The right aids for dental care

Regular dental care is the most effective method of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If teeth are brushed regularly, damaging films cannot form on the teeth in the first place. The reasons for tooth decay and for gum disease are bacterial films (plaque).

Plaque is removed by regular and careful brushing of the surface of the teeth and between the teeth.

The most important aids for doing this are toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss. The most important aids for doing this are toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss. The use of irrigators and mouthwashes is also effective

The right toothbrush
For effective and comfortable oral hygiene, a combination of various tools is necessary. Choosing the right toothbrush is one of main considerations for optimum oral hygiene, healthy teeth and healthy gums.

Medical tests have shown that the innovative electric toothbrushes with oscillating and rounded bristles function just as gently as a soft manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are better at reducing films (plaque) and the inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) than manual toothbrushes, especially for the areas between the teeth and at the gum line.

Here are a few tips on choosing the right toothbrush:

An electric toothbrush with a round and small brush-head is more suitable for dental care since each tooth can be brushed individually. With a small head, it is possible to access all areas of the mouth, especially the rearmost areas and the inside areas of the teeth, and they are also more suitable for dental care in children.

With its automatic brushing movement, an electric toothbrush alleviates the problems suffered by those people who have difficulty applying the right technique for brushing the teeth using a manual toothbrush.

The ends of the bristles should be rounded so that the toothbrush cannot damage the gums.

Replace your attachment brush or your toothbrush regularly every two to three months. Worn brushes can damage your gums.

Toothpaste
Brushing the teeth is much more effective if used in combination with toothpaste. The toothpaste used should, as a rule, contain fluoride. Special child toothpastes are recommended for children. Ask your dentist about these.

How often should you brush your teeth? You should certainly brush your teeth at least twice a day (better, after each meal) for approx. three minutes. The best times are after breakfast and before going to bed. It is important not to consume anything after cleaning your teeth before you go to bed, otherwise food debris would remain on the teeth throughout the night, thus allowing plaque to form.

Dental floss
The regular and, preferably, daily use of dental floss is highly recommended for cleaning between the teeth in order to completely remove the bacterial film. Your dentist will be pleased to explain the simple use of dental floss.

Interdental brushes
Like dental floss, interdental brushes are hygiene aids for cleaning between the teeth. Lots of people find the round, handy brushes easier to use than dental floss and thus achieve better cleaning results. They are particularly recommended if a patient is undergoing gum treatment. The bristles are better able to access the hidden films on the teeth than dental floss. Interdental brushes are also advantageous when they are used to clean larger gaps between the teeth.