Can calculus form under the gums?
Yes. There are two types of calculus. Supragingival calculus is the hard deposit on top of the teeth, the kind we can see and feel. Subgingival calculus forms below the gums. It is just as hard and adherent as supragingival calculus, but when present, is a greater concern because it forms within the pockets. This allows the bacteria to congregate in greater numbers. Though it is difficult to remove plaque formed on top of/within subgingival calculus, it is necessary to do because these pathogens cause more periodontal tissue breakdown.
