Current Facts from Experts How healthy teeth can be preserved for life

Healthy and beautiful teeth are not only attractive looks, but also contribute significantly to the quality of life. For diseases in the mouth, it is important to note important facts in order to quickly find a bright smile that lasts long. Dr. Christoph Sliwowski, Director of the Dental Implant Clinic Dusseldorf in the St. Vincent Hospital, explains what patients should pay attention to:

Fact 1: Take the first symptoms seriously
"Advanced oral complaints often require extensive measures and it is not always possible to rescue affected teeth. Therefore, I recommend all patients to pay attention to the first symptoms and to clarify this in case of doubt. For example, slight bleeding of the gums does not present a major problem. However, if affected persons ignore it over a longer period of time, irritation of the soft tissue will increase. In the worst case periodontitis threatens, that is, an inflammation of the periodontium. In the early stages of treatment, it is easy to take countermeasures: with professional teeth cleaning, we remove coverings that are not reached during daily dental care and explain to patients the correct use of dental floss and interdental brushes.

Used regularly, these usually prevent wider problems. Since not all illnesses cause discomfort right from the beginning, a bi-annual check-up with the dentist is necessary for optimal oral hygiene. "

Brown spots on the teeth can have different causes, not always caries must be the trigger. Often, the discoloration can be removed relatively easily. (Photo: Subbotina Anna / fotolia.com)

Fact 2: Individual problems require individual solutions
"Whether filling or crown, direct implant restoration or jaw bone structure - depending on the initial situation, we have various treatment options to choose from. In order to find the suitable solution, a detailed examination is first carried out. The optics desired by the patient, for example in the choice of materials, also play an important role. If one or more teeth are missing, we check in advance the condition of the jawbone as well as the exact location of the nerve tracts and adjacent tooth roots. For this we have digital volume tomography, abbreviated to DVT. On the basis of the resulting three-dimensional X-ray image, we can recognize both tooth and jaw texture and plan the further procedure precisely. These include, for example, the number and size of implants used. In some cases, we first build the jawbone to provide implants with a solid foundation later on. "

Fact 3: Aftercare as important as prevention
"Even though dentures are artificial materials in the mouth, careful care is at least as important as with real teeth. For here, too, deposits adhere to, which form a breeding ground for bacteria. Those who do not remove it, irritation and diseases of the surrounding tissue. In the case of dental implants, what is known as peri-implantitis is undoubtedly the greatest risk - an inflammation in which the gums and bone substance regress and, in the worst case, implant loss.

Carriers of implants and bar systems rely on interdental brushes in addition to the toothbrush to reach even hard to reach areas. With very narrow gaps, however, flossing is better in order not to damage the interdental space, the so-called gum papilla. Be sure to observe the correct handling and carefully move the fine thread up and down. In addition, mouthwashes prevent plaque. Twice a year, a check-up as well as a professional tooth cleaning are recommended. In this way, implants can last a lifetime. "