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SaccharinWithout any sweeteners the taste of a toothpaste would not be accepted by most consumers. Due to the cariogenic potential of household sugar (sucrose) saccharin is often used as a sweetener in toothpastes. Saccharin is a synthetic compound which is 500 times sweeter than sucrose. Saccharin is calorie-free and is not metabolized by oral bacteria, thus it is not cariogenic. | |
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SalivaOral fluid formed by the salivary glands. Saliva stops the mucous membranes from drying out, rinses the oral cavity, buffers any generated acids and supplies mineral salts to remineralize the enamel. Patients with diminished salivation can exhibit rapid caries progression that can only be prevented by particularly intensive prophylactic management. If your mouth often feels dry, ask your dentist for advice. | |
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Saliva testsTests for detecting the presence and quantity of caries bacteria in the saliva. These indirectly determine whether, and to what extent, acid-producing plaque bacteria are present on the teeth. Saliva tests are a useful aid in assessing the caries risk in the individual case. | |
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Salt fluoridationAdding fluoridated salt (250 mg of fluoride per kilogram of salt) to food is a useful measure for helping prevent caries. Household salt containing fluoride and iodine (blue pack with a green band) is available in Switzerland. | |
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SealingPlastic sealants can be used, usually in children, to fill grooves in the teeth that are difficult to clean (fissures = narrow, deep grooves on the masticatory surfaces of the molars). This prevents the accumulation of bacterial plaque and makes these areas easier to clean. | |
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Second dentitionThe period between the ages of 6 and 12 during which the milk, or deciduous, teeth are replaced by the permanent dentition. The second dentition occurs gradually so that the biting function is maintained throughout this period. The first permanent teeth are the six-year molars, which erupt behind the deciduous teeth around the age of 6, and the permanent incisors. The canines are then replaced between the ages of 9 and 12. The two molars erupt around the 12th year, while the wisdom teeth may not appear until adulthood. The eruption of the six-year molars (i.e. roughly when the child starts school) is the time to switch from elmex children's toothpaste to an toothpaste with a higher fluoride content. | |
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Secondary cariesCaries forming at the edge of a filling. Occurs particularly where a gap exists at the edge of a filling to which dental plaque can firmly adhere. | |
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Sensitive dental necksTeeth react painfully when the sensitive, soft dental necks are exposed, for example as a result of an incorrect toothbrushing technique with excessive pressure. In these cases, a toothbrush with particularly soft bristles should be used for cleaning, e.g. the elmex interX Sensitive toothbrush. Also important is gentle toothbrushing with a toothpaste with low abrasivity (RDA). The triple action of the elmex SENSITIVE PLUS protection system protects exposed dental necks and reduces any existing hypersensitivity. | |
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Sensitive gumsWhen the gums are irritated by plaque left behind after toothbrushing, they start to bleed and become inflamed. In such cases it is important to continue cleaning the teeth thoroughly, yet gently. meridol toothpaste and meridol mouthrinse , with their special combination of active ingredients, promote the regeneration of irritated gums. | |
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Sensitive teethAround the exposed dental necks, the dentine is not covered either by enamel or gum tissue. At these points, the inlets to the dentinal tubules are open and convey pain sensations in response to stimuli (hot, cold, sweet, sour). The regular use of elmex SENSITIVE plus toothpaste, dental rinse and elmex gel results in the formation of a protective film that seals these tubules to fend off the unpleasant, painful stimuli. Rapid relief for very painful sites can be provided by local application with the finger of elmex gel. | |
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