Oral hygiene

As the name suggests, this type of tooth cleaning is performed by a professional — i.e. a dentist or dental hygienist. In the treatment commonly referred to as oral hygiene, the specialists first remove tartar and soft deposits from the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces with ultrasound, and occasionally with hand instruments.

This is followed by the removal of stains with a powder jet device (Air-Flow®). This also polishes the teeth and reaches even the most hidden angles. This prevents bacteria from adhering to the smooth tooth surfaces.

Professional dental cleaning or PZR is an extraordinarily effective, indispensable preventive measure for the health of the teeth and their supporting tissues. Depending on the oral condition, it should be performed at least twice a year.

When it comes to the health of the oral cavity, regular personal oral care is more useful and also more effective than anything else. And it requires only three things:

• Toothpaste:The right toothpaste contains cleaning and polishing agents and often fluorides. The range of available products is almost inscrutable, but almost every toothpaste serves its purpose.
• Toothbrush:The right toothbrush is easy to handle, fits comfortably in the hand, has a small head with rounded bristles and is soft — or at most medium-hard.
• Brushing technique:Although there is no universally valid "correct" technique, the following can generally be stated: All surfaces (outside, inside, chewing surface) of the teeth must be brushed, preferably in the same order, with small, circular movements and light (!) pressure, twice daily for 2–3 minutes after meals. Longer brushing, harder brushes or greater pressure can do more harm than good, as can horizontal scrubbing movements.

The interdental spaces are extremely susceptible to cavities, so they require special attention. Areas inaccessible to the toothbrush are reached with dental floss. In wide or periodontally damaged spaces, interdental brushes serve well. For cleaning tight contact areas, crown margins and bridges, Superfloss® dental floss is best suited.

Another effective measure is chemical cleaning. Although countless mouthwash solutions are on the market, only those containing chlorhexidine have the desired antibacterial effect. They are used in cases of high caries risk, acute gum inflammations and after surgical procedures.

Below are some additional aids whose usefulness varies considerably.

• Electric toothbrushessimplify brushing by taking over the majority of the movements. When used correctly they are equivalent to normal manual toothbrushes.
• Oral irrigatorsonly remove the most superficial deposits and leave a pleasant feeling in the mouth: they therefore don't accomplish much.
• Toothpicksoffer quick help with larger wedged food remnants. However, they in no way replace dental floss.
• Chewing gumneutralizes the acids in the mouth after eating and promotes saliva production, which contributes to the self-cleaning of the oral cavity. A good interim solution when brushing is not possible.