Calculus (medicine)

Calculus in medicine is different from the calculus you might learn in math class. In medicine, calculus refers to hardened mineral deposits that can form in various parts of the body.

Imagine your body is like a bathtub that gets filled with water. Sometimes, minerals in the water can stick to the sides of the bathtub and eventually build up to form a hard, crusty layer. This is kind of what happens in your body when calculus forms.

One place where this can happen is in your teeth. If you don't brush your teeth well enough, tiny pieces of food can get stuck and start to decay. Bacteria in your mouth can also contribute to the decay process. Over time, these things can form a sticky film called plaque. If the plaque isn't removed, it can harden and turn into calculus, which is also known as tartar. Calculus can make it harder to clean your teeth properly and can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Calculus can also form in other parts of the body, such as the kidneys. Your kidneys help filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. Sometimes, minerals can start to build up and form crystals in your kidneys. These crystals can then stick together and form hard stones, which can be very painful to pass.

Doctors and dentists can help you prevent calculus from forming by encouraging good hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly. They can also help remove calculus that has already formed, either by scraping it away (in the case of tartar on teeth) or by using sound waves to break up kidney stones.