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Removing Tartar: Why It is Much More Important Than Most Think

Tartar threatens overall oral health: Those who don't take care of it risk secondary diseases from cavities to the degradation of the jawbone due to inflammation. In this article, you will learn how tartar actually forms, why it must be regularly removed, and who should best do it. What is Tartar? Tartar is calcified dental plaque. In its early stage, it is usually yellowish. If not removed in time, it can become darker over time – and more dangerous. This is because various bacterial colonies feel very comfortable on its rough surface, making it the basis for cavities and gum inflammation. How Does Tartar Form? The beginning of all tartar is plaque: This is a mixture of food residues, saliva, and bacteria that together form a fine biofilm on the teeth. This layer forms after every meal. Yet, it can be tackled with diligent oral hygiene. Once such layers harden, they are referred to as tartar. What Types of Tartar exist? Tartar variants are differentiated by where they are located: Supragingival Tartar: This type of tartar forms quickly: It is located above the gum line and usually near the salivary glands. Thus, it is often visible and can cause no lasting damage if removed in time. Subgingival Tartar: This type forms over time and hides in the gum pockets and below the gum edge, where brushing is much more difficult than on the tooth surfaces. It also forms through the deposition of minerals. Unlike the first type, its basis is not saliva but blood serum. Therefore, it is darker. For those affected, it is usually not visible – and even dental personnel often have to specifically search for it with X-rays. Thus, it can contribute to serious inflammations of the gums, later of the jawbone, and periodontium. These deposits are then called "concretions." What to do in Case of Severe Tartar Formation? Severe tartar formation should generally not be allowed to occur in the first place – because long-term consequences, such as gum bleeding or jawbone inflammation, can follow. As a result, internal organs can be attacked by the inflammation. Therefore, thorough oral hygiene is strongly recommended: This includes regular, thorough brushing e.g., with a sonic toothbrush, as well as cleaning the interdental spaces with dental floss and interdental brushes. A sugar-reduced diet can also contribute to less plaque forming in the first place. How Can You Remove Tartar Yourself? Dental plaque can largely be removed at home with some discipline. However, once it has hardened, professionals are needed. Although tartar erasers are now available, how much they help is disputed among experts. They do not replace a visit to the dentist in any case – and unlike the eraser, professional tartar removal is covered by health insurance once a year. How Painful is Tartar Removal? Ultrasound can be a gentle method for removing tartar. Generally, most people do not perceive the removal of supragingival tartar as painful, though it can sometimes be somewhat unpleasant. If it is located in the gum pockets, the treatment can hurt a little bit. Therefore, some dentists offer to counteract this with ice spray or topical anesthetic. Afterward, the gums can be a bit more sensitive for a few days. Does Tartar Removal Replace Professional Tooth Cleaning? Absolutely not. Tartar removal is certainly better than nothing, but typically, only supragingival tartar, i.e., the visible tartar, is removed during tartar removal. Professional teeth cleaning goes far beyond tartar removal and also removes subgingival tartar and discolorations, and thus has a significantly greater impact on oral health. Overview: Tartar threatens oral health and can lead to not only tooth loss but also severe secondary diseases through inflammation. Diligent oral hygiene can act as a preventive measure. Tartar removals are covered once a year by statutory health insurance. Tartar removal does not replace professional teeth cleaning. Time For a Professional Teeth Cleaning Again? At Dental21 practices, you benefit from treatment with state-of-the-art technology. You can find us at over 50 locations throughout Germany. Want to get rid of your tartar? Book Your appointment today!

Correcting Misaligned Teeth: No Room for False Modesty!

