What Causes Calcium Deposits on Teeth?

Calcium and Your Teeth

According to the National Institutes of Health, calcium is the most plentiful mineral in the body, with 99 percent stored in bones and teeth. Calcium compounds contribute to the strength of enamel. It is the tough outer layer of teeth that protects against decay, erosion, and sensitivity to temperature.

Enamel is the body’s hardest substance, even tougher than bone, and consists of calcified tissue. “Calcium buildup” can refer to plaque and tartar that can accumulate on teeth and lead to decay if not removed. It can also refer to issues with the calcification process of enamel.

What Causes Extreme Calcium Buildup on Teeth?

If you see strange colored spots on your teeth, it might be due to tartar or calcium deposits. When you don’t take good care of your teeth, bacteria stick to them. As these bacteria harden and become firmly stuck on the surface, they turn into tartar. This is how calcium buildup happens on teeth.

Symptoms of Calcium Buildup

Most people don’t notice the early signs of tartar until it’s too late. This makes it difficult to handle the consequences, especially when trying to remove the deposits from teeth. It’s important to watch for these symptoms of calcium buildup:

• Discoloration (yellow or brown spots)
• Strange texture (feels rough when you run your tongue over teeth)
• Bad breath (persistent bad breath)
• Bleeding gums
• Teeth feeling slimy

How to Get Rid of Calcium Buildup on Teeth?

Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar buildup from your teeth. They use special tools designed for this purpose, such as metal-tipped instruments or ultrasonic devices that use specific vibrations to clean teeth.

If it’s been a long time since your last dental visit, removing tartar might require more than one appointment. For deep tartar below the gumline, you might need a procedure called deep cleaning with local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable.

Dental hygienists are trained professionals who specialize in oral health care. It’s important not to try scaling your teeth at home using dental kits or improvised tools like toothpicks. Doing so could damage your enamel or make your gums more inflamed and prone to bleeding.

Preventing Calcium Buildup

To prevent calcium buildup on your teeth, it’s best to keep them clean by brushing thoroughly and flossing every day. Also, make sure to get your teeth cleaned by a dental professional at least twice a year. Some people might need more frequent dental cleanings if they develop tartar quickly, but following your dental hygienist’s advice will improve your oral health.