|
| |
Glossary
|
| New terms
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Teeth stainingAll teeth are covered by a thin invisible film on the enamel (pellicle). Foreign staining substances can accumulate on this film and lead to discoloration. These staining substances usually originate from food (from fruit, coloured foods, tea, coffee, red wine, etc.) and tobacco (tar). This superficial staining can be removed by the dental hygienist. | |
|
|
|
| ToothTeeth are classified along with bones as hard tissue of the human body. Their primary function is to break down food into small fragments. Every tooth consists of a crown (above the gum line) and a root (below the gum line). The junction between the two is known as the dental neck. The ends of the roots are open, and blood vessels and nerves pass through the root canals into the tooth cavity to form the pulp, which is surrounded by dentine. In the crown section, the dentine is covered by enamel, the hardest substance in our body, though it will dissolve in acid. Teeth are held in place by teeth-supporting tissues (periodontium), consisting of the gums (gingivae), bony socket (alveolus), periodontal ligament, or gingival fibres, and cementum. Periodontium is also a living tissue since it does, after all, contain blood vessels and nerves. The tooth is not completely fused with the bone, but is suspended (like a trampoline) in its socket (alveolus) by the gingival fibres. This prevents the tooth from breaking whenever it is struck by a stone or when we bite on something hard in our food. | |
|
|
|
| ToothbrushMost commonly used device for removing bacterial plaque. Your toothbrush should possess soft to medium bristles made from synthetic material and the brush head should not be too large. All elmex toothbrushes as well as the meridol toothbrush satisfy these criteria. Toddlers should use a special training toothbrush up to about 4 years of age. From the age of about 5, children can switch to a JUNIOR brush and, at around 12 years of age, to an adult toothbrush (e.g. elmex InterX medium or elmex InterX Short Head). People with exposed dental necks should use a toothbrush with particularly soft bristles, e.g. elmex interX SENSITIVE toothbrush. The meridol toothbrush is especially suited for gingivitis and periodontitis patients. | |
|
|
|
| Toothbrushing (Method)Toothbrushing is only effective if performed according to a consistent system adapted to the respective individual. One basic method for toddlers (from 2 to 3 years) is the MOI system, in which first the masticatory surfaces, then the outer, and finally the inner surfaces are cleaned. A basic technique for adults is e.g. the "Bass method", in which the brush is placed at a 45° angle to the gum line and moved across the teeth with small, vibrating strokes. This is an effective way of cleaning both the teeth and gum margins. Ideally, the right toothbrushing technique for a particular individual should be demonstrated by a dental hygienist. | |
|
|
|
| ToothpasteAromatic, cream-like preparation containing abrasive substances that supports the cleaning action of toothbrushes. Active ingredients added to toothpastes enhance the prophylactic effect. A toothpaste should always contain the anticariogenic substance fluoride. Toothpastes should be chosen on the basis of the desired effect, not solely on the basis of taste. | |
|
|
|
|
| |
