If you want better smile, then we have to take care of our teeth. When it comes to dental health, we often think of plaque and teeth cavities, but there’s another important term to know: calculus Bridge. If you’ve ever noticed hardened deposits on your teeth during a dental visit, you’ve encountered dental calculus Bridge, sometimes referred to as tartar. In this article, we’ll learn about what is calculus bridge, how it has connection with our oral health, and how to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Table of Contents
What Is a Calculus Bridge?
Calculus Bridge is a hardened form of dental plaque that forms on your teeth, when plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing. Calculus bridge is often called as tartar. Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that develops on your teeth, and if it’s not cleaned off, it can mineralize and harden within just a few days. Once it turns into calculus, You’ll need to visit your dentist’s clinic to get that hardened calculus removed.
How Does Calculus Bridge form?
If you are not brushing regularly, then thin, sticky layer is formed on our teeth called plaque. When you eat food, bacteria in our mouth mixes with food, that releases acid which breaks carbs in our starchy food and sugary drinks. Acid, Bacteria and Carbs forms thin, colorless, sticky layer on teeth, which is called Plaque.
We have remove plaque by brushing and flossing teeth. If plaque isn’t removed within 24 to 72 hours, minerals from saliva begin to deposit in the plaque, hardening it into calculus Bridge.
Over the time, Tartar begins to spread in hard to reach areas of mouth and also goes down to gumline, which leads to potential dental health problems.
Side effects of Calculus bridge
Calculus layer appearing on teeth can be seen, A calculus bridge might sound harmless, but it can lead to several serious dental issues:
Gum Inflammation (Gingivitis)
Calculus has a rough texture that irritates the gum line. When gums are frequently exposed to this hardened plaque, they can become red, swollen, and more prone to bleeding. This condition is known as gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
If gingivitis is not addressed, it can advance to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. At this stage, the gums begin to recede from the teeth, forming deep pockets that trap additional bacteria. The presence of bacteria and calculus can damage the bone and tissue that support your teeth, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
Bad Breath
Calculus can harbor bacteria, leading to persistent bad breath that remains even after brushing. The bacteria produce odors that can be hard to eliminate, making it challenging to maintain fresh breath.
Tooth Decay and Sensitivity
Calculus creates an environment for bacteria that can gradually erode tooth enamel. This deterioration can result in cavities, discomfort, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
Calculus bridge removal
Removing a calculus bridge is not a DIY task; it requires the expertise of a dental professional who has the right tools for the job. Here’s a typical overview of the procedure:
Ultrasonic Scaling
Dentists utilize an ultrasonic scaler that vibrates at high frequencies to dislodge calculus without harming the teeth.
Manual Scaling
Following the ultrasonic treatment, your dentist or hygienist may employ hand instruments to carefully eliminate any leftover calculus from your teeth and gums. Dentist use Dental scaler to remove hardened plaque and tartar.
Polishing
After the calculus is cleared away, your teeth will be polished to enhance the enamel’s smoothness and help prevent future plaque buildup.
In more severe situations, you might need several visits to effectively remove the buildup and ensure your gums have time to heal properly.
How Can You Prevent a Calculus Bridge?
Maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental visits are the most effective ways to prevent the formation of calculus. Here are some helpful tips to keep calculus at bay:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Make it a habit to brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day. Focus on areas where food and plaque often accumulate, especially between the back molars.
Use Mouthwash
An antiseptic mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria and loosen plaque before it hardens.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Dentists can identify plaque buildup and remove it before it turns into calculus. It’s generally recommended to have cleanings every six months, although some individuals may require more frequent visits.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
Try to reduce your intake of sugary and starchy foods, as they can encourage plaque formation. Drinking water after meals can also help wash away food particles and bacteria.
Final Thoughts
A calculus bridge isn’t just about looks; it serves as a red flag for possible gum disease and other oral health concerns. By maintaining a consistent oral care routine and scheduling professional cleanings, you can manage plaque and calculus effectively, steering clear of the issues that can arise from calculus bridges. Don’t allow this subtle danger to lead to more significant dental problems! Regularly brushing teeth twice a daily can stop forming plaque and tartar.
FAQs
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is thin layer formed on teeth, when this thin layer is not removed, it gets hardened, then this hardened form is called tartar.
Can toothpaste remove tartar?
For removing tartar, we have to visit dentist.