4 Calculus is found in all known populations, past and present, but the extent varies widely among individuals and populations. There is a cohesive bond between crystals in the calculus and the enamel, dentine or cementum apatite crystals at the calculus-tooth interface.
3ĭental calculus forms throughout an individual's life on the subgingival and/or supragingival tooth surfaces. 1, 2 It is composed primarily of calcium phosphate mineral salts deposited between and within remnants of formerly viable microorganisms and is covered by an unmineralised bacterial layer. Such analyses can detect changes in the oral microbiota, including those that have reflected the shift from agriculture to industrialisation, as well as identifying markers for various systemic diseases.ĭental calculus can be defined as a complex mineralised plaque biofilm which is sequentially generated and entraps microbial, dietary, host and ancient debris during spontaneous calcification events. Oral bacteria, a major component of calculus, is the primary target of these aDNA studies. While optical and scanning electron microscopy were the original analytical methods utilised to study microparticles entrapped within the calcified matrix, more recently, molecular approaches, including ancient DNA (aDNA) and protein analyses, have been applied. As an archaeological deposit, it may contain non-dietary debris which permits the exploration of human behaviour and activities. During the last few decades, dental calculus has been increasingly recognised as an informative tool to understand ancient diet and health.
Conversely, dental calculus can potentially be useful in forensic studies by supplying data that may be helpful in the identification of human remains and assist in determining the cause of death.
Dental calculus is recognised as a secondary aetiological factor in periodontal disease, and being a prominent plaque retentive factor, it is routinely removed by the dental team to maintain oral health.
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