Whether it's a crossbite, deep bite, or overbite: No one gets to choose their teeth. But: Everyone can have their malocclusion corrected. You can read why this is sometimes even a must and how it's best done in this article. A tooth that stands out, the gap that now fits a pen, or two halves of the dentition that lie obliquely on top of each other: Many people have malocclusions. Not all of them are dangerous. Yet, some lead a life of their own that should not be underestimated – and that's far more than just a cosmetic issue. Because their health significance is considerable. Indeed, they can cause joint, back, and headaches, lead to speech disorders, or even cause facial proportions to shift in the long term. How do Malocclusions Develop in The First Place? If teeth are not where they should be, there can be many reasons: It may not be a surprise that malocclusions can be inherited. Less known are the hybrid inheritance models: For example, when the jaw size comes from the mother, but the tooth size from the father. If these do not match in combination, malocclusions occur. Furthermore, bad habits in childhood, such as excessive thumb sucking, a prolonged pacifier period, or mouth breathing because not enough air flows through the nose, can lead to a permanent shift of the teeth and misdevelopment of the jaw. And finally, diseases or accidents are a common reason for misalignments. The good news: Nowadays, there's almost nothing that cosmetic dentistry can't correct – for instance, with Invisalign®. It is significantly cheaper and more aesthetic than the classic braces from childhood. And the best part: It's never too late to start! Malocclusions that can be straightened with it include, for example: Crossbite Deep bite Overbite Diastema Open bite Crowding Rotated or protruding teeth The Trouble with Crossbite A crossbite is when the teeth cannot close properly because, for example, the front or lateral teeth in the upper jaw lean too far inwards or those in the lower jaw push too far outwards. There are three types of crossbites: anterior, unilateral, and bilateral. It is also the most common misalignment. In children and adolescents, if untreated, it can inhibit jaw growth. This leads to a whole series of health problems up to the premature wear of the teeth. However, crossbites are easier to treat than one might think: In young years, a normal brace can help, in adults, aligner treatment (clear plastic aligners) can bring significant improvements. The Consequences of a Deep Bite In a deep bite, the upper incisors are tilted over the lower ones. This makes, for example, biting and chewing difficult. Moreover, a deep bite can cause injuries to the palate and gum inflammation. Above all, this misalignment can severely affect the jaw joints – in the worst case leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This, in turn, can lead to numerous secondary diseases, such as tinnitus or head and back pain. Why an Overbite Should be Corrected as Early as Possible Everyone has a slight overbite: This means that the front teeth of the upper jaw lie over the front teeth of the lower jaw. Up to two millimeters is considered normal. However, if this distance is significantly increased, it is referred to as an "overbite" – colloquially also known as "bunny teeth" or "horse bite". It can lead to bullying in the schoolyard, as well as to incorrect loading of the jaws, and in severe cases, increase the risk of caries. An "open bite," on the other hand, is when the front teeth do not meet – this can be a consequence of strong, frequent thumb sucking. Courage to Embrace Diastema? Better not! When no teeth are missing, but there is too much space between them, it is called a "diastema". It also belongs to the malocclusions that are much more dangerous than one might think: Because it not only predisposes to tooth migration but also to deep pocket formation in the gums and thus severe periodontitis. What many do not know: Untreated, this can not only affect the jawbone but even lead to damage to internal organs. The Solution: Aligner Therapy, e.g., Invisalign® Invisalign® is a state-of-the-art aligner system that has already helped millions of people around the globe achieve beautiful, straight teeth. The aligner works like an invisible brace and delivers astonishing results in a very short time. Want to learn more about Invisalign®? At Dental21 clinics, you benefit from treatment with cutting-edge technology. You can find us at over 50 locations throughout Germany. Book your appointment now!

