Prevalence of rapid calculus formers and its associated factors amongst patients visiting a dental hospital: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Abstract Background This study focuses on the determination and classification of patients as rapid or slowcalculusformersbasedontherateofcalculusformationafteroralprophylaxis. It also aims to determine the factors that positively impact the formation and deposition of calculus in patients and identify the factors that accelerate or decelerate the deposition of calculus. Methods The study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University Chandigarh, India. We examined 51 patients after a month of the oral prophylaxis, recorded the amount of calculus present in the oral cavity, and then recorded a detailed history which was briefly divided into Age, Sex, Residence, Oral habits, and maintenance of oral hygiene. Results An evident and meaningful link was found between age and the rate at which dental calculus forms. The average age of individuals differed significantly between the rapid and slow calculus formers, which could be ascribed to the decline in manual dexterity as age increases, resulting in less effective oral hygiene habits, including toothbrushing. None of the other factors dietary and oral hygiene related could be identified distinctly, probably owing to the small sample of the study. The oral health status exhibited a significant difference between slow and rapid calculus formers. Conclusions Within the limitations of the study, the data analyzed, identified age as a significant determinant that impact the rate of formation of calculus in patients and reported a significant difference in the oral health status of rapid and slow calculus formers.

Keywords

• Rapid calculus formers
• Dental calculus
• Diet
• Oral hygiene
• Age