Everybody wants to have a gleaming smile. However, teeth need to be looked after properly if they are to stay healthy and beautiful. The only way to ensure good dental health is to take good care of your teeth.
If you want beautiful and healthy teeth for life, you need to be conscientious about oral hygiene. This includes not only regular visits to the dentist, but also simple, effective measures in your everyday life. On this page, we talk about what steps are particularly important – at home, for children, and at different stages of life.
Taking care of your teeth: what to do at home
Since bacterial plaque is the most common cause of dental diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis (bacterial inflammation of the gums and tissues around your teeth) and cavities, it is vital to keep your teeth free of plaque.
Everyone can do something for their oral hygiene at home and as part of their daily routine. First and foremost, you should brush your teeth every day – at least in the morning and evening. If you are unable to brush your teeth at lunchtime, you can still use products like a fluoride mouthwash or tooth-friendly chewing gum to help keep them clean.
Daily oral and dental care also includes:
Using a fluoride toothpaste every day
Cleaning the gaps between your teeth using dental floss, toothpicks or interdental brushes (whichever you prefer) A dental hygienist can help you if you have any questions about how to use them properly.
Cleaning your tongue
Using a fluoride gel every week to protect against cavities – if you use a mouthwash every day then there is no need to use a fluoride gel
Cleaning your teeth effectively: tips for children
- Prevent the build-up of plaque: If a child's milk teeth have not yet emerged, it is a good idea to gently clean the gums after breastfeeding or the bottle using a damp, naturally germ-free cloth.
- Care for a child’s first teeth: As soon as the first teeth appear, they should be cleaned once per day using a toothbrush that is suitable for children. Teeth must be brushed twice a day once the molars appear.
- Use age-appropriate toothpaste: There are special toothpastes available that have been formulated especially for children of different ages. Toothpastes containing fluoride should be used as follows: Use special children’s toothpaste containing 500 ppm of fluoride from when the first milk tooth appears. Switch to using a toothpaste with up to 1500 ppm of fluoride from around the age of six, when the first adult teeth begin to emerge. Parents can discuss any questions they may have with their dentist or paediatrician.
- Replace toothbrushes regularly: Children’s toothbrushes also need to be switched out regularly. Parents should always check to see whether new toothbrushes are age-appropriate. It is best to let your child help choose the colour and appearance of their toothbrush.
- Make sure they are brushing their teeth properly: Parents should teach their children how to clean their teeth properly, perhaps with a fun song or story. Children tend to neglect their molars in particular when brushing, and that is where cavities easily form.
- Avoid certain foods and drinks: Sticky foods and acidic drinks should be avoided as much as possible. These mainly contain sugar, and attack the surface of the teeth and the enamel.
Dental care for children: regular visits to the dentist
Children should generally visit the dentist for the first time at the age of two. You can determine the exact timing by consulting with your paediatrician.
Adolescents and adults should go for check-ups every six to twelve months. In addition to caring for your teeth at home, it's recommended that you get a professional cleaning and check-up with your dentist once or twice a year. You should generally schedule these appointments every six to twelve months to ensure that your mouth and teeth stay healthy.
