{"id":21894,"date":"2025-12-23T20:12:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T20:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.praxisdentanova.ch\/?p=21894"},"modified":"2025-12-23T20:59:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T20:59:14","slug":"zahnpflege-routine-so-bleibt-ihr-laecheln-stark-gesund-und-strahlend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.praxisdentanova.ch\/en\/zahnpflege-routine-so-bleibt-ihr-laecheln-stark-gesund-und-strahlend\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental care routine \u2013 how to keep your smile strong, healthy and radiant"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you're honest \u2013 how often do you really take the time for your teeth?
I sometimes ask this jokingly in my practice, and the most frequent answer is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201e"I clean every day, that's enough, isn't it?"\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, daily brushing of teeth is important \u2013 but a good one Dental care routine<\/strong> means much more.
It includes the When, how, with what and why<\/strong> dental care \u2013 and can determine over decades whether your teeth remain healthy or problems arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I remember Mr. K.<\/em>, a 35-year-old patient with perfect brushing discipline \u2013 twice daily, always with an electric brush.
Nevertheless, he had bleeding gums and the beginnings of periodontitis.
Why? His routine was thorough, but not quite right<\/strong>. A few minor adjustments \u2013 and after a few months, the gums were healthy again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shows: It's not the frequency, but the right technique.<\/strong> and a conscious ritual makes all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What does "dental care routine" actually mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One Dental care routine<\/strong> is your personal system to keep teeth, gums and oral cavity healthy in the long term.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Daily tooth brushing (done correctly!)
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Cleaning between teeth (e.g. with dental floss or interdental brushes)
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Rinsing and tongue cleaning
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Nutrition and lifestyle
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Regular check-ups and preventative care appointments at the dentist
    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    That sounds like a lot, but it can be wonderfully integrated into everyday life \u2013 like a wellness ritual for the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Morning dental care routine: The perfect start to the day<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Drink water first \u2013 not coffee.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    After waking up, your mouth is dry, the pH level is low, and bacteria are active.
    A glass of water helps to stimulate saliva production and balance the oral flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, coffee or orange juice immediately after waking up can attack tooth enamel, especially if you brush your teeth right afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    2. The right time to brush your teeth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Many people believe that you have to clean right after breakfast.
    It is better to, before breakfast<\/strong> or at least 30 minutes afterwards<\/strong>.
    Acidic foods (fruit juices, yogurt, bread) temporarily soften tooth enamel \u2013 and if you brush immediately afterwards, you rub it away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    3. The correct cleaning technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Recommended: The \u201eModified Bass Method\u201c<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Position the brush at a 45\u00b0 angle to the gums.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • small, circular movements
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Gentle pressure \u2013 do not scrub!
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Two to three teeth at a time
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • from red to white (i.e., from gum to tooth)
      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      A little tip from practical experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Imagine you massage<\/strong> Your teeth \u2013 don't scrub them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Many patients with gum problems press too hard when brushing. This can do more harm than good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      4. Toothpaste with fluoride \u2013 yes or no?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The short answer: Yes.<\/strong>
      <\/strong> Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, protects against cavities and is completely safe in the correct dosage.
      Pay attention to approximately 1,450 ppm fluoride<\/strong> with adult toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Those with sensitive teeth can also use Toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or hydroxyapatite<\/strong> They soothe exposed tooth necks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      5. Don't forget the tongue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Bacteria that can cause bad breath accumulate on the tongue.
      An tongue scraper<\/strong> or the back of the toothbrush helps to gently remove plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Evening dental care routine: Your daily mini-detox ritual<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Nighttime is the most dangerous time for your teeth.
      Saliva flow is reduced, making it easy for bacteria to thrive.
      That is why the Evening routine<\/strong> the most important part of the dental care routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/div>\n\n\n\n

