Est. 1998

The Formation of Calculus

After the plaque is formed, the portion of the plaque that lies next to the tooth begins to mineralize.  You now have the beginning of calculus.

The mineralized layer of calculus bounds to the tooth even more powerfully than plaque. More plaque becomes calcified and starts to spread in all directions, pushing outward against the gum tissue, while simultaneously making its way into the extremely vulnerable gum pocket. New plaque is constantly being formed on top of the ever-spreading calculus.

As more gum tissue comes in contact with the spreading plaque and calculus, the infection intensifies, and the substance that holds your gum cells together is weakened. This weakening makes the gums more fragile, and soon the gums are no longer able to protect themselves even from the most mild forms of stimulation, such as brushing and eating hard foods. As a result, bleeding takes place. Once the bleeding starts, the germs get an additional source of food — the blood and other body fluids that are now being released from the gum tissue at an alarming rate.  Now certain types of germs can begin to penetrate the gum tissue. This infection process is no different from what happens when you cut your finger. The germs normally found on your finger and in the air are unable to penetrate healthy, intact skin, but once the skin is cut, the invasion begins.