Our practice offers the complete spectrum of modern dental prophylaxis — from one-off protective measures to long-term care programmes. Every service is tailored to your individual needs. Below we present all prophylaxis services available at our practice in Oberföhring.
DGI-zertifizierte ImplantologinÜber 95% Erfolgsrate13+ Jahre Erfahrung
Dental Prophylaxis in Munich-Oberföhring | Prevention & Cleaning
Thorough dental prophylaxis is the key to preventing dental diseases such as caries, periodontitis, and gum inflammation. It ensures that your teeth and gums remain healthy for years to come. In our dental practice in Munich, we offer you a tailored prophylaxis program that goes far beyond a simple teeth cleaning.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
What is dental prophylaxis?
Dental prophylaxis encompasses the full spectrum of preventive measures in dentistry. It goes far beyond the regular dental cleaning: dental prophylaxis includes all strategies, treatments and advisory services aimed at preventing cavities, periodontitis, tooth loss and oral diseases from occurring in the first place.
The term derives from the Greek prophylassein — "to guard in advance, to take precautions". That perfectly describes the concept: those who prevent rarely need to cure. In modern dentistry, prophylaxis is no longer a peripheral service — it is the foundation of every healthy dentist-patient relationship.
Dental prophylaxis includes, among others:
- Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) — mechanical removal of biofilm and tartar
- Air-Flow treatment — gentle elimination of stains and subgingival biofilm
- Fluoride application and sealing — chemical protection of the tooth enamel
- Fissure sealants — structural protection of the chewing surfaces
- Individual preventive care (IP 1–5) for children and adolescents
- Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) for post-periodontitis maintenance
- Individual oral hygiene counselling and brushing technique training
- Dietary counselling in relation to dental health
The decisive advantage of prevention over treatment is clear: a cavity filling costs time, money and tooth substance. A prevented cavity costs none of these. Studies show that every euro invested in prophylaxis saves three to five euros in treatment costs in the long run.
At our practice in Munich-Oberföhring, we treat prophylaxis as an ongoing partnership: we accompany you and your family over the years — from the first milk tooth to old age. Our recall system ensures you receive the right appointment at the right time, tailored to your personal risk profile.
If you are looking for a dentist for dental prophylaxis in Munich — including for English-speaking patients and expats — who offers more than a standard cleaning, you have come to the right place. Preventive dentistry in Bogenhausen and Oberföhring — at Dr. Christina Dickel's practice that means evidence-based prevention, modern techniques and genuine long-term care. We are a trusted English-speaking dental practice in Munich.
Our prophylaxis services
Our practice offers the complete spectrum of modern dental prophylaxis — from one-off protective measures to long-term care programmes. Every service is tailored to your individual needs. Below we present all prophylaxis services available at our practice in Oberföhring.
a) Professional teeth cleaning (PTC)
Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) is the centrepiece of every prophylaxis session. Our dental hygienists systematically remove all biofilm deposits, tartar and external stains — from all tooth surfaces, the interdental spaces and the gingival margin. Depending on the clinical situation, we use ultrasound, Air-Flow or the most advanced protocol — Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) by EMS. Every session concludes with a fluoride application using a high-concentration protective varnish.
A PTC session lasts 45 to 75 minutes and is recommended at least once a year; for high-risk patients every three to six months. Detailed information is available on our Professional Teeth Cleaning page.
b) Air-Flow treatment
The Air-Flow procedure (EMS powder-jet technology) is a particularly gentle method for removing biofilm and stains. A fine mixture of water, air and specially developed powder — we use skin-compatible erythritol powder — is applied with gentle pressure to the tooth surfaces and into the sulci (gingival grooves). The result: coffee, tea and nicotine stains disappear almost completely without damaging the enamel.
