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ppmAbbreviation for parts per million; concentration of a dilution of one in one million. Usually used, e.g., to describe the fluoride content in drinking water. The optimal concentration for caries prophylaxis is 1 ppm fluoride = 1 milligram of fluoride per litre of water. | |
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PremolarsAnterior, permanent molars with two cusps. The 8 premolars replace the 8 deciduous molars of the deciduous dentition by the age of 12. | |
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ProphylaxisPrevention of disease, preventive treatment. Example: fluoride prophylaxis = prevention of dental caries by the use of fluorides, e.g. by the local application of fluoride toothpastes. | |
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Prophylaxis assistantDental assistant with additional training in prophylaxis. In the dental practice, specializes in prophylaxis tasks. | |
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RDAAbbreviation for Radioactive Dentine Abrasion. A measure of the protective/abrasive effect of toothpaste on the dentine. Depends on the hardness and size of the abrasive substances contained in the toothpaste. The lower the RDA, the more protective it is for the enamel. | |
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RemineralizationRepair of minute lesions in the enamel by the reincorporation of mineral salts in the enamel. Promoted by the use of fluoride-containing preparations, e.g. elmex toothpaste and dental rinse or elmex gel. | |
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Root cariesSince dentine has no protective enamel coating around exposed dental necks (dental roots) it is very susceptible to caries at these points. The regular use of elmex SENSITIVE PLUS toothpaste and dental rinse, together with weekly brushing with elmex gel, provides effective protection against dentinal and root caries. | |
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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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