What is Calculus?
Calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened substance that develops on the teeth. A calculus bridge occurs when the calculus stretches and fills in the gaps between the teeth. Calculus develops because of the formation of plaque - a film that naturally forms on the teeth and gums and solidifies due to poor dental hygiene. People of all ages are susceptible to plaque and calculus, however certain risk factors such as family history and smoking raise the chances of developing calculus.
What is a Calculus Bridge?
A calculus bridge causes a visible buildup in the mouth, further damaging the teeth and increasing the risk of gum disease. It occurs due to an excessive build-up of calculus that appears connected with the adjacent teeth and forms a ‘bridge’ of deposits. Only professional dental procedures can remove a calculus bridge once it forms.
Calculus Bridge Causes
Several factors can contribute to the formation of a calculus bridge. Some of the major calculus bridge causes include:
Poor oral hygiene can result in the accumulation of bacteria and plaque that leads to the formation of a calculus bridge. In addition, dry mouth decreases the production of saliva, resulting in plaque accumulation and calculus bridge formation. Making regular dental visits, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine and staying hydrated are important steps in the prevention of calculus bridge.
Side Effects of Calculus Bridge
The potential side effects of calculus bridge includes:
Brown or black border along the edge of the teeth adjacent to the gums
Difficulty in flossing due to solid deposits
Receding gums
Red and swollen gums accompanied by bleeding
Cavities and caries
Halitosis (causing bad smelling breath)
Gingivitis (a mild gum disease causing inflammation)
Periodontitis (a serious gum infection resulting in bone loss around the teeth)
Tooth loss
Calculus Bridge Treatment
A dentist may consider the following procedure to remove calculus bridges. It is done in three main phases:
Dental scaling: A cleaning procedure in which a dentist uses specialised tools to remove calculus deposits from the teeth enamel as well as below the gums.
Polishing: After dental scaling, a dentist smoothes out the surface of the teeth. This enhances the appearance of the teeth and also prevents bacterial buildup.
Deep cleaning: Also known as scaling or root planing, deep cleaning helps eliminate a calculus bridge most effectively. In this process, a dentist applies local anaesthesia to the gums and scrapes the calculus from the crowns and below the gum line.
How to Prevent a Calculus Bridge?
A calculus bridge can be prevented, however once it forms, it can be difficult to remove. It is crucial to follow adequate oral hygiene practices to prevent calculus bridge in the first place.
Dental hygiene and oral care is key in preventing a calculus bridge and some steps that can be taken to prevent calculus bridge and calculus teeth problems including:
Brushing teeth twice daily
Change toothbrushes regularly for maximum effectiveness
Flossing on a daily basis
Limit acidic drinks and foods high in sugar
Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits
Stay well hydrated
Quit smoking
Consult a dentist regularly for cleaning and check-ups
FAQs
1. What does calculus smell like?
Yes, calculus causes an unpleasant odour. It also causes the formation of small pockets in the areas between the teeth and gums. Food debris and bacteria can get trapped here, resulting in bad taste in the mouth and bad breath.
2. Is calculus bridge curable?
Yes. Professional cleaning can sometimes remove all of the calculus bridge or a majority of it. However, if the calculus has reached inside or below the gumline, a professional cleaning will not be helpful in removing it. Therefore, it is important to practise dental hygiene and take steps to prevent calculus bridge.
3. Is calculus removal painful?
More the buildup of calculus, the greater the pain. Even though the process of tartar removal can be a little painful, the discomfort vanishes in a few days.
4. How to get rid of the calculus bridge?
Calculus bridges that have reached the gumline can’t be treated simply with professional cleaning. A dentist uses a dental scaler to scrape the tartar and calculus around the gumline. Then the root surfaces are smoothened out with a procedure called root planing.
Article By Dr. Anjana Satyajit
Head - Dentistry
Artemis Hospitals