Air-Flow is particularly valuable for subgingival cleaning: using specialist tips (Perio-Flow), the powder-water mixture can be delivered up to 4 mm below the gingival margin — an area that conventional instruments can barely reach. Air-Flow is therefore also ideal for implant patients and those with a history of periodontitis.
c) Fluoride application and protective varnishes
Fluoride is the most effective chemical agent against cavities. It incorporates into the tooth enamel, strengthens the crystal structure of hydroxyapatite, and makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from oral bacteria. While standard toothpaste contains a fluoride concentration of 1,000–1,500 ppm, professional fluoride varnishes work with up to 22,600 ppm — approximately ten times stronger and with a much longer contact time.
We routinely apply a professional fluoride varnish at the end of every prophylaxis session. For patients with elevated caries risk, we also offer individual fluoride programmes — available as a separate treatment, independent of the PTC.
d) Fissure sealants (children and adolescents)
The chewing surfaces of the back teeth are crossed by deep grooves and pits (fissures) — natural traps for bacteria and food debris that even thorough brushing can barely reach. For children and adolescents with newly erupted molars, we recommend fissure sealing: a thin, fluid resin is applied into the fissures and cured — creating an invisible, physical barrier against cavities.
Fissure sealing is painless, takes only a few minutes per tooth and typically lasts several years. Studies confirm a caries reduction of up to 80% on sealed surfaces. Statutory health insurance covers fissure sealing for the first and second permanent molars (6-year and 12-year molars) in children aged 6 to 17.
e) Individual preventive care (IP 1–5 for ages 6–17)
The statutory individual preventive care programme (IP 1–5) is the most important publicly funded service in preventive dentistry for children and adolescents. It comprises five distinct services:
- IP 1: Oral hygiene status (assessment of plaque levels)
- IP 2: Education on the development of cavities and nutrition
- IP 3: Oral hygiene exercises (brushing technique training)
- IP 4: Fluoride application to the teeth
- IP 5: Fissure sealing (where indicated)
All IP services are covered by statutory health insurance for children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17, twice a year. They are a central element of our children's preventive care — more on our Children's Dentistry page.
f) Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)
Once active periodontitis treatment (periodontal basic therapy) has been completed, the disease is not cured — it is controlled. To prevent a relapse and to stabilise the pocket depths achieved, Supportive Periodontal Therapy (SPT) is essential. Depending on individual risk profile, we recommend SPT sessions every three to four months.
SPT includes complete biofilm removal, subgingival cleaning of the periodontal pockets, re-motivation, and review of the patient's home care status. Since 2021, SPT is a recognised statutory benefit for patients with a confirmed periodontitis diagnosis. Detailed information is available on our Periodontology page.
Why dental prophylaxis matters
Dental diseases are among the most common chronic conditions in the world — and yet they are largely preventable. Cavities and periodontitis do not arise by chance: they are the predictable consequence of untreated biofilm on tooth surfaces. That is precisely where prophylaxis intervenes.
What epidemiology tells us: According to the most recent German Oral Health Study (DMS V), more than 40% of adults between 35 and 44 years of age have moderate to severe periodontitis. Among seniors, this figure rises to over 65%. At the same time, the data shows: where regular professional prophylaxis takes place, disease and tooth-loss rates fall dramatically.
The Axelsson study — the strongest argument for prophylaxis: Swedish dentist and researcher Per Axelsson accompanied more than 500 patients in a long-term study over 30 years who participated in an intensive professional prophylaxis programme, comparing them with a control group receiving no prophylaxis. The result was remarkable: the prophylaxis group showed a caries reduction of up to 70%, virtually no periodontitis-related tooth loss, and significantly lower treatment costs over the entire observation period. These findings, first published in 1991 and confirmed multiple times, remain the scientific cornerstone of modern preventive dentistry to this day.
Cost-benefit calculation: A single prophylaxis session costs 80–160 EUR. A single cavity filling costs 80–200 EUR — per tooth, and does not address the cause. An implant following tooth loss costs 2,000–4,000 EUR. The arithmetic is clear: prophylaxis is the most cost-effective investment in your own dental health.
Further information on prophylaxis and oral health can be found at the German Dental Association (BZÄK) and the German Society for Periodontology (DG PARO).
