Recent research on calculus

This paper discusses the different types of calcium phosphate in calculus and the role of plaque pH in controlling calcium phosphate precipitation (calculus) or dissolution (caries). There is great site-specificity of deposition of supragingival but not subgingival calculus, with highest amounts of the former being present on the lingual aspects of the mandibular anterior teeth. This may be because the plaque there is most alkaline as that region has the highest salivary film velocity and the lowest salivary sugar concentration during consumption of sugar-containing food and drinks. The importance of calculus removal for good gingival health is emphasised.