Which term means a hard deposit of mineralized material adhering to teeth?

Which term means a hard deposit of mineralized material adhering to teeth?

• A. Cavity
• B. Bridge
• C. Calculus
• D. Composite

Answer: (C)

Hard mineralized material that clings to teeth is called calculus (also known as tartar). It forms when dental plaque, a soft biofilm, becomes mineralized with calcium and phosphate from saliva. This creates a tough, crusty deposit that adheres to enamel and cementum, especially around the gumline. Calculus is not removable by brushing alone and typically requires scaling by a dental professional to remove it. There are two forms: supra-gingival calculus on the crown and sub-gingival calculus around the roots. Its presence can contribute to periodontal problems because it provides a rough surface that harbors bacteria and irritates the gums. For comparison, a cavity is tooth decay from acid attack that demineralizes tooth structure; a bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis replacing missing teeth; composite is a tooth-colored filling material used to restore a tooth.

Hard mineralized material that clings to teeth is called calculus (also known as tartar). It forms when dental plaque, a soft biofilm, becomes mineralized with calcium and phosphate from saliva. This creates a tough, crusty deposit that adheres to enamel and cementum, especially around the gumline. Calculus is not removable by brushing alone and typically requires scaling by a dental professional to remove it. There are two forms: supra-gingival calculus on the crown and sub-gingival calculus around the roots. Its presence can contribute to periodontal problems because it provides a rough surface that harbors bacteria and irritates the gums.

For comparison, a cavity is tooth decay from acid attack that demineralizes tooth structure; a bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis replacing missing teeth; composite is a tooth-colored filling material used to restore a tooth.