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ZurichDental Podcast

Podcast with Dr Jakob Müller and dental hygienist Xhansu Zeka

Healthy teeth for life

Oral hygiene, periodontitis and teeth whitening:
Why healthy spaces between the teeth are the key to beautiful teeth

Good oral hygiene is easily achievable for most people these days, provided they have the right habits in place. In the ZurichDental podcast, they discuss Dr Jakob Müller and dental hygienist Xhansu Zeka discuss why the spaces between teeth, professional teeth cleaning, periodontitis prevention and teeth whitening are more closely linked than many people realise.

„Oral health refers to the health of the mouth. Whatever your age, oral health is vital to your general health and well-being.“

Michael Glick, David M. Williams, D. V. Kleinman, M. Vujicic, R. G. Watt & R. J. Weyant (2016)

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The most common mistake in oral hygiene is between the teeth

Brushing your teeth alone is not enough, as a large proportion of inflammation originates in the spaces between the teeth. Xhansu Zeka sums it up in the podcast: around 80 per cent of people overlook precisely these areas. Bacterial plaque accumulates there, and it is almost impossible to reach it with a standard toothbrush. That is why dental floss or interdental brushes are an essential part of daily oral hygiene, ideally used once a day in the evening. It is not the most expensive product that matters, but regular mechanical cleaning using the correct technique.

Bleeding gums are not normal

Many people stop using dental floss or interdental brushes as soon as their gums bleed. Yet this is usually the wrong approach. In many cases, bleeding gums do not indicate an injury, but rather gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria. Those who clean between their teeth consistently often notice a significant improvement after 7 to 14 days. If the bleeding persists, it may be caused by tartar or deeper inflammation. In that case, it is advisable to have it checked by a dentist.

A professional dental clean removes what you can’t get rid of at home

Tartar cannot be reliably removed at home. The best approach is to prevent it from forming in the first place. Once it has formed, a professional dental clean-up will restore your teeth to their former condition. During a prophylaxis appointment, findings are recorded, the gums and plaque are assessed, risk factors such as smoking, diabetes or medication are taken into account, and the teeth are cleaned using hand instruments, ultrasound and Airflow. The big advantage is that after the dental hygiene treatment, you start afresh. Anyone who then continues with good interdental care that very same evening will be able to enjoy the results for much longer.

Dental floss or interdental brushes: the main thing is to use them every day and do it properly

Whether dental floss should be waxed, unwaxed or fluoridated depends on your mouth and your personal preferences. The best dental floss is the one you actually use. For patients at risk of tooth decay, fluoridated dental floss can be beneficial because the fluoride reaches the spaces between the teeth directly. It is important to clean both surfaces of the teeth in the gap, rather than just running the floss through once briefly. A toothbrush cleans the visible surfaces, but the real problem area is often the space between the teeth.

Periodontitis doesn’t just put your teeth at risk

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium. It develops when bacteria penetrate beneath the gums, forming gum pockets and attacking the bone and supporting fibres. This can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. This statement from the podcast is particularly striking: Anyone with periodontitis has an approximately seven times higher risk of stroke and heart attack. This is because bacteria and inflammatory substances can enter the body via inflamed gum pockets. That is why treating periodontitis always contributes to general health as well.

When it comes to periodontitis, cooperation between the dental practice and the patient is key

Systematic periodontal treatment begins with a thorough assessment: gum pockets are measured, X-rays are evaluated, bone loss is documented and oral hygiene is analysed. This is followed by professional cleaning, oral hygiene instruction and, if necessary, a procedure known as deep scaling, carried out under anaesthesia. This involves removing hard and soft plaque from beneath the gums. The part you do at home is just as important: daily interdental care, giving up smoking or at least cutting down, good diabetes management and regular check-ups. Without your cooperation in your day-to-day life, success often falls by the wayside.

Teeth whitening works best on healthy teeth and clean gums

Teeth whitening – whether at-home whitening using custom-made trays or in-clinic power whitening – is based on hydrogen peroxide. It breaks down colour molecules in the enamel without damaging the tooth structure. However, before undergoing whitening, your teeth and gums should be healthy. Cavities, gum inflammation, old front tooth fillings or crowns must be assessed beforehand, as fillings and ceramic restorations do not lighten. For one to two days after the treatment, you should stick to light-coloured foods and avoid strongly colouring drinks such as red wine, coffee or tea. Those with sensitive teeth are often better off opting for at-home whitening, as it is gentler and offers greater flexibility in terms of timing.

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