Calculus Bridge Meaning
A calculus bridge is not merely a plaque. It is a rigid, thick crust of tartar that develops over a number of teeth and is an indication of neglect of oral hygiene. When unchecked, it may cause inflammation of the gums, bad breath as well as the loss of teeth.
The more it remains, the more difficult it becomesand the greater the harm it does to your teeth and gums. It cannot be brushed off easily and leaving it alone will pose a great danger to your oral health. Professionall treatment and an improved daily care are the only things that can stop it. This tip tells what is a calculus bridge and how to handle it.
How a Calculus Bridge Forms
A calculus bridge occurs when one fails to remove plaque off the teeth over time. Plaque is a slimy layer comprising of bacteria, food debris and saliva. Otherwise, it gets hardened into tartar. As the tartar accumulates and covers a number of teeth, it forms a hard band or a calculus bridge.
This most often occurs on the gumline, particularly behind the lower front teeth or along the molars. Inadequate brushing, missing dental cleanings, and dry mouth may accelerate it. A calculus bridge cannot be removed at home once it has been formed.
Calculus Bridge Causes and Risk Factors
The poor oral hygiene is the primary causes of a calculus bridge.Plaque remains on the teeth without being cleared after a day and it turns into tartar.With time, this tartar accumulates and extends to cover a number of teeth thus creating a bridge like formation.
When one does not brush and floss regularly, the plaque remains on the teeth and along the gumline, increasing the likelihood of buildup.There are a few risk factors that may predispose one to the development of calculus bridge.These are smoking, high sugar diet, dry mouth, crowded teeth and failure to see the dentist on a regular basis.Individuals who have braces or have restricted movement are also more susceptible.
Is a Calculus Bridge Dangerous
Yes, calculus bridge is nasty when it is not taken care of. It forms a firm lump of calcified tartar which entraps bacteria against the gums and the teeth. This may result in inflammation of the gums, bleeding and infection.
The gums can start shrinking with time leaving the roots of the teeth exposed. Unattended calculus bridge will lead to serious gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis. The tissue and bone supporting the teeth are destroyed by this condition and this may ultimately result in the loss of teeth. It can also cause bad breath and puts one at risk of other health related issues associated with gum disease.
Calculus Bridge Before and After Images
Calculus Bridge Warning Signs
A calculus bridge may begin painlessly, but obvious red flags appear as it enlarges. A thick, yellow or brown coating on a number of teeth is one of the initial indications.
Another warning sign is bad breath that persists. Since the bridge traps bacteria it can produce a strong odor. More severe signs are gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth. These symptoms show that something is damaged under the surface and needs dental work.
How to Remove a Calculus Bridge
Calculus bridge is not the kind of thing that can be brushed out with toothbrush and home remedies.It needs professional dentistry care.Scaling is the most frequent approach; during it, a dentist or a hygienist removes the hardened tartar off the teeth and under the gumline with the assistance of special instruments.
More serious situations might require deep cleaning or root planing, which involves cleaning of infected patches and smoothness of the tooth roots.In case the accumulation has led to gum disease, further treatment might be expected.
To keep away the calculus bridge after it has been removed, regular dentist visits, proper brushing, use of floss and mouthwash may help keep it away.
Dental Calculus Treatment Options
Professional cleaning is used to treat dental calculus. Scaling is the most widespread choice; during it, the hardened tartar is eliminated off the teeth and gums with the help of manual or ultrasonic instruments.
It is accomplished as part of a regular dental cleaning. Deep cleaning might be required in case of heavy accumulation or inflammation of the gums. This consists of scaling and root planing which aims at the calculus under the gumline and smoothens the roots of the teeth to enable the gums to heal.
Laser treatment in the removal of calculus and infected tissue may be applied in some cases. Once treated, it is important to practice oral hygiene in order to remove future build ups on a daily basis.
Home Remedies vs. Professional Removal
A calculus bridge cannot be eliminated by home remedies. When the plaque diverts into tartar, it becomes too hard to be cleaned by brushing or flossing. Others attempt to use baking soda, oil pulling, or vinegar rinses which can potentially only remove surface stains- not calculus deposits. The only effective and safe way is professional removal.
The instruments dentists use aim at breaking and remembering calculus without damaging the teeth or gums. Attempting to scrape it off at home may result in injury or exacerbation of gum issues. The best way to prevent the reformation of calculus is by regular dental visits and acceptable brushing techniques.
How to Prevent Future Calculus Build-U
The first prevention against calculus-build up is daily oral hygiene. Use floss every day to get rid of the plaque in between the teeth that is inaccessible to a brush. This may also be attempted by using an antibacterial mouthwash in order to reduce the bacteria in the mouth. There should also be limited sugary drinks and snacks since they are the foods of plaque-forming bacteria.
Consume plenty of water to facilitate normal saliva flow that on its part helps in cleaning the teeth. Clean your teeth after six months at the hands of your dentist. Regular check-ups come in handy in identification of plaque before it hardens into calculus.
What is Dental Calculus?
Dental calculus is a crusty formation or a hard deposit that gets deposited on the teeth when plaque is not cleaned off. Plaque is a film of bacteria and food that is sticky. When it is not removed for several hours it combines with saliva minerals and forms calculus. This process may start within few days.
Calculus clings to the teeth and also accumulates along the gumline. It is yellow, brown or black according to its duration of presence. Calculus unlike plaque cannot be removed by home brushing. It can only be safely removed by a dental professional.
Mouth Larva and Poor Oral Hygiene
Mouth larva is an uncommon but severe condition, which occurs due to infestation of fly larvae in the mouth. It can rather happen in individuals who have low oral hygiene, open sores, or advanced gum disease.
The risk is enhanced by dirty surroundings and lack of basic dental care, and in people with low immunity or ill health. Bad teeth care lets the bacteria develop and provides the infections and infestations with an ideal environment.
Plaque, food particles and torn tissues may accumulate and this may attract flies in an unhygienic environment. To avoid such severe and destructive situations, it is necessary to brush regularly, use floss and pay visits to the dentist.