Prophylaxis at every stage of life
Dental health is a lifelong project — and prophylaxis looks different at every stage of life. What a toddler needs is fundamentally different from the needs of a pregnant woman, an implant patient or an elderly person with declining fine motor skills. Our prophylaxis concept is therefore consistently individualised — tailored to your age, risk factors and personal life situation.
a) Children (from age 3): Start early, benefit for life
Dental care does not begin with the first school year — it begins with the first tooth. From the age of three we recommend the first prophylaxis visits to the dentist: children learn playfully how to brush correctly (brushing school), their teeth are fluoridated and the caries status is recorded. This establishes a positive attitude towards dentistry from an early age — no fear, no drama.
From the age of six, when the first permanent molars erupt, we recommend fissure sealing and the complete individual preventive programme (IP 1–5) — covered by statutory insurance, twice a year. Children with elevated caries risk (sugar-rich diet, mouth breathing, reduced salivary flow, disabilities) should attend more frequently. More on our Children's Dentistry page.
b) Adolescents: Motivation and orthodontic prophylaxis
Puberty and dental health do not always go hand in hand: hormonal changes increase gingival susceptibility to inflammation, dietary habits shift towards sugary snacks and drinks, and motivation for daily oral hygiene often diminishes. At the same time, many adolescents wear fixed braces (bracket appliances) — which make cleaning considerably more difficult and significantly increase the caries risk at the bracket margins.
For adolescents with braces, we recommend PTC appointments every two to three months as well as regular re-motivation by our prophylaxis team. IP services continue to be covered by statutory insurance until the 17th birthday. We work closely with orthodontic colleagues and coordinate prophylaxis and orthodontic treatment accordingly.
c) Adults: Annual as a minimum
For healthy adults without elevated risk: at least once a year for prophylaxis, ideally twice. Those with risk factors — smokers, diabetics, patients with heart conditions, dry mouth due to medication, high coffee or wine consumption — should attend every three to four months.
In adulthood, prophylaxis is primarily periodontitis prevention: the disease begins gradually, often without pain, and is only easy to recognise in its advanced stage. Those who attend regular prophylaxis allow us to intervene early — before bone is lost. Adults also benefit from the aesthetic effect: stains disappear and the smile looks fresher.
d) Pregnant women: Protection for mother and child
Pregnancy fundamentally alters the hormonal balance — and the gums react with increased susceptibility to inflammation. Pregnancy gingivitis occurs in up to 70% of all pregnant women: the gums redden, bleed easily and swell, even when oral hygiene is unchanged. Without professional prophylaxis, this gingivitis can develop into periodontitis.
Important to know: studies confirm a statistical association between untreated periodontitis during pregnancy and an elevated risk of premature birth and low birth weight. A prophylaxis session during pregnancy is therefore not only important for the mother's oral health, but potentially for the health of the child as well.
The optimal time is during the second trimester (weeks 12–32): the first trimester is the most sensitive phase of organ development, and the third trimester is often uncomfortable for lying in the dental chair for extended periods. In the second trimester, professional teeth cleaning is completely safe, gentle and expressly recommended — also by the DGGG (German Society for Gynaecology and Obstetrics). X-rays are of course avoided.
e) Seniors: Root caries and declining dexterity
With increasing age, the gums recede — a physiological process that nevertheless carries dangerous consequences: the exposed tooth roots consist not of enamel but of root cementum, which is considerably softer and therefore more susceptible to cavities. Root caries is the most common type of caries in old age and is difficult to treat, as it often begins below the gingival margin and remains invisible for a long time.
Additional challenges include: declining fine motor skills (tooth brushing becomes more difficult), dry mouth as a side effect of many medications (saliva is the natural tooth protector), full or partial dentures requiring special cleaning, and elevated periodontitis risk associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes.
