Is Tartar HOLDING Your Teeth In Place? (Calculus Bridge Explained)
TLDRThe video script addresses concerns about dental tartar, also known as calculus, which can create a 'calculus bridge' that falsely secures teeth. It explains that tartar is hardened plaque linked to gum disease and bone loss, necessitating professional removal. Dentists and hygienists provide a thorough assessment and discuss treatment options, including deep cleaning, to prevent further complications. The video emphasizes the importance of regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene to avoid severe dental issues and associated health risks.
Takeaways
- π¦· Tarar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that sticks to tooth surfaces and can lead to dental diseases like gum disease and bone loss.
- π A 'calculus bridge' forms when tartar builds up across multiple teeth, often on the lower front teeth, making them difficult to distinguish.
- π« Tartar formation starts with poor oral hygiene practices like inadequate brushing and flossing, leading to plaque buildup.
- π©ββοΈ Only dental professionals can safely remove tartar once it has hardened; at-home removal is not possible.
- π¨ Many people fear that dental cleanings will cause their teeth to loosen or fall out due to tartar holding them in place, but this is a misconception.
- π Dentists and dental hygienists conduct X-rays and gum assessments to prepare for cleanings and inform patients about potential outcomes.
- π¦· In rare cases, teeth may feel loose after a deep cleaning due to severe tartar buildup and bone loss, but this is not common.
- π¬ Communication with dental professionals is key; they will discuss treatment options and potential tooth loss before proceeding with cleaning.
- π Regular dental cleanings are crucial to prevent tartar buildup and the associated dental issues, including gum disease and tooth loss.
- π‘ The best-case scenario after dental cleaning is gum healing and a return to regular maintenance cleanings; the worst-case involves discussing tooth replacement options.
- π Whitney offers a free oral care guide for effective dental hygiene routines to prevent major dental issues and costly treatments.
Q & A
What is the term used to describe hardened plaque that sticks to the surfaces of teeth?
-The term used to describe hardened plaque that sticks to the surfaces of teeth is 'tartar' or 'calculus'.
What is a calculus bridge in dental terms?
-A calculus bridge is a situation where tartar is stuck across multiple teeth, often observed on the lower front teeth, making it difficult to distinguish between each tooth as it covers the teeth from the gums up to the biting surfaces.
Why does plaque buildup commonly occur on the tongue side of lower front teeth?
-Plaque buildup commonly occurs on the tongue side of lower front teeth because it is a difficult area to reach with a toothbrush, nearby salivary glands can increase the risk of buildup, and plaque tends to build up more on the front teeth of those who often breathe through their mouth instead of through their nose.
What happens to plaque if it is not properly removed at home?
-If plaque is not properly removed at home by proper brushing and flossing, it will harden into calculus, also known as tartar, which cannot be safely removed at home and requires professional dental cleaning.
Why is it a misconception that tartar holds teeth in place and prevents them from falling out?
-It is a misconception because tartar is bad bacteria and a dental disease associated with bone loss. While it may temporarily hold teeth in place, it actually contributes to teeth loosening over time as it eats away at the bone. Eventually, if left untreated, teeth may fall out on their own due to the bone loss caused by tartar.
What will a dentist or dental hygienist do before performing a deep cleaning on a calculus bridge?
-Before performing a deep cleaning on a calculus bridge, a dentist or dental hygienist will take X-rays, do a proper gum assessment, and discuss the procedure, risks, and treatment options with the patient beforehand.
What is the term for a deep cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist?
-A deep cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist is called scaling and root planing.
What are the potential risks associated with not removing tartar from teeth?
-Not removing tartar from teeth can lead to more bone loss, gum disease (periodontal disease), and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, Alzheimer's, and other health conditions.
What should one do if they are concerned about their calculus bridge and potential tooth loss?
-If concerned about a calculus bridge and potential tooth loss, one should schedule an appointment with their dentist for an examination and X-rays to understand their options. They will be informed about the procedure and any potential risks beforehand.
