

The organic extracellular matrix in calculus consists primarily of proteins and lipids (fatty acids, triglycerides, glycolipids, and phospholipids), as well as extracellular DNA. The cells within calculus are primarily bacterial, but also include at least one species of archaea ( Methanobrevibacter oralis) and several species of yeast (e.g., Candida albicans). Cell density within dental plaque and calculus is very high, consisting of an estimated 200,000,000 cells per milligram. The organic component of calculus is approximately 85% cellular and 15% extracellular matrix. octacalcium phosphate, Ca 8H 2(PO 4) 6.whitlockite, Ca 9(Mg,Fe)(PO 4) 6(PO 3OH).

The mineral proportion of calculus ranges from approximately 40–60%, depending on its location in the dentition, and consists primarily of calcium phosphate crystals organized into four principal mineral phases, listed here in order of decreasing ratio of phosphate to calcium: Calculus composition Ĭalculus is composed of both inorganic (mineral) and organic (cellular and extracellular matrix) components. This came to be a term used for calcium phosphate on teeth in the early 19th century.

potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar). Tartar, on the other hand, originates in Greek as well ( tartaron), but as the term for the white encrustation inside casks (a.k.a. This spun off many modern words, including "calculate" (use stones for mathematical purposes), and "calculus", which came to be used, in the 18th century, for accidental or incidental mineral buildups in human and animal bodies, like kidney stones and minerals on teeth. Calculus was a term used for various kinds of stones. The word comes from Latin calculus "small stone", from calx "limestone, lime", probably related to Greek χάλιξ chalix "small stone, pebble, rubble", which many trace to a Proto-Indo-European root for "split, break up". Calculus buildup can be removed with ultrasonic tools or dental hand instruments (such as a periodontal scaler). Brushing and flossing can remove plaque from which calculus forms however, once formed, calculus is too hard (firmly attached) to be removed with a toothbrush. Calculus can form both along the gumline, where it is referred to as supragingival ("above the gum"), and within the narrow sulcus that exists between the teeth and the gingiva, where it is referred to as subgingival ("below the gum").Ĭalculus formation is associated with a number of clinical manifestations, including bad breath, receding gums and chronically inflamed gingiva. This leads to calculus buildup, which compromises the health of the gingiva (gums). This process of precipitation kills the bacterial cells within dental plaque, but the rough and hardened surface that is formed provides an ideal surface for further plaque formation. It is caused by precipitation of minerals from saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in plaque on the teeth. In dentistry, calculus or tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. Calculus deposit (indicated with a red arrow) on x-ray image Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014.

The Health Consequences of Smoking-50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2004. 2004 Surgeon General’s Report Highlights: Smoking Among Adults in the United States: Other Health Effects. . Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 20.
