Forms of prophylaxis

Healthy parodontium

Caries and parodontosis are infectious diseases. The objective of modern treatment concepts is not primarily the actual therapy but rather the prevention of these diseases through prophylactic measures. Prevention in dental medicine entails all preventive measures against caries and oral diseases.

Preventive measures to keep teeth and the periodontium healthy include:

  • Assessment
  • X-ray diagnostics
  • Tartar removal
  • Professional dental cleansing
  • Instruction in oral hygiene
  • Nutritional consultation
  • Fluoridation
  • Fissure sealing
  • Consultation regarding
    - general illnesses
    - damaging habits (e.g., smoking)
    - existing habits (damaging habits such as thumb sucking)

Prophylaxis can be performed on three levels:

1. Collective prophylaxis: It reaches the entire population, e. g., through fluoridation of drinking water, fluoridation through table salt or fluoride containing toothpastes.

2. Group prophylaxis: It reaches certain parts of the population but mainly children and adolescents in nursery schools and schools. Group prophylactic measures are motivation and instructions regarding daily oral hygiene, nutrition, fluoridation and monitored brushing.

3. Individual prophylaxis: This refers to the individual and is offered in dental practices.