May 12, 2025, 9:01 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Thorough dental care is essential to prevent dental, oral, and jaw diseases. FITBOOK explains what exactly it should include.
Even with generally healthy teeth, issues in the mouth and jaw area can increase from the age of 40. Certain diseases tend to appear more frequently from this age–they not only affect appearance but can also become uncomfortable or painful. To prevent this development, it’s important to follow some rules when brushing your teeth.
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Overview
How often should you brush your teeth?
Many people still brush their teeth only once a day–and this doesn’t necessarily go without consequences for adults. While cavities may not be the main issue at this age, poor dental care can significantly increase the risk of periodontitis over time. This chronic inflammation of the gums is caused by bacterial plaque, which forms a yellowish film on the teeth. If left unchecked, the bacteria can travel deep along the tooth root. Possible consequences: exposed tooth necks, inflamed, reddish to bluish gums–and over time, noticeable pain.
So, how often should you brush your teeth? Twice a day thoroughly–in the morning and especially at night before bed. At night, saliva flow and corresponding protective functions in the mouth are reduced. This makes the oral cavity more susceptible to bacteria.
The spaces between the teeth are also important. Ideally, use dental floss or an interdental brush daily, depending on the size of the gaps. Oral irrigators and antibacterial rinses can be supportive but do not replace mechanical cleaning.
Also interesting: Brushing your teeth twice a day can protect against Alzheimer’s, according to a study
The right brushing technique
Most people were taught the so-called rotation technique during childhood. However, in adulthood, it can promote periodontal inflammation. The reason: Over the years, the soft tissue in the mouth recedes, gradually exposing the sensitive tooth necks. The once-reliable circular brushing movements would push bacteria and plaque toward the gum line instead of removing them.
It’s best to use the sweeping technique instead. Hold the toothbrush at a slight angle at the transition from gum to tooth and essentially wipe away the plaque.
What can you do about dry mouth?
Dry mouth is a problem mostly known from hearsay in younger years. However, as you age and often in stressful situations, less saliva is produced. This can lead to speech difficulties and, in the long term, disrupt the entire oral flora. Pathogens then have an easy time attacking the gums and tooth enamel.
Care tip: Drink plenty to keep the mouth moist and chew gum frequently. This stimulates saliva flow, which washes away bacteria and acid from the mouth, preserving the health and appearance of the teeth.
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What influence does diet have on dental health?
A conscious diet is important to supply the body with minerals so that teeth do not become brittle and fragile over time. Sweets are notoriously unhealthy. Additionally, they are converted into acid in the mouth after consumption, which can attack and permanently damage the minerals in the tooth enamel. The same applies to fruit juices, coffee, and wine, as well as some fruits.
Therefore, be sure to maintain a calcium-rich diet to strengthen your teeth. Calcium is found mainly in cheese, but also in sesame, nuts, and yeast. Opt for as natural foods as possible, such as raw vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain bread. A positive side effect: They require thorough chewing, which exercises the teeth, stimulates saliva flow, and thus neutralizes acids and bacteria in the mouth.
In terms of dental health, it is also advisable to use sweets and acidic foods sparingly. So-called “tooth conditioners” from the pharmacy contain enamel-like remineralizing substances. They are applied to the tooth surface with a cotton swab and allow the acid to simply glide off.
How important is fluoride for teeth?
Without an intact protective layer, tooth enamel would discolor and, worse, degrade over time. Once it’s gone, the sensitive dentin–the core substance of the tooth beneath the enamel–is left unprotected and shows through as a grayish tint. To be resistant to acids, tooth enamel needs fluoride.
Many doctors recommend using fluoride toothpaste and spitting out the toothpaste residue after brushing without rinsing. This allows the active ingredients to adhere better to the tooth and exert their protective effect. Additionally, you should apply a fluoride gel to the teeth once a week and let it work without rinsing. This supports the substance of the tooth enamel sustainably.
FITBOOK was professionally advised by a dentist.