Advices

Bad breath or halitosis is a very common problem and 96% of the adult population suffers from it at some point in their lives. A person with bad breath is rarely aware of this. The method of detecting bad breath by exhalation into the palm is unreliable. Most often, a person only knows he or she has a problem when another person begins to avoid them or someone tells them about it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

For most people, millions of bacteria living in the oral cavity (especially on the tongue) are the main cause of bad breath. Warm and humid conditions in the oral cavity are the ideal environment for the growth of these bacteria. They are mostly the cause of bad breath in the oral cavity. Some types of bad breath, such as morning breath, are ordinary and not a sign of health issues. Morning breath occurs because the saliva discharge is reduced at night when sleeping. For this reason, the flushing of residual food and dead cells that remain in the oral cavity, which represent a source of food for bacteria, is not as effective. Bacteria discharge products during the decomposition of the cells that create an unpleasant smell.

Other causes of bad breath are: breath due to various foods, caused by the food we ate. We can avoid this by not consuming certain foods and beverages (garlic, onions, coffee, fatty foods, cigarettes and alcohol). Bad breath due to hunger is caused by a lack of food and fluid when we skip meals. We can avoid bad breath by eating regularly. Lack of fluid also causes bad breath and can be eliminated by regular water intake. Poor oral hygiene due to the inadequate and irregular brushing and flossing of teeth causes bad breath because food residues accumulate in the oral cavity and are then decomposed by the bacteria. This can be avoided by regular and precise oral hygiene.

Bad breath is also caused by the diseases of the oral cavity and periodontal disease, respiratory tract infections, e.g. inflammation of the throat, sinuses or lungs ... Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be caused by diseases of the salivary gland, after irradiation of the head, various medications or breathing through the mouth. You can solve the problem by frequently drinking water.

There are also special saliva substitutes on the market, which will further improve the situation. If you breathe through your mouth, it is necessary to find the cause of this (it is best to visit the ENT specialist) and eliminate it. Bad breath can also be caused by systemic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, reflux disease of the esophagus, etc. Hormonal changes also cause bad breath. Some women have severe bad breath when they menstruate, which is associated with an increase in estrogen levels. Women with painful menstruations (Dysmenorrhea) are subject to this. Due to an elevated estrogen level, increased peeling of epithelial cells occurs (including the mucous membrane of the oral cavity), which also means more food for the bacteria. Stress also affects bad breath.

Tips for maintaining fresh breath: 

1. Avoid foods with strong smells, such as garlic, onion and spices.
2. Avoid bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
3. Consume regular meals.
4. Treat yourself to a rich breakfast and plenty of fruit.
5. Brush your teeth twice a day.
6. Use antibacterial toothpaste, such as Curasept ADS.
7. Clean the interdental spaces according to the instructions of the oral hygienist. 
8. Use a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the tongue.
9. Use a mouthwash with antibacterial effect (Curasept).
10. Keep your mouth as moist as possible with sugarless chewing gum.
11. Drink enough water daily.
12. If you have a prosthesis, keep it out of your mouth at night and in a cleaning solution.
13. Regularly visit the dentist and hygienist.

During the period when you have temporary crowns, inlays or veneers, it is advisable to continue with precise oral hygiene. Do not use electric toothbrushes during this time. In case of sensitivity, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to this spot and brush your teeth gently.

1. Two weeks after cementing prosthetic products, you will have gone through the adjustment period with regards to the shape and size of the new teeth. It will take some time for your brain to get used to the new position and thickness of these teeth. If you notice any disturbing contact or other issues between your teeth, please contact us.
2. Ceramic scales have high compressive strength, but they are not flexible. Therefore, avoid anything that could cause bending of the veneers, such as biting on nuts, hard sweets, nails, pencils, bone picking or opening various things with your teeth.
3. Prosthetic products, like your natural teeth, need good oral hygiene. So use a hand-held or electric toothbrush with soft bristles.
4. Use non-abrasive toothpastes (I recommend gel) and avoid whitening creams, as they contain a lot of abrasive particles that scratch both the porcelain surface and the enamel of your teeth.
5. Floss your interdental spaces daily. It is advisable to do this before bedtime.
6. It is normal for the teeth to be sensitive for some time after cementing. This depends on the amount of enamel that has remained on the tooth, the proximity of the tooth nerve and certain other factors. It disappears after four to six weeks.
7. Due to the removal of excess cement, the gum may be slightly inflamed and sensitive. After a few days, the situation will improve.
8. After the insertion of ceramic veneers, changes in speech can occur, which you will quickly get used to and will soon speak normally again.
9. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol weaken the bond between the teeth and the ceramics, so it is advisable to use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
10. Also, be careful with the use of mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine, since some cause colouration of the teeth and cement, with which the veneers or inlays are attached, as well as products that contain tin fluoride (stannous fluoride) or acidified phosphate fluoride, because they dissolve ceramics, which makes its surface rough.
11. Even if you don’t have any issues, regular check-ups at the dentist are required every six months.

Unfortunately, accidents happen and teeth or areas of the face and head are often damaged.
When this happens, see a dentist as soon as possible. Deciduous (milk) teeth are usually not inserted back into the mouth, but it is nevertheless good for the child to see the dentist so that he/she can find any residuals of the roots or damage to other teeth.

If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, find it as soon as possible and gently rinse it under cold water. Do not rub it or rinse with soap, only with water. If possible, insert it back into the alveolus (bone socket) and hold it in place with a clean gauze or tissue. If this is not possible, it is best if the child keeps it under his tongue or in a container with milk, saliva or water. Find a dentist or on-call dental care as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the greater your chance of keeping the tooth.

See a dentist if your tooth is chipped or broken as well. Rapid action will prevent infection and the need for additional and extensive treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and cool with cold compresses to reduce inflammation. If you find a broken part of the tooth, bring it with you to the dentist.

The floss is intended for removing the dental plaques between the teeth. These are the areas where it is most common for caries and periodontal disease to start. The teeth should be flossed at least once a day. The type of floss is not important. Choose the one that suits you best.

Wrap about fifty centimetres of floss around your middle finger leaving fifteen centimetres free. Using the thumb and forefinger of both hands, hold the floss so that you leave some space between the fingers. Gently push the floss between adjacent teeth to the gums with a saw-like movement At the gum, bend the floss around the tooth and gently move it under the gum edge. Now start to firmly move the floss up to the interdental contact and down again to remove all dental plaques. Be careful not to harm your gums.

When all dental plaques have been removed, the floss will start to make creaking sounds. Pull out the floss from the interdental space, prepare a new or a clean part of the floss and repeat the procedure with the adjacent tooth. Move through the mouth and clean both surfaces of all teeth. If the spots are too narrow for the floss or if it’s torn apart or crunched, warn your dentist.

1. Two weeks before tooth whitening, start using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth containing fluoride and 5% potassium nitrate (Colgate sensitive, Sensodyne).
2. After several days of brushing your teeth, insert the tray, provided by your dentist, for several hours throughout the day or overnight. 
3. Repeat the process the next day, but this time add a toothpaste that does not contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), for example Sensodyne, to the tray and wear it for several hours during the day or overnight.
4. When you feel comfortable with the tray, apply the bleaching gel provided by the dentist and follow his/her instructions.
5. During the whitening (when you are not wearing the tray), brush your teeth several times a day with toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate and fluoride.
6. However, if sensitivity occurs, do the following: stop the whitening for a day or two and then proceed. Switch from night-time whitening to daily or reduce tooth whitening. When you are not whitening your teeth, apply a desensitizing gel or toothpaste for sensitive teeth to the tray and keep it in your mouth for 10-30 minutes. Alternately apply toothpaste for sensitive teeth and the bleaching gel to the tray.

Three requirements for the proper brushing of teeth are: a soft brush, a fluoride toothpaste and a suitable angle and cleaning pattern.

