Ein kleines Glossar über das Zahnfleisch

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums. Triggered by the metabolic products of bacteria (plaque) that colonise the gum margins. The principal signs of gingivitis are swelling and bleeding of the gums. To allow the inflammation to heal, as much of the bacterial plaque as possible must be removed. Microfine toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinses can help combat plaque.

Periodontitis

Inflammatory destruction of the tissues that support the teeth (periodontium). If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to teeth loosening and, ultimately, teeth loss. It is caused by the presence of certain bacteria in plaque. In contrast with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), the damage caused by periodontitis is not completely repairable, although the progression of the condition can be delayed by good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups with professional plaque removal.

Plaque

Tough coating that adheres to the tooth surfaces, primarily along the gum margins. Plaque consists largely of bacteria. 1 mg of wet plaque contains approx. 250 million bacteria. These are so small that they are only visible and identifiable under the microscope. Most of these bacteria are responsible for the production of tooth-damaging acids. Moreover, certain bacteria excrete substances that make the plaque coating sticky and strongly adherent. The plaque can be removed by mechanical means with a good toothbrush and interdental cleaning by interdental brushes or dental sticks.

Other terms of preventive dentistry

Abrasiveness of toothpastes The way in which a toothpaste acts on the tooth's hard substances (enamel, dentine) depends on the hardness, quantity and size of its abrasive substances. Moderately abrasive toothpastes possess an RDA value of 70 - 80, while toothpastes with an RDA of 100 and above are highly abrasive and not suitable for daily use.

Abscess- a swelling caused by an an infection resulting in a pus filled hole

Abutment- tooth, root or implant used to support an artificial tooth restoration

Air Abrasion - a method of removing tooth decay without a drill and anesthesia, by using compresed air and fine sand particles.

Alveolar process - the part of the jaw that holds the teeth

Amalgam - a combination of metals, usually including silver, nickel and mercury used to filled cavities in teeth

Anterior - term referring to the front area of the mouth

Apex- the end of the tooth root

Apicoectomy - the surgical removal of the apex after which the open end of the root is sealed with filling.

Approximal caries Caries in the interdental space. Very often occurs as a result of negligent cleaning of the interdental spaces.

Bass technique The modified Bass technique is a technique of brushing your teeth which has proven its worth both for people with healthy gums and for gingivitis and periodontitis patients. This technique concentrates on cleaning at the gum margins. The toothbrush is positioned on the gums at an angle of 45° and the plaque is removed by means of small circular movements (vibratory motions). Due to the tapered bristles and flat prfile, the tapered edel+white toothbrushes are ideally suited for the Bass technique.

Bleaching of teeth Whitening of teeth by chemical means. Teeth are bleached under dental supervision in order to ensure that the teeth and gums are not damaged by the procedure.

Bonding - a cosmetic procedure in which teeth are coated with composite resin in order to cover stains or improve apperance.

Bridge - an artificial fixed or removable prosthesis replacing one or more teeth.

Bristles An important part of the toothbrush. As a rule, these should be made of synthetic material, as natural bristles can easily break and the sharp broken edges can injure the gums. Rounded ends on plastic bristles are important in preventing injury to the teeth and gums. Hard bristles should be avoided since they can cause damage to the tooth's hard substance. Soft to medium bristles are recommended.

Calculus - hardened deposit of mineral salts formed around the teeth.

Canine teeth - teeth next to the lateral incisors identified by pointed cusp used for tearing food

Canker sores - painfull noncontagious sores that form inside the mouth and on the lips

Chlorhexidine Active 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.

Crown - visible part of tooth coverad by enamel. Crown - artificial - (cap) restoration made of metal or porcelain covering damaged tooth.

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.

Dental floss Plastic 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. edel+white dental flosses have been designed to easily clean the interdental spaces.

Dental rinse Proprietary active solution used as an effective supplement to daily oral hygiene. Dental rinses should be chosen according to the desired effect. Use once or twice daily.

Dental sticks Sticks made from soft wood with a triangular cross-section used to clean the interdental spaces. These are particularly suitable for use while away from home and in situations where toothbrushing is not possible. Dental sticks are always inserted in the interdental spaces with the flat side against the gums to avoid damaging the gingival tissue.

