However, there’s a lot you can do to stop plaque from becoming a problem. Once a calculus bridge has formed, only a dental health professional can remove it. If allowed to progress, cavities cause pain, sensitivity, infection, and tooth loss. This creates an acidic environment that breaks down your tooth enamel, leading to cavities (clinically known as dental caries). The bacteria in calculus feed on the sugars in the mouth, emitting acids as a byproduct. Receding gums form gaps between teeth and gums that can become sites for plaque and calculus buildup. The progression of the bacterial infection destroys connective tissue, leading to bone loss and exposing the roots of teeth. When calculus bridges lead to periodontal disease, a common complication is receding gums. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States. Gum disease is prevalent, with 47.2% of American adults over age 30 experiencing periodontal disease. If untreated, this can lead to loosened or lost teeth and deterioration of tissue and the jawbone. In periodontitis, the more advanced stages of periodontal disease, pockets form between the teeth and the gums, which can become infected. You can reverse early-stage gum disease with proper dental care and cleaning. It’s primarily an inflammation of the tissues that causes bleeding, red, or swollen gums. Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis. The most common side effect of calculus buildup is gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gums. Halitosis can lead to periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease. Worse than typical cases of “morning breath” or after eating certain foods, halitosis isn’t cleared up by brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or mints. Especially if untreated, calculus bridges lead to various dental conditions, including the following.Ĭhronic bad breath, known as halitosis, is a common sign of calculus formation. Individual cases vary but a calculus bridge tends to start as a dark discoloration on the teeth along the gumline before spreading.Ĭalculus in the mouth has a distinct and severe impact on tooth and gum health. Calculus is a denser, claylike substance, typically yellow above the gumline and dark brown, green, or black below the gumline.Ī calculus bridge forms when calculus coats multiple teeth in a row and starts to fill in the gaps between them. Unlike plaque, a calculus buildup is visible and can vary in color depending on where it's located relative to the gumline. Poor dental hygiene, especially incorrect brushing or flossing, is the primary driver of tartar formation. While proper brushing and flossing can remove plaque, tartar can only be removed with dental cleanings and procedures. Calculus is composed of calcium, bacteria, and other organic matter in the mouth. If plaque isn't cleaned off of your teeth, it hardens to form calculus. This colorless or pale-yellow substance forms naturally throughout the day as bacteria digest carbohydrates and sugars from the foods and drinks you consume. Plaque is a bacteria-rich film that forms on the teeth, along the gumline and on such surfaces as fillings and dental crowns. This article provides an overview of calculus bridges, including their causes, their impact on oral health, and their treatment and prevention. If untreated, this can lead to serious dental issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. A calculus bridge is when this buildup coats multiple teeth and starts to fill in gaps. When plaque on your teeth gets out of control, it hardens, forming tartar, also known as calculus. He teaches full-time as a clinical associate professor at his alma mater, New York University College of Dentistry, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and serves on advisory boards for the American Dental Education Association. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.Įdmund Khoo, DDS, is board-certified in orthodontics.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |