process has begun. During the initial stages, you need to look out for the following signs to prevent it from darkening:
- Discoloration
- Bad Breath
- Velvety Coating on Teeth
- Sensitive or Bleeding Gums
- Cavity-looking Spots
Why are there White Spots on My Teeth?
Primarily, there is only one common reason why your teeth may look discolored, and that is due to tartar formation. Calcium deposits can either be in the shape of haphazard patches or a complete sheet of sliminess. Nonetheless, when calcium phosphate dries up, you have a small window of time to clean it up. This is why brushing your teeth and flossing are crucial to include in your daily routine.
How to Remove Calcium Deposits on Teeth
Getting rid of calcium deposits is easy during its early stages. But as time progresses, it gets harder to eliminate the fuzzy texture. Be that as it may, a dentist can do it all. Experimenting with useless home remedies can do more harm than good. However, a qualified dentist will recommend the following treatments to get the calcium buildup on your teeth to break off:
- Scaling Through the help of ultrasonic scrapers, dentists clear away any remnants of calcium that may be. These scrapers vibrate at a high level and shoot out water for better aim.
- Polishing Usually, after the scaling process, the dentist goes in for a thorough polishing job. This allows your teeth to be wiped down, free from pesky stains.
- Root Planing When all other treatments fail, scaling and root planing comes as a last resort. For this, your dentist will have to get under your gum line and eliminate all signs of calcium deposits. This intensive cleaning requires going around the tooth so that even the roots can shine spotless.
The Final Word
In conclusion, calcium deposits on teeth directly result from not brushing your teeth. It might seem insignificant at first, but over time, the effects could lead to serious oral health concerns. For more information, visit Texas Premier Dental or call us at (281) 206-0100.