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DMF-T/DMF-S Index, dmf-t/dmf-s-IndexAn index for measuring the extent of caries-related damage in a person's mouth, based on the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth or teeth surfaces. Lower case letters are used for milk teeth. | |
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Dryness of the mouthDeficient salivation, possibly extending to xerostomia. Can occur as a concomitant effect of illness, but may also be induced by drugs, e.g. anti-hypertensive drugs and psychotropic agents, or irradiation of the salivary glands. Since remineralization of the hard tooth substances is helped by saliva, patients with diminished salivation - and an inappropriate diet - will suffer such rapid progression of caries that only particularly intensive prophylactic measures will be able to prevent complete destruction of the teeth. An important factor in this connection is regular - possibly several times a day - fluoridation, e.g. with elmex dental rinses or meridol mouthrinse. In such cases, the dentist may also apply elmex gel with a curette. | |
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eco-clic toothbrush with replacement headsThe elmex eco-clic is a toothbrush with replacement heads that combines medical and environmental benefits. The optimally rounded bristles and differing bristle heights ensure thorough cleaning. The replaceable heads also mean 70% less waste and 50% lower costs. | |
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Egg testSince the structure of eggshells is similar to that of enamel, the effect of amine fluorides (in elmex products) can be demonstrated using an egg: placing a chicken's egg in an egg-cup filled with elmex gel for 3 minutes increases the acid resistance of the eggshell. If the egg is then rinsed off with water and placed in household vinegar, the shell will only dissolve, as demonstrated by air bubble formation, at those points where the acid-inhibiting protective layer is missing. | |
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Enamel fluorosisCondition resulting from prolonged overdosage with fluoride. The mildest form produces white flecks on the enamel. Fluorosis occurs if excessive quantities of fluoride are regularly absorbed between the ages of 6 and 8 years. | |
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Enamel outer filmTeeth are always covered by an acellular proteinaceous film, the pellicle. The pellicle forms on the "naked" tooth surface within minutes to hours after professional teeth cleaning. | |
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ErosionEnamel wear caused by chemical and physical processes. Example: Frequent and regular consumption of fruit acids leads to erosion = loss of tooth substance. | |
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FilamentsMedical and/or scientific expression for bristles. The many filaments on offer vary in the material used, shape, color etc. The filaments most commonly used have a cylindrical shape and are rounded off at the ends to remove harmful edges. A new technology of filaments is realized in the meridol toothbrush: the filaments are conically shaped and have microfine filament ends. | |
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FillingsWhen the enamel coating is breached, the caries has advanced to such an extent that it can no longer be prevented and remineralized by fluoride use. The hole will need to be filled. While a wide variety of materials is used for fillings, a general distinction is made between metal-coloured materials (e.g. gold, amalgam) and tooth-coloured materials (e. g. composites, compomers, ceramics). | |
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Fissure sealingBacterial plaque on the teeth is often difficult to remove from fissures (narrow grooves on the masticatory surfaces of the molars). Caries often occurs in fissures as a result. In the procedure of fissure sealing, the grooves are filled with plastic, thereby preventing the accumulation of bacterial plaque and facilitating brushing of these areas. | |
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