      1. Clean the spaces between your teeth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Whether you use dental floss or an interdental brush \u2013 this step is crucial.
      Approximately 40 % of the tooth surfaces<\/strong> are not reached with a toothbrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When to use dental floss, when to use a dental brush?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Closely spaced teeth:<\/strong> dental floss
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Slightly larger gaps:<\/strong> Interdental brushes (try different sizes)
        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        Tip: Use a little fluoride toothpaste on the brushes \u2013 this increases the protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I once had a patient who said, laughing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201e"Flossing is my sport \u2013 I forget it as often as my gym membership!"\u201c
        We turned it into a game: every evening before going to sleep, a reminder on our phones. After a month, it was routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        2. Second brushing of teeth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Here too, the rule is: gentle, thorough, approximately two minutes<\/strong>.
        In the evenings, you should use a soft or medium toothbrush<\/strong>.
        In cases of sensitive gums or inflammation, electric sonic toothbrushes<\/strong> especially effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/div>\n\n\n\n

        3. Mouthwash \u2013 yes, but targeted<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Many people use mouthwash without knowing what it's for.
        In fact, one should Mouthwash<\/strong> to be specifically chosen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • with fluoride:<\/strong> for caries prophylaxis
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • with chlorhexidine:<\/strong> in case of inflammation (but only temporarily, as it can discolor teeth)
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • with herbal extracts:<\/strong> in case of sensitive gums or bad breath
          <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          Use them after cleaning<\/strong>, not before \u2013 otherwise you'll wash away the fluoride protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          Weekly extras for your dental care routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          1. Professional teeth cleaning (at least 2 times a year)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Even with perfect routine, deposits remain in hard-to-reach places.
          One Prophylaxis session<\/strong> The dentist gently removes it and helps to prevent gum inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Many patients say after cleaning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201e"My teeth haven't felt this smooth in years!"\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This is a sign that your routine is working \u2013 and that you're doing everything right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          2. Remove tartar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Tartar forms from plaque that calcifies.
          Regular professional removal prevents inflammation and ensures fresh breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/div>\n\n\n\n

          3. Change toothpaste and brushes regularly.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Toothbrush: every 2-3 months<\/strong> or after a cold
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Attachments for electric brushes: every 3-4 months<\/strong>
            <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Toothpaste: alternate (e.g., fluoride + sensitive variant)
            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            This keeps your routine varied and effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            The psychology behind a good dental care routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Humans are creatures of habit.
            If dental care remains a bothersome chore, it quickly falls by the wayside.
            That's why it's so important that your routine a good feeling<\/strong> triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Here are some tips on how to achieve this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            1. Ritual instead of duty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Create a fixed time, music, or scent that you associate with your routine.
            This turns a "must" into a "I'm doing something good for myself" moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            2. Reward yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Good oral hygiene is a success \u2013 and should be celebrated.
            How about a new smile in the mirror or a little moment of well-being afterwards?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            3. Think long-term<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Good teeth are not a given \u2013 but the result of daily care.
            Every minute of dental care saves on expensive and unpleasant treatments later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            I often say to my patients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \u201e"Teeth are like a garden: those who take care of them daily will enjoy them for a long time."\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Nutrition as part of your dental care routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Many people underestimate how much diet affects teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            1. Low-sugar diet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Sugar is the favorite fuel of caries bacteria.
            Avoid frequent snacking or sugary drinks between meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            2. Cavity killers: cheese, nuts, vegetables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            These foods neutralize acids, stimulate saliva production, and provide important minerals such as calcium and phosphate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            3. Low-acid drinks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Water is your best friend.
            Avoid constantly sipping on soft drinks or fruit juices \u2013 this attacks the tooth enamel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            4. Vitamin D and Calcium<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            These nutrients are essential for strong teeth and healthy gums.
            A walk in the fresh air and a balanced diet are the best complement to your dental care routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Technical aids: Dental care routine 2.0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Modern dental care is digital, efficient, and smart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Electric toothbrush or sonic toothbrush?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Sonic toothbrushes clean particularly gently and thoroughly \u2013 ideal for sensitive gums.
            Pay attention to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n