Calculus bridges is a buildup of hardened plaque and tartar that connects two or more teeth.
If you not brush your teeth after eating, you might notice a thin, sticky film that begins coating your teeth. It’s called plaque, and if it’s not removed through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus.
Find out how calculus bridges form, their signs and symptoms, causes, risks, complications, treatment, and prevention.
What is a Calculus Bridge?
A calculus bridge is a buildup of hardened plaque and tartar that connects two or more teeth. It is a common problem that can affect people of all ages.
How Does a Calculus Bridge Form?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar.
Tartar is more difficult to remove than plaque and can build up over time, eventually forming a calculus bridge.
Calculus Bridge Images
The amount of tartar buildup can vary from mouth to mouth, so a calculus bridge can also look different from person to person.
In general, a calculus bridge will resemble a border of brown or tan along the edge of your teeth by your gumline. In more severe cases, it may extend down into the gumline or further up along the surface of the teeth.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Calculus Bridge?
The signs and symptoms of a calculus bridge may include:
- A brown or yellow buildup along the gum line
- Bad breath
- Gum pain or bleeding
- Loose teeth
Calculus Bridges Causes
The main cause of calculus bridges is poor oral hygiene.
If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque will build up and eventually harden into tartar.
Other causes of calculus bridges include:
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or dry mouth
- Medications, such as steroids or anti-seizure drugs
Risk Factors for Calculus Bridges
The following factors can increase your risk of developing a calculus bridge:
- Age: Calculus bridges are more common in older adults
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to developing calculus bridges than others
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth makes it difficult to remove plaque, which can lead to calculus buildup
Complications of Calculus Bridges
A solid layer of calculus on your teeth may have a noticeable appearance.If a calculus bridge is not treated, it can lead to a number of complications, including:
Plaque and a buildup of tartar can make your breath smell, too. This is a condition known ashalitosis.
Your gums may become red or inflamed. You may first notice it when you experience some bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. If left untreated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease calledperiodontitis.
Receding gumsare also a type of periodontal disease. Your gums may begin to recede from your teeth, exposing more of your teeth and allowing bacteria to creep into the gaps between your gums and your teeth.
The tartar that builds up on your teeth can shield bacteria from your toothbrush. Plaque and tartar can also cause tiny holes to form in the enamel on your teeth, allowing bacteria and acid to seep down into the tooth and cause cavities to develop.
Periodontitis:
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Tooth loss:
If periodontitis is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Treatment for Calculus Bridges
The only way to remove a calculus bridge is through professional cleaning. This involves scaling and root planing, which are procedures that remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed to help fight the bacteria that cause calculus buildup.
Calculus Bridge Removal
Once you have a bridge of calcified plaque or calculus on your teeth, you can’t brush it off. A dentist or dental hygienist will need to remove it. A professional cleaning can sometimes remove all or the vast majority of it.
If the calculus has reached down into or below the gumline, a professional cleaning won’t be enough to remove it.
At that point, a dental hygienist may use a handheld tool called a dental scaler, which has a small hook on the end, to scrape and carefully remove the hardened plaque and tartar from around your gumline.
After scaling your teeth, the hygienist may then smooth out areas on the root surfaces in a process called root planing. There are also ultrasonic instruments that can remove calculus buildup.
If the dental calculus is extensive, it may takemore than one session to address it. Your gums may be sore afterward from this extensive cleaning.
The image below shows the Calculus bridge removal, before and after the procedure.
Prevention of Calculus Bridges
Dental hygiene is key when it comes to preventing the buildup of tartar and the formation of a calculus bridge.
The best way to prevent calculus bridges is to practice good oral hygiene.
Since dental calculus can start building up within just a few days of the formation of plaque, you’ll want to be vigilant about removing plaque before it gets to that point.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends these steps to keep your mouth healthy and tartar-free:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Make sure you spend a full2 minutesbrushing each time, too.
- Clean between your teeth every day. This step, known as interdental cleaning, can include flossing or the use of another tool to clear away the debris that might hide between your teeth.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks. If you cut back on sugary items, there will be fewer opportunities for the bacteria in your mouth to mingle with the sugar that’s left behind and form plaque on your teeth.
- See a dentist regularly for a checkup. A dentist can carefully monitor your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease, likegingivitis or receding gums, and tooth decay. They can also learn your habits and make recommendations for strategies that may help you stick to a regular routine.
Conclusion
Calculus bridges are a common problem that can cause a number of complications if not treated. The best way to prevent calculus bridges is to practice good oral hygiene.
If you have a calculus bridge, it is important to see your dentist for professional cleaning as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a calculus bridge to form?
A calculus bridge can form in as little as two weeks if plaque is not removed from the teeth.
However, it usually takes several months or even years for a calculus bridge to develop.
Can calculus bridges be removed at home?
No, calculus bridges cannot be removed at home. They can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist through professional cleaning.
What are the risks of not treating a calculus bridge?
If a calculus bridge is not treated, it can lead to a number of complications, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss.
How can I prevent calculus bridges?
The best way to prevent calculus bridges is to practice good oral hygiene.
This includes brushing your teeth atleast twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing your teeth once a day, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Some other ways to prevent calculus bridges:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and make them more resistant to plaque and tartar buildup.
- Eat a healthy diet.Eating a diet that is low in sugar and starch can help to reduce plaque buildup.
- Avoid smoking.Smoking can dry out the mouth, which can make it more difficult to remove plaque.
- Manage your medical conditions.If you have a medical condition that makes you more susceptible to calculus buildup, such as diabetes or dry mouth, work with your doctor to manage the condition.
- Get regular dental checkups and cleanings.Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar buildup before it has a chance to harden into calculus.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent calculus bridges and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Calculus Bridge Video
The Calculus Bridge Video
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about calculus bridges:
- They are more common in people who have crowded teeth or braces.
- They can also be caused by poor diet, smoking, and certain medications.
- If you have a calculus bridge, it is important to see your dentist for professional cleaning as soon as possible.
- If you do not treat a calculus bridge, it can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss.