For our senior patients, we offer closely spaced prophylaxis appointments (every three to four months), intensive fluoridation of exposed root surfaces, denture cleaning and inspection, as well as individual appliance counselling (electric toothbrushes, interdental brushes, mouth rinses). On request, we also offer home visits as part of our house call service.
f) Implant patients: Peri-implantitis prevention
Dental implants are modern, durable and natural in appearance — but they are not invulnerable. The greatest risk for implant patients is peri-implantitis: an inflammation of the bone and soft tissue surrounding the implant that is structurally similar to periodontitis but progresses more rapidly and is harder to treat. Once established, peri-implantitis can lead to implant loss.
Regular professional prophylaxis is therefore not optional for implant patients — it is essential. We recommend prophylaxis sessions every three to four months, using specialised carbon and plastic instruments as well as Air-Flow with erythritol powder — metal instruments would damage the titanium or ceramic surface of the implant. More information on our Implantology page.
Prophylaxis vs. home care — the difference
A question we hear frequently: "I brush twice a day — so why do I still need professional prophylaxis?" The answer lies in what home oral hygiene can achieve — and in what it structurally cannot achieve, no matter how conscientiously it is carried out.
Home oral hygiene is indispensable and forms the daily foundation of dental health. But it has physical limitations: the toothbrush only reaches the gingival margin to a limited extent, it cannot reach into periodontal pockets, it cannot remove tartar, and toothpaste fluoride cannot reach the concentration of a professional varnish.
| Home care | Professional prophylaxis | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes visible plaque | Yes | Yes |
| Removes tartar | No | Yes |
| Reaches periodontal pockets | No | Yes |
| Removes biofilm below gingival margin | No | Yes |
| Fluoride protection | Toothpaste (1,000–1,500 ppm) | Professional varnish (up to 22,600 ppm — approx. 10× stronger) |
| Individual counselling | No | Yes — including weak-spot analysis |
| Caries reduction | approx. 50% (with consistent use) | approx. 70% (Axelsson long-term study) |
The key message: home care and professional prophylaxis are not alternatives — they are complements. Those who brush carefully at home and attend regular prophylaxis give their oral health the best possible foundation. Those who do only one of the two are settling for half a solution.
Our prophylaxis team shows you after every session, using the plaque-disclosure findings, exactly which areas your toothbrush regularly misses at home — and gives you practical tips on how to improve. This individual counselling is a unique feature of professional prophylaxis and makes the difference to treatment alone.
Oral health and general health
The mouth is not an isolated organ — it is part of a system. Inflammation in the oral cavity rarely remains local: via the bloodstream, bacteria and inflammatory mediators from the periodontium can reach distant organs and cause damage there. Scientific research over the past 20 years has increasingly clarified these connections.
Cardiovascular disease: Patients with chronic periodontitis have a significantly elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Periodontal bacteria — including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans — have been found directly in atherosclerotic plaques. Regular prophylaxis reduces the systemic bacterial and inflammatory burden.
Diabetes mellitus: The connection between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional: poor blood glucose control promotes gingival inflammation, and untreated periodontitis in turn worsens the HbA1c value. Studies show an HbA1c improvement of up to 0.4% through successful periodontitis treatment — an effect comparable to some oral antidiabetic agents.
Preterm birth and pregnancy: As outlined in the section on pregnancy prophylaxis, untreated periodontitis is associated with an elevated risk of premature birth. Professional prophylaxis during pregnancy is one of the most evidence-based preventive measures for mother and child.
Pneumonia: In bedridden patients and seniors in care facilities, the oral bacterial count is an independent risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. Regular oral care and prophylaxis demonstrably reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Further information and scientific literature can be found at DG PARO and in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.
Costs and insurance coverage
The costs for prophylaxis services vary depending on the type of treatment, the time required and the procedure used. We place great value on transparency: you know the costs before we begin. Below is an overview of the main prophylaxis services and their cost structure.
Statutory health insurance (GKV) benefits
The following prophylaxis services are covered by statutory health insurance:
- Individual preventive care IP 1–5 (children and adolescents aged 6–17): Fully covered, twice a year. Includes oral hygiene status, counselling, brushing training, fluoride application and fissure sealing where appropriate.