1. The brush should be soft, with rounded tips and a head that is small enough to make it possible to reach all areas of the teeth and the oral cavity. Soft bristles make it easier to remove the dental plaques below the gum edge, where the periodontal disease begins. The toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Research has shown that electric toothbrushes with rotational oscillation technology are more effective at removing dental plaques than other electric or mechanical brushes.
2. Fluoride in the toothpaste strengthens the outer layer of the enamel and thus reduces the possibility of tooth decay.
3. Place the brush at an angle of 45˚ with respect to the gum edge in the place where the teeth contact the gums and start performing circular movements. These circular movements should cover the area of the tooth that borders the gum, the gum edge, and the gum area along the tooth. Dental plaques develop on the lower third of the tooth (on the gum). By doing this we also massage the gum. When you have made 10-15 circular movements, move the toothbrush the length of its head and repeat the procedure. Clean all surfaces of the teeth on both the cheek and the tongue side. Clean the bite surfaces with short back and forth movements. Finally, clean the tongue with movements from the root to the tip of the tongue. You can also put some mouthwash on your tongue. Cleansing the tongue makes it possible to remove the dental plaques that cause bad breath and allow bacteria to grow. Clean your teeth at least twice a day. Stronger pressure of the toothbrush on the teeth will not increase the effectiveness of the brushing, but it may result in the withdrawal of the gum from the tooth and damage to the tooth enamel.

It is important that you read the following guidelines before you start tooth whitening.

Dental products: Tooth whitening only brightens the teeth and not dental products such as fillings, crowns, bridges etc. Therefore, there is a high probability that after the whitening, all dental products will need to be replaced with the intention of matching their colour with the new colour of the teeth.

Results: Tetracycline coloured teeth or teeth with grey stains are more difficult to whiten and therefore the end result is very different. The exposed tooth root caused by a gum recession will not bleach.

Prolonged tooth whitening can cause green colouration on teeth with amalgam fillings. Whitening teeth with high transparency can cause even greater transparency in the teeth and, consequently, they become even darker. If you have any questions or concerns about whitening, talk to a dentist.

Sensitivity: Your gums and teeth will most likely become sensitive. This is normal and not dangerous with products containing a peroxide-based gel. The sensitivity will disappear a few days after the end of tooth whitening. If the teeth are hypersensitive during the procedure, read the instructions for reducing the sensitization of the teeth. Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children, do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not eat or drink with the tray inserted. Also avoid smoking and drinking coffee, tea or wine during the whitening process.

A clean and healthy oral cavity accelerates the healing of the wound; on the contrary, smoking stops the healing and various complications may also occur.

Rest: Rest for a few hours after the procedure. Avoid significant strains for the first day.
Swelling: Swelling is normal and will disappear within 2-3 days. You can reduce it with cold compresses or ice that you hold on your face at the extraction spot.

Rinsing: Do not rinse your mouth for at least a day. Gently rinse your mouth with chamomile or sage tea for the next two days after meals and before bedtime. The tea must be cold enough to prevent burning your mouth. Spit it out after one minute and repeat the procedure.

Food: Do not consume hot/hard food or alcohol on the first day. Choose cold drinks, consume soft or chopped food. Also avoid sucking and touching the area of the wound.

Bleeding: Slight bleeding may occur on the first day. If this occurs, put yourself in a sitting position or, if you are lying down, place your head in a higher position. Apply pressure with a gauze for 15 minutes at the place of extraction and repeat the procedure if necessary.

Pain: You can take a pain killer if necessary, but taking Aspirin is strictly forbidden. In case of severe bleeding, severe pain or other changes, contact your dentist immediately.

Please note:

1. Wait a few hours after the procedure before eating or drinking.
2. After the procedure, a hygienist will suggest that you replace your mouthwash with Curasept mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine. In addition to normal tooth brushing, use a mouthwash for two weeks. We recommend that you also use the Curasept ADS toothpaste during this time, as it does not impair the effect of the mouthwash. If you use a toothpaste containing SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), wait at least one hour after brushing before using the mouthwash.
3. Before you go to sleep, brush your tongue for a minute with the toothbrush and Curasept toothpaste after brushing and flossing the teeth.
4. If your teeth are sensitive, use Sensodyne toothpaste according to the hygienists’ instructions.
5. If your dentist has prescribed additional medicine, take it according to his/her instructions.

IMPORTANT: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for the development of periodontal disease. Smoking also reduces the possibility of the successful treatment of inflammation of the periodontal tissues. Smoking reduces both the blood circulation of the gums and the defence ability of the protective cells.

REMEMBER: An increased amount of dental plaques in your mouth means a greater likelihood of the progression of periodontal disease. If you follow the above tips, you will reduce the risk and contribute to the success of the procedure. In case of any issues, contact your dentist immediately.

Always remember that a clean and healthy oral cavity heals faster than a neglected one.

