PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle (Saale)
Dr. James Belcher, December 3, 2025
A toothbrush isn't enough: What piece of the puzzle is missing from your dental care routine?
Brushing your teeth is part of your routine – morning, evening, done. But did you know that your toothbrush doesn't reach all areas and that many problems can still arise in your mouth? Your mouth is a complex ecosystem home to more than 700 types of bacteria. Here you'll learn which missing piece of the puzzle completes your dental care routine.
What's behind it?
While a toothbrush cleans the tooth surfaces, plaque (biofilm) also accumulates between the teeth and at the gum line . This is precisely where harmful bacteria can thrive , potentially causing gingivitis or periodontitis. Therefore, in addition to brushing, other tools are needed: interdental brushes, dental floss, and microbiome -friendly oral hygiene products fill these gaps.
Why is it relevant?
Healthy gums mean more than just a beautiful smile – they protect your entire body . Studies show links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's. If the biofilm isn't regularly disrupted, harmful bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream . In short: your mouth is a gateway to overall health.
Scientific background
Research shows that biofilm – the tough, bacterial layer on teeth and gums – cannot simply be brushed away . Key pathogens, such as [missing information], are particularly problematic. Porphyromonas gingivalis . This bacterium can manipulate the immune system, increase inflammation, and disrupt the balance of the oral flora.
Practical tips for everyday life
- ✓ Clean between your teeth as well . Flossing or interdental brushes are essential – ideally daily (Worthington et al, 2019) .
- ✓ Use microbiome -friendly products . Conventional harsh mouthwashes kill all bacteria, including the good ones (Brookes et al., 2023).
- ✓ Brush properly – and don't rinse immediately . If you only spit out toothpaste after brushing and don't rinse with water, the active ingredients remain effective for longer (Brookes et al., 2025) .
- ✓ Go for professional dental cleanings regularly (Chapple et al., 2015).
Sources
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Brookes Z, Bescos R, Witton R, et al. An Update on Mouthwashes: Advice for Dental Practitioners. British Dental Journal . 2025;239(5):312–315. doi:10.1038/s41415-025-9115-3.
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Brookes Z, Teoh L, Cieplik F, Kumar P. Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome: Are They Good, Bad, or Balanced? International Dental Journal . 2023;73 Suppl 2:S74–S81. doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.08.010.
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Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, et al. Primary Prevention of Periodontitis: Managing Gingivitis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S71–S76. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12366.
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Trombelli L, Franceschetti G, Farina R. Effect of Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal Performed on a Long-Term, Routine Basis in the Secondary Prevention of Periodontitis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2015;42 Suppl 16:S221–S236. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12339.
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Worthington HV, MacDonald L, Poklepovic Pericic T, et al. Home Use of Interdental Cleaning Devices, in Addition to Toothbrushing, for Preventing and Controlling Periodontal Diseases and Dental Caries. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 2019;4:CD012018. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012018.pub2.
- Van der Weijden FA, Slot DE. Oral hygiene in the prevention of periodontal diseases: The evidence. Periodontology 2000. 2011;55(1):104–123. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0757.2010.00337.x.