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Teeth

Feature: Gingivitis and periodontitis

Bleeding gums are usually harmless. But they are sometimes an indication of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). We explain what causes gingivitis and what treatment options are available if the inflammation has already affected other parts of the tissue supporting the teeth.

Feature: Healthy teeth

How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy? Can flossing and mouthwash help? Which toothbrushes and toothpastes are best? You can find a few answers to these questions in our feature.

Feature: Tooth sealants

Parents know the problem well. Hardly a day goes by without some discussion about brushing teeth. And it is worthwhile, especially with children, to watch out for some basics. You can read more here about what researchers have learned about teeth or fissure sealants, toothbrushing and fluoride to prevent tooth decay. And you can test your knowledge about preventing tooth decay in our quiz.

Feature: Wisdom teeth removal

The removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common dental operations, but it is not completely harmless: Nerves and blood vessels can get damaged during this procedure. Find out more in our fact sheet.

Fact Sheet

Research summaries

Dental caries: Do fluoride tooth products prevent tooth decay in children and young people?

Fluoride tooth products, especially toothpaste, protect children against plaque and tooth decay. more...

Dental caries: Do tooth sealants help in children and young people?

Using sealants on the molars (back teeth) can clearly reduce the risk of tooth decay. more...

Dental caries: Which fluoride dental products provide the best protection against tooth decay?

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste every day protects children and young people from tooth decay just as effectively as fluoride mouthwashes and gels applied directly to the teeth. more...

Wisdom teeth: Is it better to keep them or have them taken out?

Removing wisdom teeth that have not broken through and are not causing symptoms has no proven benefit. However the operation almost always causes pain and swelling, and can lead to complications. more...

Toothbrushes: Which toothbrushes remove plaque best?

It is not yet certain whether some types of electric toothbrushes clean teeth better than others. It is also still unclear whether particular electric toothbrushes are better than manual brushes. more...

Tooth whitening: Do at-home bleaching systems work, and what adverse effects could they have?

Tooth whitening systems based on bleaching agents can make your teeth visibly whiter, but it is not known yet how long this lasts. Tooth bleaching kits often cause temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. The long term safety of using high doses of bleach frequently is not yet known. more...