Prevent caries efficiently

To prevent tooth decay, but how?

05/16/2012

Tooth decay is favored by a variety of different factors, with certain preventive measures, the individual caries risk can be significantly reduced. The methods used to prevent tooth decay were explained by experts from the German Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the Federal Dental Association.

Sugar main risk to the teeth
The experts called sugar the main risk factor for caries. This leads to the increased formation of plaque, with bacteria settle on the teeth, which released an acid, which in turn attacks the teeth. If the bacteria are not eliminated, initially slight discoloration and black holes form in the teeth. The holes can be associated with significant toothache for those affected. According to the president of the German Society of Pediatric Dentistry, how much the teeth are affected depends not only on the amount of sweets eaten, but also on the frequency. Because "the teeth need phases where they are not exposed to acid attack," explains Professor Christian Hirsch.

Infants with a particularly high caries risk
According to the experts, infants are often at risk of tooth decay not only because of the sugar content of many children's food, but also because of the consistency of the food they eat. For example, many young children are given convenience foods or children's foods that are given as a liquid or porridge and are barely chewed. With regard to the development of caries, this is rather negative to judge, since "chewing represents a certain self-cleaning of the teeth" and "mushy food promotes the development of dental plaque" explained Prof. Hirsch. Even the constant sucking on a bottle of juice can, according to the dentists, have a detrimental effect on the dental health of the children.

Dental care in infants
Since the teeth of the infant are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, the dental hygiene is of particular importance to them. However, not only regular brushing to clean the teeth helps to prevent tooth decay in children, but also the use of fluoride can provide some protection. The fluoride also contained in drinking water "strengthens the tooth hard substance and negatively influences the bacterial metabolism," explained Prof. Dietmar Oesterreich of the Federal Dental Association. Fluoride can help "to prevent tooth decay and repair damage beginning", which is why the teeth of the children from the first deciduous tooth to the second year of age should be brushed once a day with a little fluoridated toothpaste. From the age of two, the teeth of the little ones are to be cleaned twice a day with some child's toothpaste, according to the expert. Generally, according to Prof. Oesterreich, when brushing teeth, it is important to thoroughly clean the teeth and interdental spaces without overstressing the gums.

Thorough cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces
Care should be taken when selecting toothbrushes not to use brushes marked hard but only soft or medium-hard toothbrushes. Because soft to medium-hard brushes protect the gums and prevent injuries when pressed too hard, "reports the proDente initiative. In addition to brushing your teeth, according to the experts, antibacterial mouthwashes are recommended, which work efficiently against the bacteria, but are by no means to be considered as a replacement for tooth brushing and interdental hygiene. To clean the interdental spaces according to the experts floss is best, especially since the areas with the toothbrush are not accessible anyway. However, so-called interdental brushes, special toothbrushes for the interdental spaces, can be used here. The cleaning of the interdental spaces must be carried out regularly in order to achieve a caries-preventive effect. The slight bleeding of the gums, which may initially occur when using the floss, is no cause for irritation, according to the dentist, but quite normal.

Professional teeth cleaning prevents tooth decay and periodontitis
In addition to the daily oral hygiene at home, the experts advise to professional teeth cleaning, which are removed in the dental office plaque and tartar. Thorough cleaning followed by fluoride polishing prevent decay and periodontal disease, but is not covered by the statutory health insurance, explained the dentists. If interested, patients should therefore discuss treatment costs in advance with their dentist. Also recommended are regular check-ups, but the costs are covered by the health insurance companies. Ideally, every six months - but at least once a year - a check-up at the dentist should take place in order to detect possible caries early and eliminate it.

Tooth seal to prevent deposits?
A special form of caries prevention is the sealing of the teeth or fissures (grooves, grooves and dimples of the teeth). By the tooth sealing deposits in the fissures should be avoided. However, the sealdown lasts only about four years and must be checked at regular intervals. In addition, this particular form of caries prophylaxis does not provide 100% protection. Those who want to keep their teeth as free of holes as possible should pay particular attention to their oral hygiene and nutrition. However, smoking also has a significant impact on dental health by reducing salivation and promoting the formation of deposits. Therefore, in the interest of healthy teeth as possible to dispense with cigarettes. (Fp)

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