Healthy Teeth Prevent serious illnesses through this oral hygiene

Healthy teeth, healthy body: the right oral hygiene is important

The impact of dental health on general health has long been underestimated. Clean teeth and healthy gums are also important for a healthy body. Those who have bad teeth have, among other things, a greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Health experts explain what matters in oral hygiene.

Periodontitis can lead to serious illnesses

In Germany, around three out of four adults suffer from periodontitis. This chronic inflammation of the periodontium not only damages the teeth, but can also cause life-threatening illnesses according to scientific investigations. So the germs can get into the bloodstream via the inflammatory foci in the gum and in this way, among other things, promote diabetes, vascular calcifications or a heart attack. In addition, US scientists have found that some women are at high risk of developing breast cancer through periodontitis. To prevent, attention should be paid to the correct oral hygiene.

The right oral hygiene not only protects against caries and gum problems, but also against serious diseases. Experts explain what is important when brushing teeth. (Image: Monkey Business / fotolia.com)

To prevent tooth decay and toothache

With proper oral hygiene you can prevent not only the above-mentioned diseases, but also caries, gingivitis, toothache and unpleasant bad breath.

Nothing is as good as regular brushing your teeth.

But what is the right kind of dental care? Should it be better to clean manually or electrically? Which toothpaste is recommended? Do dental care chewing gums bring something? Experts have some useful tips.

Brush teeth twice a day

A conscientious oral hygiene can not begin in principle, because even milk teeth need to be cleaned extremely thoroughly.

Dentists advise brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Best after breakfast and especially after dinner. According to experts, dental care is much more important in the evening than the next morning.

How long you want to clean depends on factors such as the amount of teeth in the mouth, your own skill, the cleaning technique and the tools used. The optimal cleaning time is usually given as two to five minutes.

Although until recently experts assumed that after a meal with acidic or sugary foods, you should wait half an hour to brush your teeth, as the acid dissolves minerals from the enamel and you make the process even worse by brushing - tooth enamel is wiped off.

But now this recommendation is critically discussed by dentists because the benefits of brushing immediately after eating seem to outweigh the potential disadvantages.

Clean interdental spaces correctly

It should be noted that the toothbrush only catches about 70 percent of the dirt coverings - the rest sits between the teeth. Therefore, you should clean the interdental spaces at least once a day.

Dental floss is best suited for this. However, one must be careful not to hurt the gums. Also suitable as alternatives are toothed wood, toothpicks or interdental brushes.

Mouthwashings also clean interdental spaces. In order to control its own cleanser sequence, one can occasionally use a staining tablet which shows which areas have not become clean.

Electric toothbrushes especially useful in old age

As a rule, dentists recommend brushing with soft to medium-hard, rounded bristles and a short head. These also make it easier to reach the back teeth.

Many experts believe that electric toothbrushes give better results. And above all, because the brush heads vibrate or rotate, so that your own movements are supported and relieved.

In addition, electric toothbrushes may be useful especially in the case of limited mobility, for example in old age.

However, children should first learn the proper brushing technique with a manual toothbrush before later switching to an electric toothbrush.

Brushing teeth in old age

"For people whose dexterity has diminished in old age or whose fine motor skills are limited by a disability, there are special toothbrushes," explains the proDente initiative on its website.

"A larger, sturdy handle makes it easier to hold the toothbrush. So it can be better managed. The brush head should have a rounded head end to prevent injuries in the mouth, "it continues.

And: "In addition, it must not be too small, so that the teeth are sufficiently clean even with a shorter cleaning time."

Do not exert too much pressure

Too much pressure during brushing is discouraged, as this may damage the enamel.

For example, scrubbing can also damage the gums and the neck of the teeth, as they cause the hard tooth substance to be scoured away.

The pressure during cleaning should be equivalent to 150 grams, which you can try by pressing with the toothbrush on a kitchen scale.

If the bristles of the toothbrush are bent after four weeks, that is an indication of too much pressure. A toothbrush should normally be replaced about every three months.

Even after a cold, the brush should be replaced best, so as not to re-infect.

It depends on the right technology

Experts advise cleaning always in the same order so that a routine is established and no area is forgotten. Kropp recommends the so-called KAI technique.

This means that first the chewing surfaces, then the outer surfaces and then the inside of the teeth are cleaned.

It is basically from red (gums) to white (tooth) cleaned. Shaking and brushing is particularly useful, according to dentists.

A video can be found on the website of the German Dental Association that explains in 60 seconds how the KAI system works.

Sugar-free chewing gum and a healthy diet

The fact that chewing gum can provide healthy teeth is not because the sugar-free products remove dental plaque, it stimulates salivation.

Saliva has an antibacterial and cleansing effect and ensures that minerals that are extracted, for example, by sugar or acids, making the tooth more susceptible to tooth decay, are re-deposited in the enamel.

They should be chewed for about five to ten minutes after eating. Although chewing gum is a good supplement to dental care, it does not replace tooth brushing.

Dr. also sees this. Stephan Ziegler, dentist and head of the KU64 dental practice from Berlin.

The physician, who clarified in a contribution of "Heilpraxisnet" about errors of dental and oral hygiene, said: "Basically, no other means can replace the cleaning power of a toothbrush."

In addition to sugar-free chewing gum, some diet tips can also help with a radiant smile. Carrots, mineral water and whole grains, among other things, can help to keep your teeth healthy.

Good toothpaste does not have to be expensive

Last but not least, oral hygiene also depends on the right toothpaste. This should contain fluoride. This protects against tooth decay.

For children up to six years, toothpaste should contain a maximum of 500 ppm (parts per million - one million parts), adult toothpaste 1,450.

So-called whitening toothpastes with coarse plaster bodies can damage the enamel and are therefore not recommended by experts.

Good quality does not have to be expensive. For example, consumer protection experts from the Stiftung Warentest found in an investigation that toothpastes for 65 cents are sometimes better than products that cost many times as much. (Ad)