11. What is plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a sticky plaque made from food residues and bacteria and is now also called “biofilm”.
This appears constantly, even a short time after brushing your teeth, and can lead to inflammation of the gums, periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Tartar is plaque that has hardened due to the storage of minerals and can no longer be removed by simple brushing of teeth. Both, plaque and tartar are eliminated during a prophylaxis session.
Tartar is plaque that has hardened due to the storage of minerals and can no longer be removed by simple brushing of teeth. Both, plaque and tartar are eliminated during a prophylaxis session.
22. What causes bleeding gums?
In most cases, plaque bacteria are the cause of gingivitis. The toxins they produce cause an inflammatory reaction in the gums, which then leads to the typical symptoms. The gums are usually swollen and red in this case. A deepened gap between the tooth and the gum is noticeable, and bleeding gums occurs. This is a superficial gingivitis, which can be corrected by thorough cleaning.
Certain factors such as smoking, stress, pregnancy, some underlying diseases and certain medications increase the risk of bacterial inflammation of the gums. Dental plaque and tartar contribute significantly to the development of gum problems.
Certain factors such as smoking, stress, pregnancy, some underlying diseases and certain medications increase the risk of bacterial inflammation of the gums. Dental plaque and tartar contribute significantly to the development of gum problems.
33. When is root treatment recommended?
Preserving your own natural teeth is a top priority in dentistry.
Inside the tooth there are nerves and blood vessels, the so-called tooth pulp. This can become inflamed due to deep caries, trauma, or pronounced periodontitis and ultimately die off. This whole process can then damage the jawbone as well.
If you want to preserve the diseased tooth, there is only one last option, the removal of the inflamed tooth nerve with a root canal treatment. Thus, the bacteria and inflamed tissue are eliminated. Once all the root canals are discovered, exposed, cleaned and disinfected, they are then closed by the dentist. This prevents bacteria from entering again.
Following a root canal treatment, the affected tooth is often crowned to ensure long-term preservation.
If you want to preserve the diseased tooth, there is only one last option, the removal of the inflamed tooth nerve with a root canal treatment. Thus, the bacteria and inflamed tissue are eliminated. Once all the root canals are discovered, exposed, cleaned and disinfected, they are then closed by the dentist. This prevents bacteria from entering again.
Following a root canal treatment, the affected tooth is often crowned to ensure long-term preservation.
44. Dental bridge or implant?
First of all, it should be clarified whether a lost tooth needs to be replaced at all. A tooth gap can remain that way if it does not cause any functional problems and is not visually disturbing. Dentists are advising more and more frequently to have an implant, a modern solution that does not require grinding the healthy neighboring teeth.
Advantages of an implant are:
Advantages of an implant are:
- Long durability.
- 1:1 replacement of individual teeth.
- No support to adjacent teeth required.
- Fixed anchoring.
- The insertion of the artificial tooth root puts stress on the jawbone and thus preserves it.
- Higher cost compared to the classic bridge
- Requires a surgical procedure.
- The duration of treatment and the treatment effort are higher than with bridges.
- Lower costs.
- Ideal solution if neighboring teeth have caries.
- Subsidy from the health insurance company.
- Healthy neighboring teeth need to be ground and often devitalized.
- In bridges, bone loss may occur.
55. How should I take care of my teeth during pregnancy?
You should have two appointments during pregnancy. The first should be in the 12th-16th week of pregnancy, the second in the 28th-32nd week.
In this way, any inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or other problems can be recognized quickly and treated in an uncomplicated manner. As an optimal preventive care, you should have one to two professional dental cleanings during pregnancy to support home oral hygiene.
If you are in pain, don't be afraid to go to the dentist. The anesthetics used today in dentistry for anesthesia do not pose a risk to unborn life. The stress caused by the toothache is more harmful to the child than a brief visit to the dentist. In the second trimester of pregnancy, even simple treatments such as filling therapy can usually be carried out safely.
In the first and third third, only pure pain treatment should be carried out. Larger treatments during pregnancy are very stressful and in some cases not possible because, for example, X-rays are not allowed. It is best to go to your dentist for a thorough examination and get advice in advance if you wish to have children.
If you are in pain, don't be afraid to go to the dentist. The anesthetics used today in dentistry for anesthesia do not pose a risk to unborn life. The stress caused by the toothache is more harmful to the child than a brief visit to the dentist. In the second trimester of pregnancy, even simple treatments such as filling therapy can usually be carried out safely.
In the first and third third, only pure pain treatment should be carried out. Larger treatments during pregnancy are very stressful and in some cases not possible because, for example, X-rays are not allowed. It is best to go to your dentist for a thorough examination and get advice in advance if you wish to have children.
