The link between good oral health and general health isn't a far-fetched notion. There's many pieces about how your teeth can tell you a lot about the rest of your body. For example, poor oral hygiene can contribute to problems like heart issues. That's why it's important to focus on your oral hygiene and pay attention to what's going on with your teeth.
One sign that your mouth isn't as healthy as it could be is if a calculus bridge forms. To learn more, we consulted dentists for their expert insights.
The difference between dental plaque and calculus
To understand calculus bridges, it helps to start with understanding the substance that makes them up. Calculus is, in short, hardened plaque.
You're probably familiar with plaque, the sticky film that can make your teeth feel fuzzy. Plaque contains bacteria that make acid, which can eat away at your enamel (the hard outer coating on your teeth).
Having plaque on your teeth is a natural result of eating. Fortunately, you can clear plaque away on your own. Your toothbrush and floss are enough to remove this film -- and the bacteria in it. In other words, plaque isn't a cause for concern, provided you have good oral health habits.
Plaque becomes a problem when it morphs into something else. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into calculus (also called tartar), and unfortunately, you can't remove this calcified plaque on your own. As it sits on your teeth, it can contribute to tooth decay and irritate your gums, encouraging the development of gum disease.
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What does a calculus bridge look and feel like? What about other symptoms?
Sometimes, that hardened plaque becomes an even bigger problem because it spans several teeth. "A calculus bridge forms when the calculus around individual teeth join to form a solid 'bridge' around several teeth," said Joseph Dill, DDS, the chief dental officer at Delta Dental Plans Association.
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