Removing Tooth Discoloration: Everything You Need to Know

Colors bring joy – except when they adorn your teeth. Because brown, yellow, black, or green spots can dull any smile, no matter how bright – and usually the self-confidence of the person to whom it belongs. Why tooth discolorations occur in the first place, where you can have tooth discolorations removed, and how you can prevent them from occurring in the first place, are discussed in this article. What is Tooth Discoloration? The color of teeth naturally varies from person to person. It is influenced by dentin and genetic factors: While one person may flash white teeth every time they open their mouth, a cream tone may be completely natural for another. Discolorations are only spoken of when teeth take on a different shade than their natural hue. There can be countless reasons for this: metabolic diseases, medications, poor diet, dark dental fillings, smoking, red wine, tea, and many others. Are Tooth Discolorations Dangerous? Not everything that doesn't look pretty is necessarily a danger to health: In and of themselves, tooth discolorations are not considered dangerous. However, they can be a clear indication of suboptimal lifestyle habits – which in themselves can indeed be problematic: For example, consuming large amounts of red wine or cigarettes. How do Tooth Discolorations Occur? There are different types of tooth discolorations – internal and external. While deposits of all kinds usually lead to external discolorations, internal tooth discolorations have a variety of causes: disturbances in tooth development, medications, accidents, dead or root canal-treated teeth, or even fillings can play a role. These Factors Can Lead to External Tooth Discolorations Excessive Smoking One of the biggest factors for discoloration is cigarettes. Tobacco contains tar. You can regularly see for yourself how dark and sticky it is during road construction – and then imagine that mass diluted on your own teeth. The nicotine it also contains causes a patchy yellow appearance. Red Wine, Coffee, and Tea Coffee for breakfast, red wine with dinner, and tea before bedtime – for many people, these rituals mean sheer quality of life. They earn them a firm place in everyday life. However, these favorite beverages also bring many plant-based tannins, whose color pigments penetrate the enamel and cause dark discolorations. Juices and Fruits It sounds paradoxical at first, but too much fruit can attack the teeth – whether whole or as juice. This is because its acid content weakens the enamel. Generally, the thinner the enamel, the more likely discolorations are. This is because it covers the dentin – which has a yellowish shimmer. Additionally, the acid contributes to the easier deposition of fruit sugar. Spices Some secret spice tips like curry or saffron can quickly stain yellow. The good news: timely brushing usually helps here. These Factors Can Lead to Internal Tooth Discolorations Medications: Drugs, such as antibiotics, can discolor teeth (e.g., during embryonic development in the womb) both from the outside and from the inside. In adults, it leads to an influence on the oral and intestinal flora with various possible effects. Fillings: Sometimes even dental fillings are the reason for discolorations: e.g., amalgam, which is still allowed in Germany today but is rarely used. Ceramic fillings, for example, are considered to be discoloration-proof alternatives. Dead Teeth Caries or severe teeth grinding can lead to the death of teeth. Root canal treatments can preserve such a tooth – but there's a chance that it will darken. Enamel Defects Negative influences before and after birth, such as various medications, but also genetic factors, can impair the development of teeth at an early age: for example, enamel defects are especially common in children as a cause of tooth discoloration. Diseases Finally, diseases such as metabolic disorders or congenital bile duct obstruction can lead to tooth discolorations. The latter results in a greenish tint. Frequently, this affects mainly the canines and incisors. How Can Tooth Discolorations Be Removed? To eliminate tooth discolorations, it's best to consult professionals. Even though the supposed miraculous power of home remedies like baking soda or bicarbonate is widely touted on the internet and in amateur magazines: the mentioned substances can actually attack the enamel – and thereby doom the mission to failure. Professional dental cleanings and bleaching, on the other hand, are sensible measures to make stained teeth shine again. Key Points at a Glance Stained teeth are a complex phenomenon with numerous causes. Cigarettes are the arch-enemy of white teeth. Red wine, coffee, and tea should be enjoyed in moderation. Choose wisely with dental fillings: ceramic over amalgam. Regular professional dental cleanings help prevent discolorations from occurring in the first place. For severely discolored teeth, bleaching can be an option. Time For a Professional Dental Cleaning? You can find Dental21 practices at over 50 locations throughout Germany. Benefit from treatment with state-of-the-art technology with us. Book your appointment now!

Dental Cleaning: Costs, Procedure & Further Information

Whether it's piercing bad breath, chronic gingivitis, or inflamed jaw bones – many serious complaints start with poor oral hygiene. And what most people don't know: Such diseases can even attack and permanently damage other internal organs in the long term. Yet, taking good care of oneself and one's oral health isn't that difficult. Regular professional dental cleanings can be a great support here. What is a Professional Teeth Cleaning? A professional dental cleaning primarily serves to prevent cavities and periodontitis. During this process, a prophylaxis professional cleans the teeth of all hard and soft deposits – both on the surfaces and in the interdental spaces. While it cannot replace daily care routines, the professional can reach areas that patients would find difficult or impossible to access. Regularly performed, this can contribute to a healthy oral flora over time. How Long Does a Professional Teeth Cleaning Take? The duration of a professional dental cleaning depends on the individual situation. As a rule, about 60 minutes are estimated for a thorough cleaning. Factors such as staff, equipment, but also the number of teeth or their current condition play a role here. How Much Time Should Pass Before Eating After a Dental Cleaning? The recommendation is to avoid solid food for about an hour after the cleaning. Also, one should avoid for a few hours indulgences that could stain the teeth: This includes, for example, cigarettes, coffee, or tea. Water is allowed – as much as one desires. How Painful is a Professional Teeth Cleaning? The vast majority of patients do not find a professional dental cleaning painful. Since pain perception varies from person to person, a universally valid statement is not possible. How Often is a Professional Dental Cleaning Advisable? How often a professional dental cleaning is necessary depends entirely on the individual wishing to undergo it: At Dental21, we recommend scheduling a cleaning two to three times a year. However, people with a high risk of periodontitis or an already complicated history of gum disease are recommended to have a professional dental cleaning up to four times a year. How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost? The cost of a professional dental cleaning can vary depending on the location of the practice. The technology used during the treatment can also be reflected in the price. Furthermore, there are pricing models based on the number of teeth to be cleaned. It's best to inquire about the rates at the practice of your choice. You can find the current prices on the respective website of our practices. Is Dental Cleaning Covered By Insurance? Professional dental cleaning is generally considered a private service. However, many health insurance companies provide subsidies for treatment costs. The exact amount and frequency per year depend on both the insurer and the patient's medical history. For example, there are dental supplementary insurances that specifically create packages for this treatment and even offer PZR flat rates. This means: getting your teeth professionally cleaned as often as you want. Just ask your health insurance company directly. Is Dental Cleaning Tax-Deductible The costs for professional dental cleanings can be claimed for a tax deduction if they exceed reasonable burdens and are simultaneously medically advised. However, what is considered reasonable and medically necessary often falls into the discretionary decisions of the tax offices, with factors such as income, marital status, or the number of children influencing the assessment. Key Points at a Glance : Professional dental cleanings can help maintain oral and dental health and thus prevent subsequent diseases. Recommended cleanings range from two to up to four times annually. Many health insurance companies subsidize the treatment – some even offer PZR flat-rate supplementary insurance so that the costs for the dental cleaning are completely covered. Time For a Professional Dental Cleaning Again? At Dental21 practices, you benefit from treatment with state-of-the-art technology. You can find us at over 50 locations across Germany. Book your appointment!