1. For the first week after surgery, wash your mouth four times a day with Curasept mouthwash, containing 0.2% chlorhexidine.
2. Expect that there will be some swelling around the operating site, and if the operation was on the upper jaw, you will probably see some swelling under the eyes. In order to avoid this, cool the area of the operation with cold compresses or ice held on your face for the first two days, and rest lying with a raised pillow.
3. If your surgeon has prescribed antibiotics, use them entirely.
4. Take your pain tablets before the local anaesthesia eases off and take them for a few more days. Be careful not to exceed the permitted daily dose of the medicine.
5. Slight bleeding from the wound is normal. If the bleeding persists, apply pressure for twenty to thirty minutes with a sterile gauze and repeat the procedure if necessary.
6. If you have any concerns or questions about the post-operative condition, call your dentist without hesitation.

To maximize the efficiency of the whitening and minimize the sensitivity of the teeth it is important to apply the bleaching gel correctly.

Before Whitening:

Before whitening your teeth, carefully brush them, since the bleaching gel is most effective on clean teeth. Try to wear the tray without the bleaching gel first to get used to it. Please ensure that the tray is clean and dry before applying the bleaching gel as moisture reduces the effectiveness of the bleaching agent and slows down the bleaching process

Applying the Bleaching Gel:

When applying the bleaching gel, be careful not to fill the entire tray. Place a small drop of the gel inside the tray on the side that is in contact with the visible part of the tooth. The gel should only reach half the depth of the tray. Do not smear the gel on the tray. Close the gel syringe after use. One therapy session usually uses 0.5 ml of bleaching gel per arc. We recommend that you only whiten the front 8-10 teeth.

Inserting the Tray:

Insert the tray into your mouth and gently push it onto your teeth. Wipe the excess gel from the tray with a tissue or gauze while holding it in place with the other hand.

Wearing the Tray:

If you have never whitened your teeth before, we suggest that you whiten them for 30 minutes for the first time. If dental hypersensitivity does not occur, you can extend the bleaching time.
Warning for Bleaching Gels Containing Carbamide Peroxide:
    • with a gel containing 10 or 15% carbamide peroxide concentration, your teeth can be bleached for 2-4 hours once or twice a day, or at night if no sensitization of the teeth occurs;
    • A bleaching gel with 20% carbamide peroxide should be used for 30-60 minutes once or twice a day. It is important not to exceed one hour.
Whitening gels containing hydrogen peroxide can be used for 30-60 minutes.

After the Whitening: 

Remove the tray from the mouth and rinse your mouth with water. Remove the excess gel from your teeth and floss your teeth carefully. If hypersensitivity of the teeth occurs, use a gel for sensitive teeth.

Storage:

Clean the trays using a toothbrush and cold water after each use. Keep the trays in a closed container and the bleaching gel in a cool dry place and do not expose it to heat or direct sunlight. You can also store the bleaching gel in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it.

Note: 

• on average, the desired effect is achieved after 20-30 coatings of the bleaching gel;
• longer wearing time accelerates the whitening effect;
• you can also achieve the effects faster with higher concentrations of active substances (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) in the bleaching gels;
•     • in the first two hours, the gel reaches 50% of its effect.

Indicative Timeframe of Tooth Growth

A rough rule, valid for up to two years, is that the age in months minus six is the average number of teeth in the mouth. However, a deviation of up to three months is within the normal range.

Handling:

Chewing gum toys (gums) soothes the painful growth of teeth for the child. Cool objects sooth the gums the most, so it is advisable to store them in a refrigerator.

Make sure that the products are designed for this purpose, safe and easy to clean.
In addition, you can relieve your child's pain by massaging the gums with a gel containing lidocaine (e.g. calgel).

If the pain is too strong, a sugar-free analgesic containing paracetamol (e.g. calpol) can also be given to the child.

Growing teeth is uncomfortable for the child. Just before the tooth grows out, the gums are swollen and sensitive. Children will bite their fingers and salivate excessively. Other signs are biting the lips and other objects, irritation, insomnia and crying at night.

Other symptoms such as diarrhoea, coughing, scratching the ears, rashes or cramps and fever are not associated with tooth growth. These symptoms are most likely due to minor inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the introduction of many objects into the mouth and are a sign of developing their own immune system.