What term describes mineralized plaque?

• A. Biofilm.
• B. Calculus.
• C. Plaque.
• D. Tartar.

Answer: (B)

Mineralized plaque is called calculus. Plaque is the soft, living biofilm that forms on teeth, while calculus forms when minerals from saliva (like calcium and phosphate) precipitate within that plaque and harden. Some people refer to these hard deposits as tartar, but the precise dental term for mineralized plaque is calculus. This distinction helps explain why calculus is tougher to remove than regular plaque and why it can contribute more to gum irritation and dental disease.