Removing Dental Plaque: Why It’s a Good Idea

The battle between good and evil has been a theme since the dawn of human history – for example, between good and bad bacteria. Those who neglect their oral hygiene are helping the bad bacteria win against the good ones: That's when dental plaque forms. And from there, tartar, caries, and inflammatory diseases have an easy game. This can not only become painful for those affected but can also turn out to be very expensive in the long run. Here you will learn where a happy ending for your teeth should start. What is Dental Plaque? Dental plaque, also called plaque, is a mixture of food residues, bacterial substances, and saliva that forms a biofilm on the teeth. If the plaque is not regularly removed, bacteria can settle in it and multiply quickly. Then, the plaque becomes thicker and turns yellowish after a short time. The calcium salts contained in it eventually lead to the formation of tartar – and this promotes caries, gingivitis, and many subsequent diseases. How Does Plaque Form? Plaque gets a new chance after every meal because it continuously forms – just 4 to 12 hours after brushing your teeth. It prefers to accumulate at the border between teeth and gums. As long as the plaque is still soft, it can be eliminated with good oral care – at least in places that are easily accessible with a toothbrush and dental floss. How Can I Recognize Dental Plaque? Visually, dental plaque can be recognized by its coloration: Initially, it is mostly a white-yellowish color, which then can turn brownish and, in smokers, even black. When you run your tongue over your teeth, affected areas often feel somewhat rough. However, those who want to know for sure can use special chewing tablets or mouthwashes to hunt for plaque: Older plaques are then shown in dark blue, and newer ones in pink. Now, nothing stands in the way of its removal! How Can I Remove Dental Plaque? The most important weapon in the fight against plaque is the toothbrush: For example, sonic toothbrushes clean both gently and thoroughly – brushing twice a day should be the minimum. Those who want to be on the safe side brush even after every meal. Important in the routine is not to forget the interdental spaces: Because they are a particularly popular hiding place for bacteria and plaques. Here, interdental brushes or other tools can be used. To ensure that brushing really cleans, one should regularly renew the utensils: Dentists recommend replacing the brush heads and the interdental brushes every six to eight weeks. Dental floss should fundamentally not be used more than once. Toothpaste with a high fluoride or sodium carbonate content and antibacterial mouthwashes are also a good investment in the fight against plaques. Moreover, our dentists recommend at least three professional teeth cleanings per year: There, professional staff remove both plaques and, if necessary, already-formed tartar. Individual tips for care are also provided free of charge. Key Points at a Glance: Dental plaques are the beginning of many serious problems like tartar, caries, or inflammations. Conscientious oral hygiene is essential in the fight against plaque: Daily brushing multiple times, cleaning the interdental spaces, and regular professional teeth cleanings should be part of the routine. Is It Time for Professional Teeth Cleaning? At Dental21 practices, you benefit from treatment with state-of-the-art technology. You can find us at over 50 locations throughout Germany. Book an appointment now and have dental plaque removed!

