Oral health is a crucial part of our overall well-being and is often overlooked till health issues arise. Among the different dental problems we face,  Dental calculus bridge teeth are one common issue, often known to cause complications like gum infections if untreated. In fact, a Forbes article on health states that as per CDC reports that about 70% of adults with serious gum problems were related to the presence of calculus in their teeth. 

Fortunately, calculus bridge teeth are fully treatable under the hands of experienced dentists if diagnosed in time. The first step toward treatment is gaining full knowledge about the condition, including its symptoms and possible treatment options. So, let us explore what is calculus in the teeth and everything you need to know about it in this informative guide.  

Understanding What Calculus Bridge Teeth Is

You may already know about dental plaque, a thick sticky film that develops on teeth due to poor oral hygiene practices. This forms when residue from food combines with bacteria present in your mouth. They release acids that break down the carbohydrates in your foods and drinks to form the colorless layer of plaque on teeth. If not removed through flossing and brushing, the plaque eventually hardens into tartar, also called calculus. This hard substance becomes difficult to remove through brushing alone and requires the intervention of a dentist.

Calculus Bridge Teeth And The Common Symptoms

When calculus coats multiple teeth, it forms a calculus bridge. In severe cases, it has been seen to extend into the gum line or further along the surface of the teeth.

The common indications of calculus bridge teeth include a brown or tan border along the edge of the teeth that is adjacent to the gumline. It may lead to difficulty in flossing between the teeth because of the solid deposits that create a barrier, which is challenging to remove.

Apart from these signs, here are some other indications, like:

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Discoloration of tartar (black hue)
• A whitish-yellowish deposit on many teeth and across the gum line
• Red, swollen gums and bleeding

Causes Of Calculus Bridge Teeth

Several factors cause the formation of calculus bridges. Let us examine the key ones:

1. Dry mouth: Xerostomia or dry mouth is a common cause of the condition since it decreases salivary production, increases germs, and causes plaque build-up.
2. Poor oral hygiene: Improper oral hygiene and brushing habits lead to the build-up of food debris lodged in your teeth. This causes plaque formation and, eventually, calculus bridging. 
3. Irregular dental visits: Not visiting your dentist for regular checkups is another significant reason. During dental visits, your dentist conducts hard plaque removal that prevents calculus formation.

Other common risk factors include:

• A family history of calculus bridge teeth or gum disease
• Diabetes 
• If you are aged over 60
• Pregnancy
• Medicines that cause dry mouth, like anti-histamines, diuretics

Effects Of Calculus Bridge Teeth 

Calculus bridge teeth can also lead to the following:

1. Gingivitis: It can cause your gums to become inflamed and red. The first sign is usually bleeding when brushing or flossing the teeth. Neglecting gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
2. Receding gums: Another consequence of calculus bridge teeth is that you may find your gums receding from your teeth, exposing more of the teeth and letting bacteria occupy the gaps between your teeth and gums.
3. Cavities: The tartar that forms on your teeth prevents your toothbrush from reaching the bacteria lodged there. Moreover, plaque and tarter cause tiny holes to form in your tooth’s enamel that allow acid and bacteria to seep inside the tooth and form cavities.
4. Bad breath: The collection of plaque on teeth and tartar also causes bad breath, a condition called halitosis. 

When To See A Dentist

If you see signs like discoloured or darkening teeth or tartar formation, seek an appointment with your dentist. Only an experienced dentist can remove the hardened calculus, and teeth cleaning home will not be effective. If you let calculus in teeth remain or allow further buildup, it can lead to consequences like underlying damage to the jawbone or loss of teeth.

Diagnosis And Possible Treatment Options

If you have hardened tartar in your teeth, calculus removal at home will not be effective. Let your dentist decide the possible treatment options.

Your dentist will first look up your medical history and perform these diagnostic tests.

• Dental exam: The dentist evaluates the scale and scope of the calculus above and below the gum line,
• Probing exam: Using special tools, such as probes, the dentist measures the space between your gums and teeth and probes for signs of calculus buildup below the gumline.
• Dental X-rays: The X-rays help assess calculus buildup at the base of pockets and between teeth. They also identify damage to underlying bone or teeth.

Treatment Options for Calculus Bridge

The primary aim of the of dental calculus bridge teeth treatment is to remove the tartar both above and below the gumline. Treatment can include:

1. Scaling

This method, also called debridement, involves the use of specialized tools to scrape or remove plaque and calculus deposits in the teeth. It is effective, especially in the case of deposits above the gum line on the crown of the teeth. 

2. Root planning

It is done to remove the buildup of tartar below the gumline, also called subgingival calculus. The gums are numbed first, and the dentist uses tools to remove deposits deep below the gums at the roots of the teeth.       

3. Polishing

After tartar removal, the dentist thoroughly cleans and polishes the teeth to prevent further bacteria buildup. Polishing also smoothens the rough surfaces to improve the appearance of your teeth. 

Conclusion

If you have Dental calculus bridge teeth, attempting hard plaque removal at home is not advisable. Without timely treatment to remove the calculus, you invite unwanted complications like severe gum disease or loss of teeth. Visit an expert dentist with experience in hard plaque removal, like Gnathos Dental, for an evaluation and professional cleaning.

The seasoned dentists at Gnathos use the most advanced techniques for diagnosis and treatment to help you achieve a calculus-free smile and improve your overall well-being. 

FAQs

• What is tartar on teeth?

It is the hardened dental plaque on your teeth that cannot be removed through routine oral hygiene practices like brushing or flossing.

• What causes tartar on teeth?

Commonly, it forms because of neglecting dental hygiene, which allows plaque to accumulate and harden into tartar. However, it also develops due to other factors, such as smoking or consuming tobacco-related products or conditions like dry mouth. 

• Can calculus bridge teeth be prevented?

You can prevent calculus bridge teeth through regular dental cleanings, maintaining proper oral hygiene, limiting your intake of sugary treats that lead to plaque formation, and eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients like vitamin C.