As tartar, which is also known as calculus, begins to accumulate on teeth and below the gum line, it can cause irreversible bone loss which weakens the stability of perfectly good teeth. Research has shown that calculus can also cause vascular problems, heart issues and premature tooth loss. Not to mention, calculus causes long-term gum inflammation which causes them to be sore, sensitive and to bleed spontaneously. It can also cause very bad breath. A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, can help make your mouth and your whole body healthy again.