Faktencheck von A-Z: Weiße Zähne durch Hausmittel

Ein strahlend weißes Lächeln sieht nicht nur hübsch aus, sondern öffnet häufig auch Türen von Mensch zu Mensch, beruflich wie privat. Kein Wunder werden viele erfinderisch, um ihre Zähne aufzuhellen – von Apfelessig bis Zitrone ist die Hausmittelapotheke zum Bersten voll mit vermeintlich perfekten Bleichmitteln. Was davon wirklich funktioniert und was Ihnen sogar gefährlich werden kann, lesen Sie hier. Apfelessig: A wie ausprobieren Apfelessig gilt als Allrounder: Es soll die Verdauung fördern, beim Abnehmen helfen und für schöne Haut sorgen. Auch als Bleaching-Methode wird es angepriesen: und zwar verdünnt, da die Essigsäure in Reinform die Zähne angreift. Wer aber alle sieben bis vierzehn Tage einen Teelöffel in ein Glas Wasser gibt und damit ein paar Minuten gurgelt, geht kein gesteigertes Risiko ein. Allerdings ist der Effekt auch überschaubar: Teer- oder Nikotinflecken und anderen Härtefällen kann man mit dieser Methode kaum zu Leibe rücken. Auch durch Wurzelbehandlungen oder Medikamente von innen heraus verfärbte Zähnen werden durch ein bisschen Essigwasser nicht heller. Es handelt sich also im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes um eine bestenfalls kosmetische Maßnahme – mit einem professionell durchgeführten Bleaching lässt es sich nicht vergleichen. Backpulver: B wie bloß nicht Das wohl bekannteste Hausmittel zur Zahnaufhellung ist Backpulver. Es ist preiswert, überall erhältlich und ganz leicht anzuwenden: Einfach die Zahnbürste ins Pulver tauchen und los putzen – tatsächlich verschwinden unschöne Flecken nach einigen Durchläufen von der Zahnoberfläche und das Gebiss wird insgesamt heller. Das liegt am Natriumkarbonat, das in Verbindung mit Wasser wie Schleifmittel funktioniert. Doch Vorsicht: Denn nicht nur Verfärbungen werden nachhaltig hinfort geschmirgelt, sondern auch der Zahnschmelz. Und den brauchen Sie: Zum Schutz vor Hitze, Kälte, Säuren, Bakterienbefall – und natürlich Karies. Kokosöl und Kurkuma: K wie kann man machen Aus der ayurvedischen Tradition stammen sowohl Kurkuma als auch das Ölziehen: Die Kurkumawurzel ist ein enger Verwandter von Ingwer und verfügt über entzündungshemmende Eigenschaften. Sie färbt normalerweise sehr stark. Doch ausgerechnet die Zähne soll das Curcumin weißen helfen, wenn man die rohe Wurzel kräftig und ausgiebig kaut. Das ist natürlich auch Geschmacksache. Menschen, die es ausprobieren wollen, empfehlen Zahnärztinnen und Zahnärzte vorab eine professionelle Zahnreinigung. Außerdem weisen sie darauf hin, dass bei Rissen in den Zähnen oder einem angeschlagenen Zahnschmelz unbedingt von solch einem Experiment abgesehen werden sollte. Recht unproblematisch ist dagegen das Ölziehen: Prinzipiell funktioniert es mit jedem hochwertigen Öl: Einfach einen Teelöffel etwa 15 – 20 Minuten im Mund schwenken und dann ausspucken. Es gibt Menschen, die davon berichten, dass eine regelmäßige Anwendung sich positiv auf ihre Zahnfarbe ausgewirkt hat – der endgültige wissenschaftliche Beweis dafür steht allerdings noch aus. Mit Kokosöl funktioniert es nochmal etwas anders: Man putzt sich einfach die Zähne damit. Es bekämpft Keime und Bakterien im Mundraum, und die enthaltene Laurinsäure kann leichte Verfärbungen aufhellen. Bei starken Flecken stößt jedoch auch diese Methode schnell an ihre Grenzen. Natron: N wie nein, njet und no So mancher Hollywood-Star schwört drauf, Zahn-Profis treibt er aber schnurstracks den Gruselschweiß ins Gesicht: Natron als Bleichmittel. Hier ist das Natriumhydrogencarbonat der Übeltäter – mit demselben Ergebnis wie bereits beim Backpulver: Die Zähne werden zwar kurzfristig wirklich weißer, doch der Schmelz wird zerstört. Außerdem raut das Natron-Schmirgeln die Zahnoberflächen auf – alle möglichen Erreger können sich so noch viel leichter ablagern, was in Konsequenz zu neuen Verfärbungen führt. Zitrone: Z wie Zahnschmelzkiller Die Säure der Zitrone soll Farbstoffe von den Zähnen ablösen – allerdings greift sie eben auch den Schmelz an und raut die Zähne auf. Ans Ende von Ihrem Zahn-Latein muss Sie das aber trotzdem nicht bringen: Denn Ihr professionelles Bleaching ist nur einen Mausklick entfernt. Fazit: Zähne wirklich weiß machen funktioniert am besten beim Profi. Am Ende von Ihrem Zahnlatein? In Dental21 Praxen profitieren Sie von einer Behandlung mit Technologie auf der Höhe der Zeit. Sie finden uns an über 50 Standorten in ganz Deutschland. Jetzt Termin buchen!

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