- Fissure sealing: Covered for the first and second permanent molars (6- and 12-year molars) in children up to age 17.
- Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT): Covered since 2021 for patients with documented periodontitis, twice a year (more frequently depending on individual classification).
- Tartar removal: Once a year as a statutory benefit (simple tartar removal, without full PTC).
Self-pay services (IGeL) for statutory insurance patients
The complete professional teeth cleaning (PTC) with Air-Flow, polishing and fluoride application is a self-pay service (IGeL) — not included in the GKV benefit catalogue. However, many insurers voluntarily subsidise the PTC within the scope of their bonus or supplementary benefits with 30–60 EUR per year. Please enquire about your subsidy directly with your insurer.
Private health insurance
Private patients typically receive full or largely complete reimbursement for prophylaxis services — depending on the tariff and prevention bonus. We issue a detailed invoice in accordance with the GOZ (German Dental Fee Scale) after treatment.
Use our cost calculator for an individual overview, or call us on: 089 95760618.
Your recall system — your personal prophylaxis plan
The best prophylaxis is of no use if you forget the next appointment. That is why we have introduced a structured recall system in our practice: we ensure that you are reminded of your next prophylaxis appointment at the right time — automatically, personally, and without any action required on your part.
How our recall works: After every prophylaxis session, we agree with you on the ideal interval for the next session — based on your personal risk profile, the clinical findings and your life situation. Three to four weeks before your preferred appointment, you receive a reminder by SMS or email — whichever you prefer. You simply need to confirm or choose an alternative appointment.
Individual intervals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach: Not everyone needs a PTC twice a year. Some patients manage with an annual appointment — others should come every three months. Our recall adapts to your situation. If your risk profile changes — for example due to a diabetes diagnosis, a pregnancy or the placement of implants — we adjust the interval accordingly.
More information on the ideal prophylaxis schedule can be found in our blog post: Prophylaxis at the dentist — how often is right?
Risks and safety
Prophylaxis measures are among the safest treatments in all of dentistry. They are non-invasive, leave no permanent changes and are completely safe for virtually all patients — including children, pregnant women and elderly individuals. Nevertheless, we provide you here with full information about possible, generally short-lived and harmless side effects.
Our dental hygienists adjust the treatment intensity at all times to your individual sensitivity. Before the first treatment, we take a complete medical history — including known allergies, medications and conditions.
Frequently asked questions about dental prophylaxis
Here you will find answers to the questions that patients from Munich, Bogenhausen and Oberföhring most frequently ask us about dental prophylaxis. Is your question not listed? Please call us on 089 95760618 or use our contact form — we are happy to help.
Kosten im Überblick
| Leistung | Preisrahmen | Hinweis |
|---|---|---|
| Prophylaxis session (incl. PTC) | 80 – 160 EUR | Complete prophylaxis with biofilm removal, tartar removal, Air-Flow, polishing and fluoride application |
| Fluoride application | 15 – 30 EUR | Professional fluoride varnish, also bookable as a standalone service |
| Fissure sealing (per tooth) | 20 – 50 EUR | For adults; for children aged 6–17 on the first and second molars covered by insurance |
| Individual preventive care for children (IP 1–5) | Covered by insurance (ages 6–17, 2×/year) | Fully covered by statutory health insurance: oral hygiene status, counselling, brushing training, fluoride application, fissure sealing |
| Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) | 80 – 150 EUR | For patients with documented periodontitis: covered by insurance since 2021 (possible co-payment depending on tariff) |
Prophylaxis session (incl. PTC)
80 – 160 EUR
Complete prophylaxis with biofilm removal, tartar removal, Air-Flow, polishing and fluoride application
Fluoride application
15 – 30 EUR
Professional fluoride varnish, also bookable as a standalone service
Fissure sealing (per tooth)
20 – 50 EUR
For adults; for children aged 6–17 on the first and second molars covered by insurance
Individual preventive care for children (IP 1–5)
Covered by insurance (ages 6–17, 2×/year)
Fully covered by statutory health insurance: oral hygiene status, counselling, brushing training, fluoride application, fissure sealing
Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)
80 – 150 EUR
For patients with documented periodontitis: covered by insurance since 2021 (possible co-payment depending on tariff)
Many statutory health insurers subsidise the PTC with 30–60 EUR per year. Use our cost calculator for an individual overview.
