Technical terms about prevention and oral hygiene beginning with B

Bacteria – Several hundred species live in the mouth. Most are harmless; caries and periodontitis only arise when certain species get the upper hand. Biofilm Plaque

Biofilm – The ordered layer of bacteria on the tooth surface. It protects itself with a film of slime – which is why it cannot be rinsed away, only removed mechanically. Plaque Mouthwash

Bleaching – Lightening the teeth with peroxide compounds. Cleaning always comes before lightening; on plaque it does not act evenly. Professional tooth cleaning

Bleeding index – The proportion of examined sites at which the gums bleed on light contact. The value reacts quickly: anyone who cleans the interdental spaces daily sees it fall within two weeks. Gingivitis Probing depth PSI

Bonus booklet – Record of the annual dental check-up. It increases the health insurer's contribution towards dentures – it does not apply to professional tooth cleaning itself. Individual prevention Hardship provision