In part one, we examined how dental calculus can be indicative of heart trouble when it builds and builds, even with the best at-home and in-office dental health practices. We also discovered that it’s your calcium levels that can better predict heart disease than fat, which makes K2 a valuable nutrient for both heart and dental health. In today’s post, we’ll continue the discussion about calculus and how it relates to heart health.

Be heart-smart and tackle your overall health and wellness with a visit to our Windsor office. At Precision Dental of Windsor, we offer comprehensive dental care both preventative and restorative to give you the healthiest, most attractive smile possible. Learn more about what your teeth are telling you and how it relates to your heart.

The Difference Between Plaque and Calculus

While plaque can lead to the formation of calculus, there is a slight difference. Plaque forms first and is a colorless film that is sticky and clings to teeth. Bacteria lives and thrives in plaque, as it emits harmful acids that cause tooth decay and gum irritation. If the plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can form and harden, turning into calculus. Calculus has to be removed by a dental professional and left unchecked, can spiral into different health issues.

How does plaque turn to calculus?

Because the salivary gland sits right below your bottom teeth and secretes mineral-rich saliva, plaque can then be turned to calculus on those teeth. When your body’s pH changes, tartar becomes increasingly more present because the saliva contains more calcium. When there is too much calcium, your pH increases and the plaque is coated and becomes calcified.

Similar to your arteries, your saliva also has the matrix-Gla protein present. Without proper levels of K2 guiding the calcium to your bones, the calcium continues to rise in your saliva, making it harder and harder to manage. The extra calcium is then deposited into the places we don’t want it to be including arteries, heart, prostate, and kidneys — and it all begins the teeth.

The teeth are indicative of your heart’s health — good or bad.

Aren’t familiar with K2? Learn all about it in this post on tartar!

What does a lot of calculus look like?

  • Evaluate your calculus at home by doing the following:
  • Find a mirror small enough to see into your mouth.
  • Stand in front of another mirror and tilt your head while holding the mirror to see the back of your lower, bottom teeth.
  • Take a close look!
  • What do you see?

If you notice an off-white and stained buildup, that’s calculus. It’s also important to look for the gaps or lines between your teeth. If they’re covered, that is also calculus.

Do the right thing and make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and discuss with your dentist on how to prevent future calculus buildup.

Your teeth are the first sign of disease, so it’s important to keep them healthy, clean, and tartar free!

Book an appointment at our Windsor location today!