Aesthetic dentistry is a special field of dentistry. In contrast to general dentistry, dental aesthetics deals with the appearance of teeth. According to opinion polls, many Germans consider the appearance of their teeth to be just as important as the general condition of their masticatory system. According to this, dental treatments do not always serve to keep teeth healthy. Patients often visit a dental practice in order to improve their tooth design using modern methods.
The wish of many people: optically appealing teeth However, tooth aesthetics do not only include optically appealing white teeth. The tasks in this area of dentistry also include restoring the functionality of the rows of teeth in the upper and lower jaw. There are new methods available for caries therapy, which should enable tooth preservation without drilling. The removal of caries is usually covered by the health insurance, while treatments with new concepts for caries prophylaxis are not covered by the health insurance. Caries is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and other pathogens in the mouth, which then attach themselves to teeth and gums. Most adults in Germany are affected by caries. Children often suffer from caries damage as a result of poor oral hygiene and poor nutrition. Not all necessary dental treatments are covered by statutory health insurance. A dental supplementary insurance is sensible and should correspond to the personal need. The added value of a dental supplementary insurance does not only lie in the protection against high costs. Numerous dental supplementary insurances also cover the costs of high-quality solutions for dental prostheses. By a comparison of dentist addition insurances, as with this Dienstleister, the suitable tooth addition insurance, which corresponds to the own need best, can be found fast. Experts warn against an increase in dental caries as a result of unhealthy nutrition. The harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity feed on metabolic products. These mainly occur during the metabolism of food containing sugar and acid. A wrong tooth brushing technique favours the proliferation of bacteria and leads to permanent tooth damage. Pathogens that penetrate the protective biofilm of the teeth can attack tooth enamel and tooth substance.
Checking dental care and eating habitsThe resistance of the biofilm depends not only on a genetic predisposition but also on age, dental care and eating habits as well as the composition of saliva and salivary flow. According to dentists, people who suffer from reduced salivation and associated dry mouth are particularly susceptible to tooth decay and oral inflammation. The problem areas in the mouth include hard-to-reach areas such as interdental spaces, transition areas from the gumline to the tooth or tooth surfaces adjacent to braces, dental prostheses or orthodontic ligaments. In addition, the caries risk is additionally increased with exposed tooth necks and root surfaces. However, not everyone can cope with a manual toothbrush. Experts in dental health therefore recommend the use of electric toothbrushes that are gentle on the teeth and reliable. Modern high-tech toothbrushes support the correct brushing technique and are therefore also suitable for people with limited mobility. According to dental recommendations, the mouth should be rinsed with clear water after each meal. Mechanical tooth brushing should be done at the earliest half an hour after eating. So-called biofilm-modifying products are a suitable supplement to oral hygiene. The active agents xylitol or arginine contained in the products as well as the different tin compounds promote the ecological balance in the oral cavity. There is a close connection between dental health and nutrition.
Although the importance of nutrition for oral and dental health has long been known, there is still a lack of the necessary information and personal responsibility. Without a certain basic knowledge however nobody can eat consistently tooth-friendly. Many modern foods contain ingredients that tend to harm dental health. Most people, however, are unwilling to read through lists of ingredients and information on ingredients on the packaging. Children should already know which foods are beneficial for dental health and which are not. In this context, numerous experts have called for an improvement in prophylaxis in schools and day-care centres. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy diet should not contain more than 10 percent of the so-called free sugar. However, sugar is processed in different forms and under different names, so that it is often difficult for consumers to recognize the actual sugar content in food. Acidic drinks such as sweet lemonades, cola drinks and wine attack tooth enamel just as much as fruit varieties with a high fruit sugar content. If the acids in the mouth are metabolized, sugar is also produced, which promotes the growth of caries bacteria. Artificial acids such as ascorbic acid or citric acid are added to numerous processed foods to preserve and improve taste. With so-called biomimetic toothpastes and care products, which are relatively new on the market, caries damage can be repaired. The products contain substances similar to natural tooth enamel. After this “artificial tooth enamel” is deposited on the tooth surface, enamel-like structures are formed. Another efficient method is the use of fluoride varnish, which is used by dentists to seal teeth. In some cases, however, a dental prosthesis is unavoidable. The different methods and solutions should always be adapted to the individual situation of the patient.