There’s nothing fun about dealing with a health problem, but dental issues have got to be at the top of the list of aggravating cases.
One of the most common dental issues is a calculus bridge. However, as annoying to deal with as they are, you can easily prevent them with good dental practices.
So, what are calculus bridges? How do they form? How do you prevent or get rid of them? Let’s answer all of these questions.
What Is a Calculus Bridge?
A calculus bridge is a dental condition that happens when a considerable amount of tartar accumulates on multiple teeth, forming a structure that resembles a bridge; hence, the name.
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that surrounds the teeth when food particles and bacteria mix with saliva.
Typically, it’s yellow or brown and can extend above and below the gum line. Not only does it not look nice, but it can also cause bad breath and is a serious threat to the health of your teeth.
In fact, its repercussions can extend beyond dental health and cause other conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and other systemic diseases.
The Two Types of Calculus Bridges
There are two main types of calculus bridges:
- Subgingival: forms between the gum and teeth and mostly skews below the gum. It’s caused by black-pigmented bacteria and isn’t as easily detectable.
- Supra-gingival: forms along the gum line and above the gum. It has a visible yellow color, which is why it’s easy to detect, especially because you’ll find it on the upper jaw morals and lower incisors.
The Risks of Calculus Bridges
If you don’t treat your calculus bridges in a timely manner, you risk the following:
- Bad breath
- Gum infections
- Gum recessions
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
What Factors Affect the Formation of Calculus Bridges?
There are a couple of factors that play a huge role in whether calculus bridges are formed.
Plaque
Plaque is the main culprit behind the formation of calculus bridges. The bacteria in it produce acids that damage the tooth enamel and result in cavities.
If you don’t brush your teeth and floss regularly, plaque hardens into tartar, which then transforms into calculus bridges.
Diet
The foods you eat play a huge role in the building up of plaque, tartar, and calculus. Foods with a high amount of sugar or starch increase the amount of plaque on the teeth, leading to buildup.
Moreover, if you couple that with a diet that’s low on essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and calcium, it’s a recipe for dental issues.
Without essential nutrients, your tooth enamel weakens, which makes your teeth more susceptible to damage from plaque and tartar.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene habits are a major contributor to the formation of calculus bridges. Without regular brushing and flossing, bacteria quickly accumulate, causing plaque and tartar.
How Do I Prevent Calculus Bridges?
You can follow a quick and effective routine if you want to take the right precautionary measures against calculus bridges.
Proper Dental Hygiene
First of all, you’ll have to commit to brushing your teeth twice per day to maintain good oral hygiene.
You should brush the teeth in a circular motion for at least two minutes to ensure you’ve cleaned each tooth’s surface well.
Add to that, you should stick to a fluoride-based toothpaste, as it helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents the buildup of plaque.
Dental Floss
Don’t skip flossing! It’s a highly effective tool for removing food particles and plaque from between the teeth.
We know it gets tedious, but you should stick to flossing at least once every day to remove any particles that are too small for a toothbrush to handle.
Regular Check-ups
The final step is to conduct regular dental check-ups to make sure everything is up to par. A dentist can detect early signs of calculus and help you treat it before it turns into a severe problem.
Ideally, you should book an appointment every six months for a dental check-up.
How to Treat Calculus Bridges?
If you already have calculus bridges or strong symptoms of them, there are a couple of steps you can take to counter their formations.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning is the most common treatment path for getting rid of calculus bridges.
It involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth, where the dentist uses specific tools to remove buildup.
Generally, the process is quick and painless and can be conducted in a single session without anesthesia.
Home Remedies
If your buildup issue isn’t severe or you want to avoid a dental appointment for the time being, there are some remedies you can use in the comfort of your home.
Naturally, good dental hygiene practices are a must. You can also add an antiseptic mouthwash to your routine to make sure you kill any and all harmful bacteria.
Finally, sticking to a low-sugar and high-fiber diet is an effective way to get rid of and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
Surgical Intervention
Surgical intervention can be necessary in case your calculus bridges are severe. Surgical intervention typically includes gum surgery or even tooth extraction.
Most of the time, surgical intervention is the last resort and is only on the table if your calculus buildup is extremely severe and causes considerable damage to your gums and teeth.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best way to deal with calculus bridges is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Make sure that you’re following a solid dental hygiene routine and that you’re integrating vitamin C, calcium, and fibers into your diet.
And if you’re noticing signs of buildup, make sure you take the necessary measures to fix it before you need invasive treatment options.
