What color is associated with calculus buildup in veterinary dentistry?

The color associated with calculus buildup in veterinary dentistry is brown to dark yellow. Calculus, also known as tartar, forms when plaque on the teeth mineralizes over time. This mineralization can lead to a hard, rough surface that can be visible on the teeth. As plaque accumulates and hardens, it often takes on a brown to dark yellow hue due to various factors, including the diet of the animal, the presence of pigments from food, and the effect of bacteria.

The other color choices do not accurately represent the appearance of calculus. While white may describe freshly formed plaque before it mineralizes, it does not describe the hardened condition of calculus. Green is not a typical indicator in veterinary dentistry for calculus, and red usually indicates inflammation or is associated with signs of periodontal disease rather than calculus buildup itself. Thus, brown to dark yellow is the distinct color associated with visible calculus on veterinary patients' teeth.