![]() One (or both) of the following methods are often used to remove a calculus bridge:ĭepending on the severity of the calculus bridge, more than one session with your dentist may be needed to remove it. Due to the fact that calculus can grow below the gum line, removing it requires a deeper cleaning, he says. “The process for removing mild calculus buildup is called a teeth cleaning, but a calculus bridge requires more than that,” explains Dr. Only a licensed dental hygienist or dentist can remove a calculus bridge once it has formed. Chen, other potential adverse effects of a calculus bridge include: ![]() “The most concerning side effect of a calculus bridge is its ability to induce gum disease,” adds Dr. However, an untreated calculus bridge can lead to side effects and the development of more serious conditions. Some degree of calculus buildup is normal and common, notes David Chen, D.D.S., dentist at Jackson Ave Dental in Long Island City, New York. The less calculus you have, the less possibility there is for a calculus bridge to form. The more opportunity your dentist has to clean your teeth, the less calculus you will have. Because saliva is a key component to overall oral health, individuals living with dry mouth may be more at risk for issues like calculus build-up and tooth decay.īecause calculus cannot be removed by brushing alone, allowing too much time between dental visits can also increase the risk of a calculus bridge. Several factors can increase your risk of developing a calculus bridge, including:Īdditionally, individuals (especially those who are older) taking certain medications such as those for high blood pressure, depression and bladder-control issues may find themselves dealing with a specific side effect known as dry mouth. In more severe cases, a calculus bridge may extend down into the gum line or further up along the surface of the teeth, he adds. It often looks like “a border of brown or tan along the edge of your teeth by your gum line,” notes Gary Silverstrom, D.D.S., dentistry practitioner of the Silverstrom Group in Livingston, New Jersey. “A calculus bridge occurs when tartar or calculus builds up so much that it connects with the adjacent teeth and forms a solid ‘bridge’ of deposits,” explains Gary Schlotterer, D.D.S., founder of Digital Dentistry at Southpoint in Durham, North Carolina. While plaque is easily removed with daily oral hygiene practices, calculus (or tartar, as it’s often called) is a hard substance that’s almost impossible to remove with brushing alone. When dental plaque-a sticky film that develops on teeth due activities like eating and drinking-isn’t properly brushed and flossed away, it can combine with minerals in your saliva and eventually turn into calculus. This article explains what exactly a calculus bridge is, including causes, side effects, treatment options and prevention methods. įortunately, both calculus and calculus bridges are preventable. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 70% of adults age 65 and older have periodontal disease-a condition that’s largely attributed to the presence of calculus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Periodontal Disease. When not properly removed, it can progress into a calculus bridge, which increases your risk of developing serious gum infections, disease or permanent bone loss around the teeth. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.ĭental calculus, commonly known as tartar, affects most adults and tends to worsen with age. ![]() ![]() The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. This compensation comes from two main sources. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. ![]()
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