Maintain teeth properly - that's how it works
1. I still brush with my hand. Should I finally switch to an electric brush?
The fact that the head of an electric toothbrush automatically performs small movements, simplifies the cleaning compared to the manual toothbrush. However, this advantage is particularly important in people who are limited in their mobility, for example because of their age or certain diseases. Because with the right technology, the cleaning by hand does the same thing as with an electric brush. That is, according to the KAI method (first the occlusal surfaces, then the outer, finally the insides) shake each tooth gently clean. And this technique should also apply, who electrically cleans, because even the best device does not clean by itself.
2. When I go to the dentist, he often does an X-ray. Does this really always have to be?
A good year ago, a study made headlines that frequent X-rays at the dentist increase the risk of the so-called meningioma, a benign brain tumor. The basis was a survey of nearly 3,000 Americans. Despite this study, which also has some shortcomings, X-rays are indispensable in dentistry, says Professor Dr. med. Dietmar Oesterreich, Vice President of the Federal Dental Association.
Because tooth decay occurs in adults especially in the invisible between the interdental spaces, and some diseases of the tooth nerve and root can only be detected by appropriate imaging techniques. "The burden is very low, and X-ray examinations at the dentist account for only 0.1 percent of the total radiation exposure to which we are exposed," explains Oesterreich. Nevertheless, every x-ray requires critical consideration and medical justification. So tell your doctor if you really need to get x-rays this time.
3. How often should I for professional teeth cleaning?
Benefit unclear - this is how the Hedgehog Monitor, which is operated by the Medical Service of the Central Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, rates professional tooth cleaning (PZR). In fact, there are no studies that scientifically prove that PZR really improves dental health in healthy people. But the incidence in dentistry is very high, says Prof. Oesterreich: Almost everyone has tooth decay, and more than half of adults suffer from periodontal disease.
That's why the PZR is important and useful. "How often they should be performed varies according to the disease," says Oesterreich. "If you have severe dental inflammation, a gap of three months may make sense, but a small risk sometimes takes two years to complete." Incidentally, the price of the PZR is set at € 3.62 per tooth in the dentists' fee scale, provided that it is costly on average. Overall, even the best cleaning in the professional remains without long-term benefit, if the denture is not well maintained at home.
4. How do I clean the interdental spaces correctly?
The main thing is certainly to clean them at all - preferably once a day - because the brush reaches only about 70 percent of the tooth surface. Whether you prefer to floss or Zwischenraumbürstchen then, is a matter of taste. And a question of age, as expert Austria explains: "Until middle age, flossing is usually better, then I recommend the brushes."
In any case, it makes sense to have the correct cleaning technique explained by the dentist or during the PZR. A modern device, which cleans the interdental spaces with only a jet of water, often does not remove the bacterial coverings, according to expert Oesterreich: "This alone gives you the tough biofilm of the bacteria hardly from the teeth.A mechanical cleaning with dental floss or brush is clearly more effective. "
5. I never have bleeding gums - could I still have periodontal disease?
An inflammation of the tooth-holding apparatus, the so-called periodontitis, is treacherous: Because serious symptoms usually occur only after years, sufferers often know a long time nothing of their disease. Although bleeding may be an indication of inflammatory processes, anyone who suffers from periodontitis as a smoker tends to bleed less frequently than a healthy one. Therefore, the statutory health insurance pay every two years, the early detection, namely the determination of the periodontal screening index (PSI), in which the depth of the periodontal pockets is measured with a probe.
An examination of the oral flora - in the meantime, there are already self-tests for the home - is, however, makes sense only with restrictions. "Certain types of bacteria are associated with periodontitis, but the bacteria alone do not cause any disease," said Austria.
6thGold, ceramic, plastic or amalgam: Which filling is the right one for me?
Depends on. On what tooth is damaged to what extent, and of course on what you can or want to spend. Amalgam is also widely used because it is cheap and very durable. Despite all the fears, there is still no scientific evidence that it causes health problems - except for the very rare allergies. The costs of amalgam fillings are borne by the cash registers, but very large defects can not be repaired with the material.
If teeth have to be rehabilitated in the visible area, the health insurance usually also bears the cost of repairs with plastic. Since the material withstands high pressure less well, it is limited in the area of occlusal surfaces. For this purpose, especially with larger damage, the very resistant gold fillings or as a cheaper alternative silver-colored material made of non-precious metal. Hardness and stability have also been achieved by modern ceramic materials which, however, due to the lack of elasticity, are not something for teeth-grinding.
7. Which toothpaste really makes my teeth whiter?
White miracles can not be expected from any toothpaste. At most it can help to bring out the natural tooth color, but only a few of them are bright white. Whitening creams work on two principles. Either they contain the bleach hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of which may not be very high. Or a high proportion of cleaning articles should buff the teeth more polished, but can also damage the tooth surface if it is cleaned with too much pressure.
Bleaching is more effective with the dentist, who also ensures that carious areas are cared for before bleaching, so that the hydrogen peroxide can not penetrate into the tooth. When it comes to toothpaste, one thing is especially important: that fluorides are in it. Because these harden the tooth so that it at best withstands the attacks of caries bacteria. "In addition, it makes sense for certain dental diseases, in consultation with the dentist, the choice of toothpaste on it," said Austria.
8. What helps against tooth discoloration?
No whitening helps against external yellow or gray haze caused by nicotine, tea or wine. Effective against these deposits, however, a professional teeth cleaning effect. However, individual teeth can also discolour from the inside, for example after injuries. Then, some bleaching agent may be incorporated directly into the tooth, or it may be newly veneered by a crown or veneer.
Incidentally, the fact that the denture generally darkens with increasing age is partly a natural process that can not be completely prevented by external care and bleaching. Nevertheless, nutrition plays a role: to prevent dark deposits, everything that stimulates salivation, such as the nibbling of raw food such as carrots or celery, helps.
9. I always have unpleasant little pimples on my gums - is that bad?
No, but painful. Many sufferers suspect stress, menstrual bleeding or foods such as strawberries as a trigger. But to this day nobody knows where the inflammatory blisters called aphthae actually come from - and how they can be prevented. The complaints, however, can be alleviated by home remedies such as chamomile tea or baking soda, and also in the pharmacy there are special analgesic gels or ointments. Useless, on the other hand, are agents that have an antiviral effect. And if the painful pimples are not gone after a week, you should go to the dentist for safety's sake.
10. And if I need a new tooth, does it have to be an expensive implant?
It sounds seductive: an artificial tooth fills the gap, and everything is fine. But expert Austria warns against exaggerated expectations: "An implant is not the better tooth." It is one solution among many., The preservation of the tooth should always be in the foreground. " Incidentally, it is only rarely possible to use an implant immediately. Sometimes the jaw bone has to be rebuilt first in order to anchor the artificial tooth root. Since an implant also costs up to 1000 euros, you should always consider good and good pros and cons and possibly get a second opinion. "Standard care is usually a bridge, it is a solid choice and often satisfies," says Austria.
