Which demographic is most likely to have increased supra gingival calculus accumulation?

Individuals with periodontal disease are most likely to have increased supragingival calculus accumulation due to several factors associated with the condition. Periodontal disease creates an environment in which bacteria thrive and can lead to inflammation and increased salivary flow. This inflammation often results in more plaque formation; as plaque mineralizes, it turns into calculus. Furthermore, individuals with periodontal disease may also struggle with maintaining optimal oral hygiene, enabling plaque to build up and calcify more rapidly.

In contrast, children typically do not have as much calculus due to their less developed mouths and lower levels of plaque accumulation. Adults with braces may experience some increased plaque and calculus buildup, but it is often due to the challenges of cleaning around the brackets rather than an inherent condition like periodontal disease. Individuals with good oral hygiene are less likely to have calculus because regular brushing and flossing effectively remove plaque before it can turn into calculus. Hence, the connection between periodontal disease and increased supragingival calculus accumulation is clear and well-supported by clinical observations.