Dentinal tubules Dentine contains very fine tubules that can convey stimuli to the dental nerve. Around exposed dental necks the dentine is not covered by enamel or gum tissue. At these points, the inlets to the dentinal tubules are open and convey pain sensations in response to stimuli (hot, cold, sweet, sour).

Deciduous teeth - (baby teeth) first set of teeth that is later replaced by permanent teeth.

Dentine - a mid part of tooth surrounding the pulp and covered by enamel

Denture - a partial or full set of artificial removable teeth

Enamel - the hard white outer covering of the tooth

Endodontics - an area of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and the tissues at the root apex

Fissure sealing Bacterial 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.

Fluoride In oral and dental care preparations, fluorides perform three important functions to help preserve dental health: - They promote the reincorporation of enamel constituents in the tooth and thus prevent the formation of "holes", which then require treatment. Incipient damage can be cured completely by fluoride administration. - Bacteria in dental plaque convert the sugar ingredients of food into acids, which then dissolve the enamel. Fluorides are incorporated in the enamel to make it more resistant to these acid attacks. - Finally, fluorides inhibit the metabolism of these plaque bacterial and thereby reduce the production of harmful acids.

Halitosis - bad breath, caused by tooth decay, gum disease, digestive problems, smoking or some systemic diseases.

Impacted tooth - a condition in which a tooth is unable to erupt normaly because of it's position against the gum or bone

Implant - tooth replacement inserted into the bone in order to provide structure for an artificial fixed restoration.

Incisors - (central and lateral) the four front teeth used for cutting food

Malocclusion - (bad bite) abnormal contact between upper and lower teeth

Mandible - the lower jawbone

Maxilla - the upper jawbone

Maxillofacial - relating to the lower half of the face

Microfine New technology of bristles in edel+white toothbrushes. The bristles 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 bristle. Due to the microfine bristle ends the tips of the bristles 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 bristles have a uniform diameter throughout their entire length. The conical shape of the bristles guarantees excellent plaque removal without damaging the gums

Molars - back teeth used for grinding food. The furthest (third) molars are also known as wisdom teeth.

Orthodonticts - branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis of missaligned teeth.

Overbite - a vertical overlaping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth

Papillae - small projections on the surface of the tongue

Partial - (denture) removable appliance replacing one or more teeth.

Periodontal - relating to the gums and bone structure that surrounds and supports teeth

Pontic - the artificial tooth of the fixed bridge that replaces natural tooth

Post - a metal or carbon fiber support used to reinforce a tooh that has had a root canal therapy.

Posterior - term refering to the back part of the mouth

ppm Abbreviation for parts per million; concentration of a dilution of one in one million. Usually used, e.g., to describe the fluoride content in drinking water. The optimal concentration for caries prophylaxis is 1 ppm fluoride = 1 milligram of fluoride per litre of water.

Premolars - see bicuspids

Prosthetic - refering to the artificial part of the human body

Prosthodontics - branch of dentistry that deals with replacement of damaged or missing teeth

Pulp - soft, spongy tissue in the center of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves

RDA Abbreviation for Radioactive Dentine Abrasion. A measure of the protective/abrasive effect of toothpaste on the dentine. Depends on the hardness and size of the abrasive substances contained in the toothpaste. The lower the RDA, the more protective it is for the enamel.

Root canal - space in the root of tooth that contains pulp tissue

Root canal therapy - a procedure in which root canal is cleaned, shaped and filled

Sodium fluoride Sodium fluoride (NaF) is an inorganic compound (salt) whichs caries preventive effect was discovered in the 1930s. Among other things it is often used as a fluoride active ingredient in oral care products.

Tartar - a salivary deposit of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and organic matter on natural or artificial teeth

Xylitol Sweet tasting substance (sugar alcohol) which is as sweet as household sugar (sucrose) and which is sometimes used as sugar substitute. Depending on the concentration Xylitol can prevent fermentation by oral bacteria and can, to some extent, neutralize acid emanating from fermented carbohydrates. In some products, e.g. chewing gums, it has shown a caries preventive effect. Xylitol may have a laxative effect in large quantities