Saliva (spit; spittle)

Latin: saliva; a colourless, odourless and flavourless secretion of the major and minor salivary glands of the oral cavity;Salivary glands produce 0.75-1.5 litres of saliva a day. During the night saliva secretion is highly reduced.

The most important functions of saliva are to rinse the oral cavity, to inhibit the effects of acid and to remineralise the enamel. Saliva supports the immune defence, starts the digestion of starches and insalivates the food in the mouth.

Sealing

A method to prevent caries; particularly recommended for the fissures on the chewing surfaces of the molars; Sealing is done by the dentist using a special plastic. Sealed teeth can be cleaned much easier and remain caries-free much longer.

Sensitive teeth

Teeth may ache, if the soft and sensitive dental necks are exposed. Exposed dental necks are the consequence of wrong tooth cleaning techniques (scrubbing) and the use of hard tooth brushes or severely abrasive toothpaste. That's why a tooth brush with special filaments and a toothpaste with lower abrasivity (RDA) should be used.

It is important to save exposed dentine from acid attacks and the formation of dental root caries by using fluoridated dental care products (toothpaste, mouthrinse).

Sugar substitute

Sweet-tasting substance; In contrast to artificial sweeteners sugar substitutes contain calories. Sugar substitutes haven't got any cariogenic potential. Xylite is an important sugar substitute.

Surgical removal (extraction) of wisdom teeth

There are several reasons for a surgical removal of wisdom teeth. The most common reason is not enough room which inhibits the wisdom teeth to get through into the mouth cavity. The displacement of a tooth germ can make a surgical procedure to become necessary, too. At least, wisdom teeth may cause the crowding of the anterior teeth and entail an extraction for orthodontic reasons.

To remove wisdom teeth at the right time is important. If their roots are not fully developed yet, they can be extracted with a minimum of surgical effort and less postoperative complaints. Based on scientific research the removal of wisdom teeth should possibly happen until the age of 25.