The eyes can be the window to the soul, but oral health it can serve as a window into our overall health. The condition of the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth can tell us a lot about how we are doing physically. In fact, the experts – including those from University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry — linked oral health to general health.

That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your teeth. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to other health problems, such as heart problems. And there’s one sign that your mouth isn’t as healthy as it could be: calculus.

The difference between dental plaque and tartar

To understand computer bridges, it helps to start with understanding the substance that makes them up. Calculus is, in short, hardboard.

You’re probably familiar with plaque, the sticky film that can make your teeth feel cloudy. Plate contains acid-producing bacteriawhich can destroy your enamel (the hard outer coating on your teeth).

Having plaque on your teeth is a natural result of eating. Fortunately, you can clean the board yourself. you toothbrush and dental floss are enough to remove this film – and the bacteria in it. In other words, plaque is nothing to worry about as long as you have good oral health habits.

Plaque becomes a problem when it turns into something else. Left unchecked, board it strengthens in calculation (also called tartar) and unfortunately you cannot remove this calcified plaque yourself. As it settles on the teeth, it can contribute to tooth decay and irritate the gums, encouraging the development of gum disease.

What does a compute deck look/feel like? And other symptoms

Sometimes that hardened plaque becomes an even bigger problem because it spreads over multiple teeth. “A calculus bridge forms when the calculus around individual teeth unites to form a solid ‘bridge’ around multiple teeth,” says Joseph Dill, DDS, dental director at Delta Dental Plans Associationexplain.

Once formed, dental bridge can affect your smile. Because calculus can be yellow, brown, or even black or green, your teeth may appear stained. Over time, calculus usually darkens, meaning your deck will become more visible the longer it is left untreated.

When you have a dental bridge, you may be able to see that you have a band of staining near your gum line. This discoloration could extend up the teeth, down under the gums, or both.

Speaking of your gums, you may notice symptoms there as well. calculation it can irritate your gumscausing inflammation. You may notice that your gums appear redder than normal. They may also bleed more easily. Left unchecked, calculus can cause your gums to recede, leaving more of your tooth exposed and can cause tooth decay or even tooth loss.

There is one more unwanted symptom to contend with. Computer decks can cause bad breath.

How long does it take to form a computational bridge?

The answer here is specific to you. That Dr. Alice Boghosianthe spokesperson for the consumer advisor of American Dental Association (ADA)explains, “Everyone’s body chemistry is different, so calculus forms at different rates for different people.”

That said, the clock is certainly ticking. In some cases, it only takes a day for the plaque to calcify. By day 12, experts say that 60-90% of the plate left on the teeth will harden in calculus.

However, it generally takes weeks for calculus to develop to the point where it connects over multiple teeth.

That doesn’t mean you can go weeks without flossing. Once the calculus develops, you cannot remove it at home. You will need a dentist to get rid of it. And that means that even a few days of poor brushing and flossing can be enough time for hardened plaque on individual teeth to connect and form a calculus bridge.

How do you remove a computing bridge?

Because you can’t get the calculation out with a toothbrush or dental floss, you’ll need to call in the professionals. “A dental bridge can only be removed by a dental professional,” says Boghosian.

Dill says that to get rid of the bridge, dentists use a process called scaling. “(This) is usually done using hand tools or ultrasound devices to remove tartar and plaque bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and roots above and below the gums.”

If that sounds unpleasant, you don’t need to worry too much. While scaling can be uncomfortable, it’s designed with you in mind. “The dental professional will usually use specialized tools, such as scaling and ultrasonic tools, to carefully remove tartar deposits from the teeth.” Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFEa cosmetic dentist in New York City, explains. “These tools are designed to effectively remove hardened plaque without damaging the teeth or gums.”

That said, the longer you let the compute deck go unchecked, the more involved the removal process becomes. “If calculus extends below the gum line, a deeper cleaning called a root canal may be necessary to smooth the roots of the teeth and further remove bacteria,” says Dill.

While scaling is usually painless because it focuses on the hard exterior of your tooth, root planing can hurt because it brings the soft tissue (i.e. the gums) into play. However, the dentist should numb the area to keep you as comfortable as possible.

How to prevent a computer bridge

Since removing a bridge is an involved and potentially unpleasant process, you probably want to do everything you can to avoid one. Dental experts have some specific steps they recommend here.

• Brush and floss daily. Boghosian advises, “Clean between your teeth daily using dental floss or an interdental cleaner to help remove plaque from between your teeth. Follow with a fluoride toothpaste and brush for two minutes twice a day.” Dill recommends paying close attention to your gum line while brushing.
• Change your toothbrush regularly. “To maximize the effectiveness of your toothbrush, replace it every three to four months—or sooner if the bristles start to fray,” advises Dill.
• See your dentist often. “Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist,” says Wei. “Professional cleanings help remove any plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing.” Experts generally recommend visiting the dentist every six months.
• Choose the right mouthwash. Wei also recommends using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to reduce the level of bacteria in your mouth.
• Eat a nutritious diet. “Limit sugary and starchy foods, which can contribute to plaque formation,” advises Wei. “Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.” He also suggests drinking water after every meal to wash away excess food particles, which contribute to plaque formation.
• Don’t smoke. Both Dill and Wei specifically said the importance avoiding smoking to reduce the risk of oral health problems. “Smoking can contribute to calculus build-up,” Wei points out. And Dill adds, “Don’t be fooled into thinking vaping is safer than smoking. It’s not like that.”

What happens if you don’t treat your computing deck?

If you leave the deck unchecked, hardboard deposits can build up. This leads to unwanted symptoms such as tooth discoloration and bad breath.

The bigger problem, however, is the complications that can arise from the bridge. “The longer the dental bridge stays in place, the greater the chance of developing more severe dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay,” explains Wei.

In other words, dental bridge makes you more likely to get cavities and gum problems.

Gum disease is extremely common, affecting approximately half of the American adult population, according to the National Institutes of Health. Like computer decks, this problem becomes more significant if left untreated. If early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) progresses to periodontitis (also called a severe gum infection), it can lead to serious problems such as tooth loss.

And that’s not all. “It’s important to remember that poor oral health is linked to specific health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease,” Dill points out. “Being diligent with your oral care regimens at home and with your dentist is essential to supporting optimal oral and overall health.”

Boghosian sums it up nicely, saying, “Untreated dental bridge can lead to gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist will not only treat this condition, but will ensure good dental health and this will contribute positively to overall health.”

When should you see a dentist for a dental bridge?

Ideally, you should see a dentist long before dental bridge has a chance to form. Make it a habit to schedule an appointment every six months. “Whether you have dental bridge or not, you should visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for checkups and cleanings,” says Boghosian.

At each appointment, the dentist can remove any calculus that has developed since the last visit. This can prevent bridging.

Good oral health practices at home and biannual dental appointments should keep calculus at bay. That said, if you notice stains on your teeth or changes in your gums, it’s probably time to take action. “If you notice tartar (tartar) building up on your teeth, it’s vital to see your doctor as soon as possible,” says Dill.

The bottom line

A calculus bridge develops when plaque hardens in calculus, then those hardened deposits connect over multiple teeth. At that time, you cannot escape the problem at home.

Fortunately, dental professionals have specialized tools they can use to remove tartar. This not only gets rid of unwanted symptoms like stained teeth and bad breath, but also protects your overall oral health. Removing a dental bridge reduces the likelihood of cavities or developing gum disease.

Because oral health is directly related to overall health, removing tartar—and preventing it from coming back—can protect your well-being.