Statutory insurance patients receive a subsidy of 30–60 EUR/year for PTC depending on their insurer. IP 1–5 for children aged 6–17 and SPT for periodontitis patients are fully covered benefits. Private health insurers typically cover prophylaxis services in full. We issue a detailed invoice in accordance with the GOZ.
Risiken und Sicherheit
Prophylaxis measures are the safest treatments in dentistry. They are non-invasive, leave no permanent changes and are completely safe for virtually all patients — including children, pregnant women and seniors. Possible, generally short-lived side effects include:
Mild sensitivity after PTC
Common (normal, temporary)
Subsides after 1–2 days; the concluding fluoride varnish significantly reduces sensitivity
Gingival irritation from fluoride application
Very rare
For known fluoride hypersensitivity we use fluoride-free alternatives — please advise us in advance
Hypersensitivity to fissure sealing material
Very rare (<0.5%)
BPA-free materials available on request, pre-treatment anamnesis, sealant removable at any time
Prophylaxis is by definition low-risk — this is one of its key advantages over restorative treatment. Our dental hygienists work with state-of-the-art equipment and adjusted intensity. Before every session we take a complete medical history and discuss any concerns with you personally.
Häufige Fragen
A prophylaxis session typically includes: assessment of the oral hygiene status, staining and removal of biofilm (plaque), professional tartar removal using ultrasound, Air-Flow powder-jet treatment, polishing of tooth surfaces, concluding fluoride application with a high-concentration protective varnish, and individual oral hygiene counselling. Depending on the indication, further services may be added such as fissure sealing, supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) or implant cleaning.
For healthy adults without elevated risk, we recommend at least once a year, ideally twice. For those with elevated risk — smokers, diabetics, periodontitis patients, implant patients, patients with dry mouth — every three to four months. Children within the statutory IP programme twice a year (from age 6). The optimal frequency is discussed individually based on the clinical findings.
Costs vary by service: a complete prophylaxis session including PTC costs 80–160 EUR. Additional fluoride application 15–30 EUR. Fissure sealing per tooth 20–50 EUR (covered by insurance for children aged 6–17). Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) 80–150 EUR. Many health insurers subsidise the PTC with 30–60 EUR/year. IP 1–5 for children and adolescents aged 6–17 is fully covered by statutory insurance.
No. Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) is a part of prophylaxis — but prophylaxis is the umbrella term for the entire spectrum of preventive dental measures. In addition to PTC, this includes fluoride application, fissure sealing, individual preventive care for children, supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), implant prophylaxis and individual oral hygiene counselling.
Partly. Fully covered by statutory insurance: IP 1–5 for children and adolescents aged 6–17 (twice a year), fissure sealing of the first and second permanent molars, tartar removal (once a year), and SPT for diagnosed periodontitis patients. The complete PTC with Air-Flow and polishing is a self-pay service, but many insurers subsidise it with 30–60 EUR. Private health insurance typically covers prophylaxis services in full.
We recommend first advisory appointments from the age of two to three — as soon as the milk teeth have fully erupted. From the age of six, with the eruption of the first permanent molars, the statutory individual preventive programme (IP 1–5) begins — covered by insurance, twice a year until the 17th birthday. Children with elevated caries risk benefit from more frequent appointments.
Yes, particularly important. Hormonal changes lead to pregnancy gingivitis in up to 70% of pregnant women. Left untreated, this can develop into periodontitis, which is associated with an elevated risk of premature birth. A prophylaxis session in the second trimester (weeks 12–32) is completely safe and expressly recommended — by dentists and gynaecologists alike. X-rays are of course avoided.
