What is Calculus Bridge? And how to prevent one from appearing on your teeth

Experts have linked Oral health to general health And health, which means your teeth can tell you a lot about the rest of your body. For example, poor oral hygiene can contribute to problems such as: Heart issues. That’s why it’s important to focus on oral hygiene and pay attention to what’s happening with your teeth.

One sign that your mouth is not as healthy as it could be is the appearance of a calculus bridge. To learn more, we consulted dentists to get their expert insights.

The difference between dental plaque and calculus

To understand bridge calculus, it’s helpful to start by understanding the material they’re made of. Calculus is, in short, a hardening plate.

You’re probably familiar with plaque, the sticky film that can make your teeth look fuzzy. plate It contains bacteria that make acidWhich can eat away at the enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth).

Plaque on your teeth is a natural result of eating food. Fortunately, you can remove plaque yourself. for you Toothbrush and floss Enough to remove this film – and the bacteria in it. In other words, plaque is not a cause for concern, provided you have good oral health habits.

Plaque becomes a problem when it turns into something else. Left unchecked, the painting Hardens in calculus (also called tartar). Unfortunately, you can’t remove this calcified plaque yourself. Because it’s on your teeth, it can contribute to tooth decay and gum irritation, encouraging the development of gum disease.

What does a calculus bridge look like? What about other symptoms?

Sometimes, this hardened plaque becomes a bigger problem because it extends to several teeth. “A calculus bridge forms when the tartar around individual teeth comes together to form a solid bridge around several teeth,” said Joseph Dell, DDS, chief dental officer at The Dental Center. Delta Dental Plans Association.

Once formed, a calculus bridge can affect your smile. Because tartar can be yellow, brown, or even black or green, it can make your teeth appear stained. Over time, calculus usually darkens, meaning your bridge will become more visible the longer it goes untreated.

When you have a calculus bridge, you may be able to see a band of spots near the gum line. This color may extend to the top of your teeth, to the bottom of your gums, or both.

Speaking of your gums, you may notice symptoms there, too. Calculus It can irritate your gumswhich causes inflammation. You may notice that your gums appear redder than usual. It may also bleed more easily. If left unchecked, calculus can cause your gums to recede, leaving more of your teeth exposed and potentially causing cavities or even tooth loss.

There is another unwelcome symptom that must be dealt with as well. Calculus bridges can cause bad breath.

How long does it take to form a calculus bridge?

The answer here is yours. like Dr. Alice BoghossianConsumer Adviser’s spokesperson American Dental Association“Body chemistry varies from person to person, so calculus forms at different rates for different people,” he explained.

However, the clock is ticking. In some cases, it only takes a day for plaque to calcify. By day 12, experts say so 60 to 90% of the plate Remaining on the teeth will harden into the calculus.

However, it usually takes weeks for the calculus to develop to the point where it connects to several teeth.

This doesn’t mean you can go weeks without flossing. Once calculus appears, you cannot remove it at home. You will need a dentist to remove them for you. This means that even a few days of poor brushing and flossing can be enough time for hardened deposits on individual teeth to connect and form a calculus bridge.

How do you remove a calculus bridge?

Because you can’t have calculus with toothbrush Or floss, you will need to turn to specialists. “A calculus bridge can only be removed by a dental professional,” Boghossian said.

To get rid of a bridge, dentists use a process called scaling, Dale says. “(This) is typically performed using hand tools or ultrasonic devices to remove tartar and plaque bacteria from the surfaces of teeth and roots above and below the gums.”

If this sounds annoying, don’t worry too much. Although the fit may be uncomfortable, it was designed with you in mind. “The dental professional typically uses specialized tools such as scalers and ultrasound tools to carefully remove calculus deposits from the teeth,” he said. Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFEa cosmetic dentist in New York. “These tools are designed to effectively remove hardened plaque without causing damage to the teeth or gums.”