How can one prevent the formation of a calculus bridge and related dental issues?
-To prevent the formation of a calculus bridge and related dental issues, one should maintain proper brushing and flossing habits at home, use interdental brushes or water flossing, and schedule routine dental cleanings for proper removal of plaque and calculus before it hardens.
Where can one find additional resources on oral care and dental health?
-Additional resources on oral care and dental health can be found in the free oral care guide offered in the video description, as well as on the website teethtalk.com and the Instagram account @teethtalkgirl.
Outlines
π¦· Understanding Tartar and Its Effects on Teeth
This paragraph discusses the concerns people have about tartar buildup and its impact on dental health. Dental hygienist Whitney explains that tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that sticks to tooth surfaces and can create a 'calculus bridge' across multiple teeth. This bridge can make teeth appear fused and is often the result of inadequate daily oral care and lack of professional dental cleanings. Whitney emphasizes that tartar is a form of dental disease that contributes to bone loss and gum disease, and it's essential to have it removed by a dental professional. She assures viewers that while there may be concerns about teeth loosening after tartar removal, dental professionals will provide a thorough assessment and discuss potential outcomes and treatment options beforehand.
π Scheduling Dental Appointments and Addressing Tartar Buildup
In this paragraph, the focus is on the importance of scheduling dental appointments to address severe tartar buildup and the potential consequences of delaying treatment. Whitney explains that tartar not only holds teeth in place but is also detrimental to dental health, leading to increased bone loss over time. She advises viewers not to delay dental cleanings and to discuss their concerns with a dentist, who will provide an examination and X-rays to outline the best course of action. Whitney also mentions that in rare cases, teeth may become loose or fall out after tartar removal due to severe bone loss, but this will be communicatedδΊε by the dental professional. She encourages viewers to focus on prevention through proper at-home oral care and routine dental cleanings to avoid significant dental issues in the future.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Tartar
π‘Dental Hygienist
π‘Calculus Bridge
π‘Gum Disease
π‘Bone Loss
π‘Scaling and Root Planing
π‘Dental Cleaning
π‘Tooth Loosening
π‘Oral Hygiene Routine
π‘Tooth Replacement Options
π‘Prevention
Highlights
Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that sticks to teeth surfaces and can hold teeth in place, but it's a sign of dental disease.
A calculus bridge forms when tartar is stuck across multiple teeth, often on the lower front teeth, making it difficult to distinguish between each tooth.
Tartar buildup starts as plaque not properly removed with daily brushing and flossing or due to avoidance of professional dental cleanings.
Patients with tartar buildup often fear that their teeth will loosen and fall out if the tartar is removed, but this is a misconception.
Dentists and dental hygienists will inform patients about the expected outcomes of a dental cleaning, including any potential tooth loosening.
Tartar is bad for teeth and gums as it causes bone loss and gum disease, and leaving it untreated leads to more severe dental issues.
In rare cases, severe tartar buildup and bone loss may lead to teeth feeling loose after a cleaning, but dentists will discuss this possibility beforehand.
If a patient's teeth are very loose due to tartar, a general dentist may refer them to a periodontist for a deep cleaning.
Tooth replacement options and treatment plans are discussed with patients before proceeding with deep cleanings if necessary.
Tartar cannot hold teeth in place indefinitely; eventually, it will cause teeth to fall out on its own if not cleaned off by a dentist.
Regular dental cleanings and proper at-home oral care can prevent the buildup of tartar and the need for more involved dental procedures.
Tartar and gum disease are associated with other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and Alzheimer's.
The best-case scenario after a dental cleaning is that gums heal and patients can return to regular routine cleanings.
The worst-case scenario may involve tooth replacement options if teeth are loose enough to fall out after a cleaning.
Prevention of dental issues starts with proper brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings to avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar.
A free oral care guide is available to help individuals develop an effective oral hygiene routine and prevent major dental issues.
For more information on dental care, tooth replacement options, and managing dental anxiety, additional resources are available online.
Transcripts
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