Use of scanning electron microscopy to investigate dental calculus in dogs.

The formation of dental calculus in dogs is a major problem. Scanning electron microscopy of tartar specimens from dogs revealed on the outer surface of the plaque polymorphic configurations, more or less arranged as free filaments, corn-cobs or swab-like structures. Uninhabited bacterial recesses were found on the inner surface of the calculus. Calcification may occur between or within the bacteria. Elucidating the mechanisms of calculus formation should help in the development of prophylactic measures.