What type of deposits will persist if not removed during dental cleaning?

Calculus, also known as tartar, is a type of dental deposit that forms when plaque, which is a soft biofilm of bacteria, is not adequately removed from the teeth. Over time, minerals from saliva and other sources can harden the plaque, turning it into calculus. Once formed, calculus is firmly attached to the tooth surface and cannot be removed through regular brushing or rinsing; it requires professional dental cleaning, often involving specialized tools used by dental hygienists or other dental professionals.

While soft plaque can be eliminated through regular oral hygiene practices, stains from substances like coffee and tea can be polished off professionally or at home but do not form deposits in the same way that calculus does. Similarly, medication residues can be cleaned through regular oral hygiene and do not typically form a hard deposit. Therefore, calculus is the only option that will persist on the teeth if not diligently removed during dental cleanings.