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https://preview.redd.it/ri5ruwtcyppc1.jpg?width=360&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32d00717e924f8303f6a8edcc823d9dd6e1f3d97

Whenever I eat carbs I develop white calculus along the back of my lower front teeth. I'm not talking about the blatantly problematic carbs like sodas and sweets (which I avoid), but stuff like rice, potatoes, even rolled oats – dietary staples. Even with diligent flossing and brushing, I still develop white calculus if I include those healthier carbs in my diet. And I am really diligent about hygiene. I brush once in the morning and twice at night, and do two rounds of flossing at night. Moreover, I get three cleanings a year and fluoride varnish three times a year. Despite some mild enamel wear, my dentist always complements me on my teeth every time I see him.

So I'm at a loss on how to approach this. I've tested cutting out carbs completely and sure enough I don't get white calculus when I abstain from carbs. But ideally I'd like to be able to eat stuff like rice. Moderation doesn't work: I just got a dental cleaning a week ago, which completely removed my calculus, but as you can see in the photo the white calculus is now returning – this is from plain rolled oats. So now the white calculus will be covering the lining of my gums behind my lower front teeth until my next cleaning.

Considering my options in light of research:

Based on some online research, the prevailing opinion seems to be that white calculus can be bad for periodontal health, so it's important to get it removed at cleanings. But if I redevelop white calculus within a week after my cleaning, that defeats the purpose of the cleaning and compromises the mitigation cleanings can offer. I don't see how it's acceptable to have white calculus year-round except on the days I get it removed at my dental cleanings. So from that perspective it appears to me that I need to either commit to not eating carbs to prevent calculus entirely, or find a way to safely remove it on my own in between cleanings. Is the latter feasible if I acquire the appropriate tool? I've read that patients shouldn't attempt to remove calculus on their own as it can damage their enamel, but I'm wondering if it's feasible if enough care is taken.

The other option is to simply stop caring about white calculus and accept it, and this stems from a different thread of inquiry that regards calculus less negatively. Basically I've read that patients who develop white calculus are more resistant to tooth decay (but more prone to periodontal issues) than patients who don't develop white calculus. In other words, white calculus has both adapative and maladaptive aspects to it. Maladaptively it can be bad for gums and periodontal health. Adaptively, it is a reflection of more mineralized saliva and therefore greater remineralization environment for the teeth – hence why those who are predisposed towards white calculus are correspondingly less disposed towards cavities/decay. What do you think? Are these statements on the mark, or do they conflict with your knowledge/experience?

In any case, in light of those latter considerations which regard white calculus as more benign, I could just embrace eating carbohydrates provided that the white calculus is not causing periodontal issues. Of course I can't anticipate whether or not having white calculus year-round (since with carbs it will return within a few days after dental cleanings) will cause periodontal issues in the long run.

So again, I'm at a bit of a loss, and seek some sound clinical advice on how to approach this issue. Is white calculus benign enough that I can continue eating carbs, or is it truly suboptimal for dental health in the long-run?

Thanks for any advice in advance.