Brushing

Teeth need a thorough clean at least twice a day – after breakfast and before going to bed. After sticky, sweet snacks in particular it is worth reaching for the toothbrush again

Clean your teeth for at least three minutes

The ideal brushing technique can differ greatly from person to person. As a rule you should brush in circular movements without much pressure, with the bristles half on the gum and half on the tooth. Scrubbing is harmful and should be avoided. Brushing with too much pressure is equally harmful: combined with a brush whose bristles are too hard, it can injure the gums. The prevention staff at your dental practice will advise you and show you the right techniques. Since the brush does not reach every tooth surface, floss or special interdental brushes should be used once a day for the spaces between the teeth

Toothbrushes

With such a wide range on offer, choosing the right toothbrush is not easy. Too big, too thick, too hard – that sums up most toothbrushes. Pay attention to the bristles and above all to the size of the brush head: use an extra-soft brush about 2 cm long and/or a soft single-tuft brush. A small head makes it easier to reach every area of the mouth. The toothbrush should be replaced every six to eight weeks

In terms of cleaning effect, the electric toothbrush is clearly superior to the manual one. It makes effective, thorough dental care possible even for older patients whose manual dexterity is already limited. For the moderately practised user in a hurry, a so-called sonic toothbrush is worth recommending. The time spent brushing with an electric brush should, however, be just as long as with a manual one

Sweet and sour – protecting children's teeth

Frequent sweet snacks are paradise for the bacteria in the mouth. But it is not only sugar that attacks the teeth. Acids, especially in drinks, also play a decisive part. That applies to fruit, juices and soft drinks. Lemon juice, orange juice and apple juice are particularly acidic, and so are cola and lemonade

Fruit and fruit juices are of course to be regarded as healthy foods. But to avoid acid damage to the teeth, the time they are in contact with the teeth and the frequency with which they are consumed should be limited

Fissure sealing

For children and young people with an increased risk of caries, or where fissures are unfavourably shaped, sealing the caries-free fissures and pits of the permanent back teeth with a thin resin that is hardened in the mouth is worth considering. Your dentist will advise you on the right time for sealing, at the earliest after the first permanent back teeth have erupted in the sixth year of life

The ideal brushing technique can differ greatly from person to person. As a rule you should brush from red to white with light pressure. Scrubbing is harmful and should be avoided. Brushing with too much pressure is equally harmful: combined with a brush whose bristles are too hard, it can injure the gums. The prevention staff at your dental practice will advise you and show you the right techniques