Terms on prevention and oral hygiene beginning with S

Acid – Attacks the enamel directly. After acidic food you should wait half an hour before brushing – otherwise the brush wears away the softened enamel. Erosion Enamel

Scaler – A hand instrument for removing hard deposits. Working with it is manual work and takes time; ultrasound supplements it but does not replace it. Tartar Concrements

Probing depth – The distance between the gum line and the bottom of the pocket, measured in millimetres. Up to three millimetres is regarded as healthy. Gum pocket Periodontitis

Saliva – Rinses, buffers acids and supplies minerals for the repair of the enamel. When it is missing, the risk of caries rises quickly. Remineralisation Dry mouth