Dental hygiene

Bacteria present in the mouth clump together to form plaque - it's like a "colony" of bacteria that settles on the teeth (the bacteria are not in the mouth as individuals, but form a biofilm - a thin translucent layer).

These bacteria secrete acids and thus demineralize the enamel, causing tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental plaque is mainly present in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush when cleaning the mouth (interdental space, inside of the tooth above the gum line).

On the one hand dental plaque demineralizes the enamel, but on the other hand, the deposition of minerals (which are present in saliva) can lead to their transformation into tartar, which is already too hard to be removed with a toothbrush.

Tartar is white, yellowish or brown in colour, is not painful but causes gingivitis and bad smelling breath (halitosis).

During dental hygiene, the teeth are gradually treated with several interventions:

• Ultrasonic scaling using gentle ultrasound that removes dental plaque and tartar.
• Manual scaling and Root planing to remove stubborn tartar and bacterial toxins.
• Airflow (Air polishing) - removes colored stains (pigment) from the teeth, which arise (for example after coffee, tea or cigarettes) using water, air and fine powder.
• Polishing is the cleaning of teeth using a rotary brush and coarse-grained depuration paste (microabrasive cleaning).
• Fluoride treatment of teeth is done by applying special fluoridation gels that strengthen the demineralized tooth and improve the protective properties of tooth enamel.
• Dental Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
  
• Patient Education - which is tailored to the patient's teeth, according to which teeth the patient does not brush enough - what mistakes she/he makes when brushing her/his teeth (brushing technique), what toothbrush, interdental brush, floss or mouthwash to use.
  

Bleeding from the gums may occur after treatment, which is a symptom of gingivitis. After dental hygiene the inflammation subsides and the bleeding stops.

Dental hygiene is performed by a dental hygienist.

Dental hygiene is a university study course ending with the degree of Bachelor of Dental Hygiene.

• Dental hygiene is suitable for everyone: children from 3 years old, pregnant women, patients with dental appliances, implants, dentures.
• Every 6 months.