Although calculus only adheres to the surface of teeth, it is stubborn. Simply brushing or flossing can only remove dental plaque, but not dental calculus.

Dental calculus can be divided into supragingival calculus and subgingival calculus. Subgingival calculus usually adheres to the gingival margin and cannot be removed by brushing or gargling after formation. It must be removed by a special instrument, that is, an ultrasonic scaler. Subgingival calculus is located on the tooth surface below the gingival margin and needs subgingival curettage to be removed. Sometimes brushing teeth may cause some calculus on the surface of teeth to fall off, which may lead patients to think that calculus has been removed. Generally, at this time, only the surface calculus is removed, and the large calculus below is still tightly attached to the teeth, which must be removed by the doctor through special instruments.

Dental calculus is formed by mineralization of dental plaque. Brushing your teeth every morning and evening and gargling after meals can remove dental plaque and slow down the formation of dental calculus. In addition, you can go to a regular dental hospital to wash your teeth, usually once a year, and people who smoke regularly once every six months.