Have you ever wondered why your teeth feel ‘fuzzy’ in the morning, even though you brushed them the night before? The answer lies in a fascinating, microscopic world: the biofilm.
The term “Professional Dental Cleaning” (PZR) is familiar to many. However, in modern dentistry, we now speak more precisely of Biofilm Management. This is not mere nitpicking but describes a paradigm shift: we are no longer just chasing food debris or discoloration, but we are controlling a highly complex bacterial ecosystem to prevent diseases.
What Exactly Is Biofilm?
Biofilm is far more than just ‘plaque.’ It is a highly organized community of billions of bacteria embedded in a protective slimy layer (matrix).
- The Protective Shield: This matrix protects the bacteria from external attacks – and unfortunately often from your toothbrush and mouthwashes.
- The Balance: As long as the bacterial flora is in balance (symbiosis), everything is fine.
- The Danger: If the biofilm becomes too thick or matures for too long in the interdental spaces, the system tips out of balance (“dysbiosis”). Aggressive bacteria take over, producing acids (caries) or toxins that inflame the gums (periodontitis).
Why Home Care Is Not Enough
No matter how well you brush: with a toothbrush and dental floss, you can reach a maximum of 60 to 70% of the tooth surfaces. The critical niches – deep in the gum pockets and in the narrow interdental spaces – often remain untouched. This is precisely where professional biofilm management comes in.
The Modern Process: Gentle Instead of Brute Force
In the past, dental cleaning involved a lot of scraping and scratching. Today, it’s different. We follow modern protocols (such as Guided Biofilm Therapy) that are maximally gentle on tooth enamel:
1. Diagnosis & Visualization
We don’t guess; we look closely. First, we stain the teeth with a special solution.
- The Aha! Moment: The biofilm becomes visibly colored. You can see for yourself where you brush well and where your ‘problem areas’ are. This is the best training for home care.
2. The ‘High-Pressure Cleaner’ (Air Polishing)
Instead of starting with scraping, we now usually remove soft biofilm and discolorations (coffee, tea, smoking) first with a mixture of air, warm water, and an ultrafine powder (e.g., erythritol).
- The Advantage: This jet reaches everywhere – even under the gumline and into the deepest niches. It is gentle on the gums and polishes the teeth simultaneously.
3. Targeted Ultrasound
Only once the biofilm is removed can we see if any hard calculus remains. This is precisely removed with modern ultrasonic instruments (Piezon). Since we no longer work ‘blindly,’ this step is often much faster and less painful than before.
4. Protection and Control
Finally, the clean tooth surfaces are fluoridated. This strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to new acid attacks.
How Often Is ‘Often Enough’?
The old rule of “twice a year” is a good average, but not medically correct for everyone. We determine your interval based on your personal risk profile:
- Do you have a high risk of caries or many fillings?
- Do you suffer from diabetes or take medications that reduce salivary flow?
- Do you have implants or a history of periodontitis?
Depending on the answer, an interval of 3 to 6 months may be appropriate. Biofilm management is your insurance against drills and tooth loss. Invest this hour in your health.