However, the longer you leave the Calculus Bridge unchecked, the more complicated the removal process becomes. “If the calculus extends below the gum line, a deeper cleaning called root planing may be needed to further soften the tooth roots and remove bacteria,” Dale said.

While scaling is usually not painful because it focuses on the hard outer part of your tooth, root planing can be painful because it brings soft tissue (i.e. gums) into play. Your dentist should numb the area to keep you as comfortable as possible.

How to prevent calculus bridge

Since removing a calculus bridge is a complicated and potentially unpleasant process, you’ll probably want to do what you can to avoid it. Dental experts have some specific steps they recommend here.

• Brush and floss daily. “Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental cleaner to help remove plaque from between your teeth. Follow up with a fluoride toothpaste and brush for two minutes twice daily,” advises Boghossian. Dale recommends paying special attention to your gum line while brushing your teeth.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly. “To maximize the effectiveness of your toothbrush, replace it every three or four months — or sooner if the bristles start to fray,” Dale advises.
• See your dentist often. “Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist,” Wei said. “Professional cleanings help remove any plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by regular brushing and flossing.” Experts generally recommend visiting your dentist every six months.
• Choose the right mouthwash. Wei also recommends using antiseptic mouthwash regularly to reduce bacteria levels in the mouth.
• Eat a nutritious diet. “Reduce sugary and starchy foods, which can contribute to plaque formation,” Wei said. “Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.” It is also suggested to drink water after every meal to get rid of excess food particles, which contribute to plaque formation.
• Don’t smoke. Both Dale and Wee specifically pointed out the importance of this Avoid smoking To reduce the risk of oral health problems. “Smoking can contribute to calculus buildup,” Wei said. “Don’t be fooled into thinking vaping is safer than smoking. It’s not,” Dale added.

What happens if you don’t address your calculus bridge?

If a calculus bridge is left unchecked, hardened plaque deposits can grow. This leads to unwanted symptoms such as tooth discoloration and bad breath.

But the biggest problem is the complications that can arise due to the bridge. “The longer a calculus bridge stays in place, the greater the chance of developing more serious dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay,” Wei said.

In other words, a calculus bridge makes you more susceptible to cavities and gum problems.

Gum disease is extremely common, affecting about half of the adult population in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health. Like calculus bridges, this problem becomes even more important if it is not addressed. If early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) develops into gingivitis (severe infection of the gums), it can lead to serious problems such as tooth loss.

“It’s important to remember that poor oral health is linked to specific health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease,” Dale said. “Being diligent in your oral health care regimens at home and with your dentist is critical to supporting your oral health and overall health.”

Boghossian sums it up well: “Untreated calculus bridge can lead to gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist will not only treat this condition, but will ensure good dental health and this will contribute positively to overall health.”

When should you see a dentist for a calculus bridge?

Ideally, you should see a dentist before having the opportunity to form a calculus bridge. Make it a habit to schedule an appointment every six months. “Regardless of whether you have a calculus bridge or not, you should visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for checkups and cleanings,” Bogosian said.

At each appointment, your dentist can remove any calculus that has developed since your last visit. This can prevent bridge formation.

Good oral health practices at home and biannual dental appointments should keep the calculus in check. However, if you see stains on your teeth or changes in your gums, it’s probably time to take action. “If you notice tartar buildup on your teeth, it’s essential that you see your dentist as soon as possible,” Dale said.

Bottom line

A calculus bridge develops when plaque hardens into tartar, and those hardened deposits then attach across multiple teeth. At that point, you can’t get rid of the problem at home.

Fortunately, dental professionals have specialized tools they can use to remove calculus. Not only does this get rid of unwanted symptoms such as tooth staining and bad breath, but it also protects your overall oral health. Removing a calculus bridge reduces your likelihood of developing cavities or developing gum disease.

Since oral health is directly related to overall health, removing a calculus bridge — and preventing it from coming back — can protect your health.