May 12, 2025, 9:04 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Proper dental care is essential for preventing diseases of the teeth, mouth, and jaw. FITBOOK explains what it should specifically include.
Even with generally healthy teeth, complaints in the mouth and jaw area can increase from the age of 40. Certain conditions 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. FITBOOK reveals how often and how to brush your teeth according to an expert.
Overview
How Often to Brush 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 hygiene 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 untreated, the bacteria can travel deep to the tooth root. Possible outcomes include 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, making the oral cavity more susceptible to bacteria.
It’s also important to clean between the teeth. Ideally, use dental floss or interdental brushes daily, depending on the size of the gaps. Oral irrigators and antibacterial rinses can be supportive but do not replace mechanical cleaning.
The Correct Brushing Technique
Most people were taught the so-called rotation technique during childhood. In adulthood, however, 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-proven 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 sweep away the plaque.
What Can You Do About Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is a problem you usually only hear about when you’re young. 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 gums and tooth enamel.
Care tip: Drink plenty of water 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.
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 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 primarily 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 neutralizes acids and bacteria in the mouth.
In terms of dental health, it’s also wise 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.
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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—remains unprotected and shows through as grayish. To be resistant to acids, tooth enamel needs fluoride.
Dr. med. dent. Schwitalla advises using fluoride-containing toothpaste and spitting out the toothpaste residue after brushing without rinsing. This allows the active ingredients to adhere better to the tooth and develop 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.
Professional consultation by Dr. med. dent. Andreas Schwitalla, senior physician & specialist in oral surgery at Charité.