A recall system is an automatic reminder function that notifies you at the right time of your next prophylaxis appointment. In our practice, we agree after every session on the individual interval for the next appointment. A few weeks beforehand, you receive a reminder by SMS or email. This ensures that prophylaxis intervals are maintained — without any action required on your part.
This depends on the scope and chosen procedure. A standard PTC takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Air-Flow treatment likewise 45–60 minutes. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) 60–75 minutes. SPT sessions (supportive periodontal therapy) 45–60 minutes. For children, treatment is shorter (20–40 minutes). Clinical assessment and counselling at the beginning and end of each session are included.
Fluoride is the most effective chemical protective agent against cavities. It incorporates into the tooth enamel, hardens the crystal structure (hydroxyfluorapatite) and makes the tooth surface more resistant to acid attacks from oral bacteria. Professional fluoride varnishes at the dentist contain up to 22,600 ppm fluoride — approximately ten times more than standard toothpaste — and act considerably more effectively due to longer contact time and better penetration. Studies confirm a caries reduction of 20–40% through regular professional fluoride application.
Fissure sealing is a preventive treatment in which a thin, fluid resin is applied to the deep grooves and pits (fissures) of the chewing surfaces and cured. These natural depressions are difficult to clean and particularly susceptible to cavities. The sealant forms a physical barrier against bacteria and acids. The treatment is painless, takes a few minutes per tooth and lasts several years. For children aged 6–17, it is covered by insurance for the first and second molars.
Yes, regular prophylaxis is the most effective method for preventing periodontitis. The Axelsson long-term study (30 years) showed virtually no periodontitis-related tooth loss among participants with consistent professional prophylaxis. For patients who have already had periodontitis and been treated, supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) every three to four months is indispensable to prevent a relapse.
No. Professional prophylaxis is extremely tissue-conservative — when carried out correctly, there is no upper limit that would be harmful. For healthy adults without risk factors, more than three times a year is not medically necessary, but also not harmful. For patients with implants, periodontitis or orthodontic treatment, four or more appointments a year are expressly recommended. The ideal frequency is discussed with you individually.
Prophylaxis is the umbrella term for all preventive dental measures: from fluoride application and fissure sealing, through oral hygiene counselling, to supportive periodontal therapy. Professional teeth cleaning (PTC) is the best-known and central individual service within prophylaxis — but it is only one part of it. When patients refer to "prophylaxis", they often mean PTC; however, prophylaxis is correctly the broader concept.
Brushing removes biofilm from accessible tooth surfaces — but not everywhere: the toothbrush cannot reach into periodontal pockets, tartar cannot be removed by brushing, and the fluoride concentration of toothpaste is ten times lower than that of a professional varnish. Furthermore, even thorough brushing fails in certain areas (approximal surfaces, distal surfaces of the last molars). Studies show: home care alone reduces caries by approximately 50%; combined with professional prophylaxis by up to 70% (Axelsson).
Qualifikationen und Zertifikate
2016
Curriculum Periodontology
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Parodontologie (DG PARO)
2015
Curriculum Aesthetic Dentistry
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ästhetische Zahnheilkunde (DGÄZ)
2020
Certified Prophylaxis Practice
Bundeszahnärztekammer (BZÄK)
2012
State Examination in Dentistry
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Verwandte Leistungen
More Treatment Options
Similar Treatments
Ready for your
Prophylaxis?
Schedule your consultation appointment today and let our expertise convince you. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and radiant smile.
Treatment Overview:
Treatment Duration:
Sessions:
Investment:
Contact & Directions
Dental Practice Christina Dickel
Oberföhringer Straße 183a, 81925 München
Opening Hours
Mon:08:00-19:00
Tue:08:00-19:00
Wed:08:00-19:00
Thu:08:00-19:00
Fri:08:00-13:00
13+
Years Experience
4.9
★★★★★ Rating
100%
Satisfaction