Oral hygiene: tips for healthy teeth and gums

Good to know: the basics of oral hygiene

Consistent daily care is the most important building block for healthy teeth. The following basic rules form the foundation – easy to put into practice and suitable for every age:

• Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each – morning and evening.
• Use fluoride toothpaste: fluoride hardens the enamel and protects against cavities.
• Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
• Replace your toothbrush every eight to twelve weeks – and after any infection.
• Come for a check-up twice a year and make use of professional cleaning.

The right brushing technique

It is not force but technique that matters. Scrubbing too hard can damage gums and enamel. Here is how to brush thoroughly and gently:

• Use a soft to medium brush with a small head.
• Work systematically: always in the same order so no spot is forgotten.
• Clean at the gum line with small movements and sweep from red to white – from gum to tooth.
• Do not forget the chewing and inner surfaces either.
• Electric toothbrushes can make cleaning easier – what remains decisive is regular, complete use.

Do not forget between the teeth

Around a third of tooth surfaces lie between the teeth – the brush does not reach everything there, and that is exactly where cavities form particularly often. Daily interdental care is therefore not an extra but a must:

• Floss is suited to tight gaps.
• Interdental brushes in the right size clean larger gaps particularly effectively – your practice team will advise you on the right size.
• Proceed gently so as not to injure the gums. Slight bleeding at first usually settles after a few days.

Diet and tooth-friendly habits

What you eat and drink has a direct effect on your teeth. Small habits make a big difference in the long run:

• Reduce sugar and frequent snacking – every sugary moment is an acid attack on the enamel.
• Prefer water or unsweetened tea; water helps rinse away food residues and acids.
• After acidic food and drinks, wait about 30 minutes before brushing so the enamel is not worn away.
• Avoid tobacco: smoking stresses gums and teeth and promotes discoloration and disease.

Oral hygiene for children

Healthy habits start early. Even the first baby tooth is brushed – at first by the parents, later together. Children's toothpaste with an age-appropriate fluoride content and playful routines help make dental care a matter of course.

Professional support at the practice

Even with careful care, some areas remain hard to reach at home. Professional cleaning removes stubborn deposits and tartar, and regular check-ups allow problems to be detected early. In this way your home care and the preventive care at the practice complement each other into effective protection for your teeth.