Supragingival Calculus
Mineralised dental plaque deposited on tooth surfaces coronal to (above) the gingival margin, visible on clinical examination.
Full Definition
Supragingival calculus is calcified oral biofilm that accumulates on tooth surfaces above the free gingival margin, particularly on the lingual surfaces of mandibular anterior teeth and the buccal surfaces of maxillary molars, where salivary duct orifices are located. In dental research and epidemiological studies, it is quantified using calculus indices such as the Calculus Index (CI) component of the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S). Editors reviewing oral hygiene or periodontal research must distinguish supragingival from subgingival calculus, as the two differ in mineral composition, detection method, and clinical significance. The term is sometimes rendered as 'supra-gingival calculus' with a hyphen; however, the unhyphenated form is preferred in most major dental journals.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid 'tartar' in research manuscripts. Confirm hyphenation policy: most major dental journals prefer the closed, unhyphenated form 'supragingival'.
In Context
- "Supragingival calculus was recorded at six sites per tooth using the Calculus Index component of the OHI-S." — Oral hygiene epidemiology study methods
- "Authors should not use 'tartar' in a research manuscript; the preferred clinical term is 'supragingival calculus'." — Style guide note for dental journal submissions