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Cervical 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, leads to significant fluoride build-up and thus provides effective protection against dentine caries and painful hypersensitivity. | |
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Chewing gumChewing sugar-free gum after eating promotes the flow of saliva to help accelerate the neutralization of teeth-damaging acids in the mouth. However, gum chewing in no way replaces toothbrushing, since it cannot remove existing dental plaque. | |
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ChlorhexidineActive ingredient in many mouthrinses for controlling bacteria and certain fungi and viruses. Acts against plaque bacteria, prevents the formation of plaque for several hours. Side effects include reversible discoloration of the teeth, tongue and oral mucosa and an impaired sense of taste. | |
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Collective prophylaxisPreventive health measures aimed at large sections of a country's population. Collective dental prophylactic measures include the fluoridation of drinking water and (where implemented on a broad basis) table salt. | |
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Concealed cariesCaries that cannot be seen at the tooth surface, but that has become relatively extensive, e.g. between the teeth. | |
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ConicalNew technology of filaments realized in the meridol toothbrush. The filaments are conically shaped with a diameter of approx. 0.18 mm at the base of the brush and approx. 0.05 mm shortly (1 mm) below the tip of the filament. Due to the microfine filament ends the tips of the filaments bend back at the slightest pressure, thus producing a round contact surface with extremely low potential for causing gingival harm. This shape is new on the European market, where normal, end rounded filaments have a uniform diameter throughout their entire length. The conical shape of the filaments guarantees excellent plaque removal without damaging the gums. | |
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DemineralizationDecalcification; removal of minerals from enamel by acid. Tooth damage (caries) occurs when demineralization processes predominate. Regular use of elmex products inhibits demineralization and promotes remineralization = caries protection. | |
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Dental assistant (DA)Assists the dentist with patient procedures and carries out other important tasks in the dental practice, e.g. disinfection and sterilization. In Switzerland, dental assistants undergo a 3-year training course and, if successful, receive a diploma approved by the Swiss Federal Office for Industry and Labour (BIGA). | |
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Dental calculus (tartar)Mineralized = calcified, hard deposit on teeth, formed wherever bacterial plaque persists long enough to incorporate mineral salts. The calcification starts after just 24 hours or so. Calculus tends to form at those sites where the salivary glands lead into the oral cavity, i.e. on the inside of the lower incisors (opening of the sublingual glands) and on the outside of the upper, anterior molars (opening of the parotid gland). Dental calculus can form not only above, but also below the gingival margin, where it is known as a concretion. Concretions are produced as a result of the incorporation of minerals and blood components in bacterial plaque. Calculus can be removed only in the dental practice, not by toothbrushing. | |
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Dental flossPlastic thread for cleaning the interdental spaces. Pull approx. 50 cm of dental silk from the dispenser, wrap around both middle fingers and pass over the thumbs. Carefully insert the taut thread into the interdental spaces by moving it back and forth. For cleaning in the lower jaw, pass the dental floss over the tips of the index fingers. It is important always to clean the surfaces of both teeth in the interdental space. elmex dental flosses have been designed to easily clean the interdental spaces and have been impregnated with amine fluoride to protect against caries. | |
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