Tips for healthy teeth and gums

Brush your teeth daily

Brushing your teeth is the basis of every dental care routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. The right technique is crucial: hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and move it in small, circular or sweeping movements away from the gums. Clean all tooth surfaces – the outer and inner surfaces as well as the chewing surfaces. The right toothbrush is just as important. Electric toothbrushes can be particularly effective as they optimize movements and often have timers and pressure sensors. A toothpaste containing fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel and protects against tooth decay. Make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing and change it regularly, for example every three months or when the bristles are frayed.

The right toothbrush

The degree of hardness of the toothbrush plays a decisive role in oral health. While soft bristles are often recommended, damage can also occur here if too much pressure is applied. Too much pressure, even with soft bristles, can lead to gum recession and enamel damage. Medium-hard bristles usually offer the best balance between gentle cleaning and effectiveness. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors can help to regulate the contact pressure and thus prevent damage. The right technique is just as important as the choice of bristles.

Recommendations

Medium-hard bristles often offer the best balance between effectiveness and gentleness.

Pressure control: Avoid pressing hard, regardless of which bristles are used.

Electric toothbrushes with sensors can help to regulate the pressure.

Dental floss and interdental brushes

Cleaning the spaces between teeth is an often neglected but very important part of dental care. Dental floss or interdental brushes remove plaque and food debris that the toothbrush cannot reach. This helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Carefully insert the dental floss between the teeth and move it in a C-shape along the tooth surfaces. Interdental brushes are available in different sizes and can be particularly effective for larger interdental spaces. Use these aids at least once a day, preferably in the evening before going to bed.

Avoid sugar and acidic foods

Sugary and acidic foods can attack tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugar into acids, which demineralize and weaken tooth enamel. The most common sugary foods include sweets, pastries, soft drinks and fruit juices. Acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar can also attack tooth enamel. Reduce your consumption of these foods and drink water after consuming acidic foods and drinks to neutralize the acidity in your mouth.

A healthy diet

A balanced diet contributes to dental health. Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt provide calcium and phosphate, which strengthen tooth enamel. Fruit and vegetables promote saliva production, which in turn protects the teeth. Saliva helps to remove food debris and bacteria and neutralizes acids in the mouth. Drink plenty of water to keep the mouth moist and remove food debris. Avoid snacking between meals as this prolongs the time your teeth are exposed to acids.

Check-ups

Regular visits to the dentist are essential. Experts recommend a check-up at least twice a year to detect tooth decay and gum disease at an early stage. During these check-ups, your dentist can also carry out a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that you cannot reach yourself. Your dentist can also make individual recommendations for your dental care and plan any necessary treatments early on. We offer regular appointments for professional teeth cleaning, which you can also book online.

Professional teeth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning goes beyond what is possible at home. Dentists and dental hygienists use special tools to remove stubborn tartar and thoroughly polish the teeth. This reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Thorough cleaning of the gum pockets can prevent bacteria from colonizing and causing inflammation. Ask your dentist about the recommended frequency for your professional teeth cleaning, which may vary depending on your individual oral health.

Caries and gum disease

Early detection of tooth decay and gum disease is crucial. Look out for signs such as toothache, sensitive teeth or bleeding gums. Your dentist can take x-rays and assess the condition of your teeth and gums. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria convert sugar into acids that attack the enamel. Timely treatment prevents the progression and spread of tooth decay.

Treatment options

Caries treatment

In the case of caries, the dentist removes the decayed substance and fills the hole with a suitable material. There are various filling materials, including amalgam, composite and ceramic. Amalgam fillings are durable and inexpensive, while composite and ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and more aesthetically pleasing.

Treatment of gum disease

Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis require thorough cleaning of the gum line. Periodontal treatments at our dental practice in Kiel are also possible. In the case of gingivitis, a professional tooth cleaning may be sufficient to eliminate the inflammation. Periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease, may require deeper cleaning below the gum line, known as scaling and root planing. In advanced cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove the diseased tissue and stabilize the teeth.

German Society of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGZMK):
[DGZMK]

IGel-Monitor:

[IGel-Monitor]

World Health Organization (WHO):

[WHO]

German Dental Association (Bzaek):

[Bzaek]