66. How do I care for my child's teeth?
Dental care is important for babies too, so the first teeth should be carefully looked after. But not every baby likes when a toothbrush suddenly pokes in his/her mouth. In this case, a silicone thimble toothbrush, a cloth or a cotton roll may help. Think of little tooth-brushing songs; brushing your baby's teeth can quickly become a pleasure in this way. As soon as your child becomes more independent, you can make little rituals of dental care.
For toddlers, there are special children's toothbrushes with a small brush head. These have soft bristles and a non-slip grip. Electric toothbrushes for children, in addition to their colorful design, are equipped with vibrating movements and musical sounds. This increases the children's motivation to brush their teeth and the dental care routine remains exciting. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that your child is comfortable with and that will give the best brushing results. Your child should also still be able to brush their teeth with a manual toothbrush.
For optimal dental care for your child you need fluoride toothpaste. There are children's toothpastes that contain an optimal fluoride content of 550 ppm for children and have a child-friendly taste.
In the first year of the child's life, you should only brush once a day with toothpaste containing fluoride and use fluoridated table salt at the same time. From the first birthday, parents should brush their child's milk teeth with toothpaste twice a day.
As soon as all milk teeth have erupted, dental floss is recommended for cleaning the interdental spaces. Waxed floss is ideal, as it fits even in the narrow interdental spaces of children's teeth.
More motivation when brushing teeth with Playbrush. The latest trend called “Playbrush” presents a playful way that will make brushing their teeth attractive for children. This is a combination of an attachment for the manual toothbrush and a free app. Your child can experience brushing teeth in a new way through games.
Points are collected with each brushing of teeth. This reward system in turn offers a new incentive for your child. Various games are offered so that brushing teeth becomes permanent fun and your child learns about the importance of dental hygiene in a playful way.
In addition, pay attention to a balanced, not too sugary diet to reduce the risk of caries. If you notice any discoloration or changes in the enamel, you should consult a dentist. It is also recommended to carry out regular visits, once or twice a year.
For toddlers, there are special children's toothbrushes with a small brush head. These have soft bristles and a non-slip grip. Electric toothbrushes for children, in addition to their colorful design, are equipped with vibrating movements and musical sounds. This increases the children's motivation to brush their teeth and the dental care routine remains exciting. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that your child is comfortable with and that will give the best brushing results. Your child should also still be able to brush their teeth with a manual toothbrush.
For optimal dental care for your child you need fluoride toothpaste. There are children's toothpastes that contain an optimal fluoride content of 550 ppm for children and have a child-friendly taste.
In the first year of the child's life, you should only brush once a day with toothpaste containing fluoride and use fluoridated table salt at the same time. From the first birthday, parents should brush their child's milk teeth with toothpaste twice a day.
As soon as all milk teeth have erupted, dental floss is recommended for cleaning the interdental spaces. Waxed floss is ideal, as it fits even in the narrow interdental spaces of children's teeth.
More motivation when brushing teeth with Playbrush. The latest trend called “Playbrush” presents a playful way that will make brushing their teeth attractive for children. This is a combination of an attachment for the manual toothbrush and a free app. Your child can experience brushing teeth in a new way through games.
Points are collected with each brushing of teeth. This reward system in turn offers a new incentive for your child. Various games are offered so that brushing teeth becomes permanent fun and your child learns about the importance of dental hygiene in a playful way.
In addition, pay attention to a balanced, not too sugary diet to reduce the risk of caries. If you notice any discoloration or changes in the enamel, you should consult a dentist. It is also recommended to carry out regular visits, once or twice a year.
77. What is laughing gas?
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called "laughing gas," is one option your dentist may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed. All in all, laughing gas makes uncomfortable procedures easier on the patient. Medical professionals have been using nitrous oxide with their patients for a very long time now—over 200 years, to be exact! Laughing gas was first discovered in 1793 by an English scientist named Joseph Priestly. Now, it is still one of the most commonly used anesthetics.
Dentists love using nitrous oxide for quite a few reasons. First, the depth of sedation can be easily increased and decreased. It also works very rapidly (in about 2 or 3 minutes) and is very safe for the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Nitrous oxide is great for young patients, patients with disabilities, and patients with dental anxiety—the calming and numbing effects work quickly and there are no needles requirred
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called "laughing gas," is one option your dentist may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed. All in all, laughing gas makes uncomfortable procedures easier on the patient. Medical professionals have been using nitrous oxide with their patients for a very long time now—over 200 years, to be exact! Laughing gas was first discovered in 1793 by an English scientist named Joseph Priestly. Now, it is still one of the most commonly used anesthetics.
Dentists love using nitrous oxide for quite a few reasons. First, the depth of sedation can be easily increased and decreased. It also works very rapidly (in about 2 or 3 minutes) and is very safe for the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Nitrous oxide is great for young patients, patients with disabilities, and patients with dental anxiety—the calming and numbing effects work quickly and there are no needles requirred
