paediatric dentistry - There is nothing worse but a little child seeing the dentist for the first time in his or her life because of tooth ache and being faced with the unfamiliar surroundings of a dental practice. Such circumstances hardly lead to a joyful cooperation.
But, as soon as visiting the dentist has become an always recurring, interesting and familiar ritual (which works at the hairdresser's almost every time!) one has laid the foundations to accomplish more complex treatments, too.
It has been found effective to go to the dentist with a child for a routine check from the age of one approximately in order to get him or her used to the dental chair and its surroundings (sounds, odours, people etc.).
Hereby, it is of highest importance to us to take our little patients seriously, to treat them as individuals and not to underestimate them under no circumstances. This attitude is the basis for any treatment of children and the preservation of their dental health. Children want to be taken seriously. The more information they get the more cooperative they are.
periodontitis - inflammatory destruction of the tooth supporting tissues (periodontium);
Without treatment it may lead to tooth loosening and then to tooth loss. The progression of inflammation can be diminished or impeded by professional plaque removal, regular check-ups and good oral hygiene.
plaque - tough whitish coating that adheres to the tooth surface primarily along the gum margins; Plaque consists largely of bacteria. There are approx. 250 million bacteria in 1 mg of wet plaque.
Teeth coated with plaque feel dull, furry and rough to the tongue. Plaque can be removed by thorough tooth brushing. If plaque is not regularly removed, dental calculus forms, which cannot be brushed away, but has to be eliminated by a dentist.Consequences of plaque are caries, gingivitis and periodontitis
Plombe, plombieren - lead seal, to seal; from Latin plumbum - lead;
in German colloquially for dental filling (Plombe) and to fill a tooth (plombieren)
to polish; polish - to smooth something or to make something shine using a polish; a tooth can be polished with several polishing instruments and a polish; Dirt and plaque don't stick well to smooth surfaces
premolar - anterior molar tooth; "grinder"; situated in front of the molar teeth in the permanent dentition; not a part of the primary dentition
preventive measures
Prophylaxis is a key word that means to prevent and to take precautions. It is the crucial point in preserving a high quality of life.
Natural teeth are better than any dentures, and they are much more beautiful. Someone with natural teeth can laugh outright because there is no reason to hide any fillings or prostheses in the mouth. Beautiful and healthy teeth are essential for one's self-confidence and self-assurance
Four simple rules
Dental prophylaxis is based on the framework of the following four main rules:
- Maintain oral hygiene regularly!
Brush your teeth at least twice a day - after breakfast and before bedtime.
- Live on food and drinks which are healthy for your teeth!
Avoid sweets and sugar containing drinks as often as possible. Eat varied food as well as plenty of fibres (roughage) to force chewing.
- Use fluorides!
The regular and sufficient use of fluorides protects against caries.
- See your dentist regularly!
See your dentist at least twice a year in order to detect and to remedy minor defects at an early stage; that avoids major damages.