ApaCare Knowledge Centre – Glossary

It is not the amount, but the frequency of sugar intake that determines the risk of tooth decay: every sugar intake lowers the pH level in the mouth and triggers a new round of demineralisation. Rather than cutting out sugar completely, it is more important to reduce the frequency of sugar intake, drink water instead of soft drinks, and choose tooth-friendly alternatives such as xylitol.

Mechanical wear of the tooth surface caused by external factors such as brushing too hard, using hard-bristled toothbrushes, or eating abrasive foods—to be distinguished from attrition (tooth-to-tooth contact) and erosion (acid).

Chemical mineral loss from the tooth surface caused by acids in drinks, food or reflux – unlike tooth decay, this is not caused by bacteria.

Building blocks of proteins; important for cell development, mucosal regeneration, the immune system, and muscle function. Certain amino acids, such as L-arginine, also have prebiotic effects.

A critical perspective: Antibacterial mouthwashes indiscriminately kill nearly all oral bacteria—not only harmful ones, but also beneficial ones, particularly the nitrate-reducing bacteria on the tongue. These bacteria convert plant-based nitrate into nitric oxide, which protects blood vessels; if they are permanently decimated, the risk of high blood pressure may even increase. Long-term use of antibacterial mouthwashes should therefore be limited to short-term, targeted medical treatment—for daily use, probiotic or microbiome-friendly mouthwashes are recommended instead.

Wear on tooth surfaces caused by direct tooth-to-tooth contact during clenching or grinding, often as an unconscious stress reaction.

A complex, organized community of microorganisms on the tooth surface. Only when this community matures undisturbed and its bacterial composition changes does the risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation increase.

Often the first, and frequently underestimated, warning sign of gum inflammation; caused by bacterial biofilms at the gum line and should not be accepted as ‘normal’.

Unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually at night, often a sign of stress and inner tension. This leads to tooth-on-tooth wear (attrition), cracks, temporomandibular joint problems, and tooth enamel loss.

A mineral that, together with calcium, forms the main component of tooth enamel and bones; in dental care products, it is used as a structurally similar enamel-building block that fills in microdefects and smooths the surface.

Small, painful lesions on the oral mucosa that can be caused by stress, micronutrient deficiencies, or an imbalance in the oral microbiome, among other factors.

Molar-incisor hypomineralisation: insufficiently hardened, porous enamel, particularly on the first permanent molars and incisors. MIH ‘does not go away’, but can be stabilised.

The removal of minerals from tooth enamel by acids—the natural antagonist of remineralization.

Modern dental care today involves more than just removing plaque: the focus is on gentle cleaning, protecting tooth enamel, stabilising the oral flora and smart prevention – a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and daily interdental cleaning form the basis of this.

The layer of tooth structure beneath the enamel, containing microscopic tubules (dentin tubules). When dentin is exposed—for example, due to receding gums—teeth become sensitive.

Microscopically fine, fluid-filled channels in the exposed dentin that are directly connected to the tooth's nerve. Irritation of these channels by cold, heat, or sweet foods triggers the typical brief pain.

A distinction is made between extrinsic discolouration on the tooth surface (e.g. caused by coffee, tea, red wine or nicotine) and intrinsic discolouration within the tooth (e.g. caused by ageing, tetracyclines or dead teeth). Only superficial discolouration responds well to polishing or bleaching.

An imbalance in the oral flora in which inflammatory bacteria (pathobionts) gain the upper hand—a key cause of many diseases, ranging from dental caries to periodontitis.

Taste disturbances, such as a metallic or bitter taste, often associated with dry mouth, hormonal changes, or a burning sensation on the tongue.

A stable, healthy balance of oral flora—the goal of modern microbiome-based prevention, rather than a “sterile” oral cavity.

A key protective factor in preventing tooth decay. Together with calcium from saliva, it forms a thin protective layer of calcium fluoride that must be regularly renewed.

Whitish spots on the tooth enamel caused by chronically excessive fluoride intake during tooth development—now rare when the dosage is age-appropriate.

Gum inflammation without bone loss caused by mature bacterial biofilm; typical symptoms include bleeding gums, redness and swelling. Usually completely reversible in the early stages.

The gingival epithelium is the natural protective barrier between the tooth or implant and the surrounding gums. It seals the junction with the oral cavity and protects the underlying tissue from bacterial invasion and inflammation.

Pockets between the tooth and the gum that form when the gum recedes from the tooth due to inflammation. Bacteria thrive in these pockets; pocket depth is the most important measure for detecting periodontitis at an early stage and monitoring its progression.

Bad breath; in over 90 per cent of cases, it originates directly in the mouth – usually due to mature biofilms on the tongue and gums, which produce sulphur-containing metabolic by-products.

A naturally occurring, water-binding substance that keeps the mucosa supple; useful as an additive in oral care products for dry mouth, irritation and regeneration.

Submicroscopic mineral particles that structurally correspond to natural tooth enamel. They adhere to the tooth surface, fill micro-defects and support remineralisation and smoothing. A key component of ApaCare products.

As implants do not have the same stable collagen fibre anchorage as natural teeth, the gum line around them is particularly sensitive to biofilm and mechanical irritation. Gentle but thorough daily cleaning, together with stabilising the oral microbiome, are the most important factors in preventing mucositis and peri-implantitis.

Chronic, silent inflammatory processes that can influence ageing and disease processes throughout the body – a condition that can also be exacerbated by oral dysbiosis.

Daily cleaning of the spaces between the teeth using dental floss, interdental brushes or oral irrigators – complements toothbrushing in areas where a toothbrush alone cannot reach and where biofilms tend to build up particularly easily.

ApaCare is the brand name for medical-grade hydroxyapatite: submicroscopic mineral particles that structurally correspond to natural tooth enamel. When you brush, they adhere to the tooth surface, fill in micro-defects, smooth the surface and support remineralisation – resulting in noticeably smoother and visibly brighter teeth.

A modern approach to healthy, long-lived ageing that incorporates, amongst other things, the microbiome, inflammation regulation, muscle health and nutrition.

The collective total of the billions of microorganisms in the oral cavity, which, like a biological system in their own right, influence the teeth, gums, mucous membranes and – beyond that – the immune system, metabolism and blood vessels (blood pressure).

Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin C regulate key functions of the immune system, muscles and cell protection.

Mouthwashes are a useful addition to your daily dental care routine, but they are no substitute for brushing your teeth or using interdental care products. They are particularly beneficial for bad breath, a dry mouth, an increased risk of tooth decay, gum problems or following a course of antibiotics – usually once a day is sufficient, ideally in the evening. See also ‘Antimicrobial mouthwash’.

Superficial inflammation of the gums surrounding an implant – considered an early stage of peri-implantitis, which can usually still be stabilised.

Signalling molecules produced by active muscles that influence metabolism, immune balance and vascular function.

Plant-based nitrate, e.g. from beetroot, is converted into nitrite by nitrate-reducing bacteria on the tongue and, within the body, into nitric oxide (NO), which has a beneficial effect on blood vessels.

Essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA) that support low-inflammation metabolic pathways as well as vascular and brain function.

The oral cavity is one of the body’s most important microbial ecosystems – and its effects extend far beyond the teeth and gums. Certain oral bacteria specifically produce signalling molecules that can actively support systemic processes such as blood pressure regulation (via the nitrate-nitrite-NO metabolic pathway), metabolism and immune balance. Chronic oral inflammation, such as periodontitis, disrupts this balance and is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and silent inflammatory processes (‘inflammaging’). A stable oral microbiome is therefore more than just dental care – it actively promotes general health.

Microorganisms which, when the microbiome is out of balance, can have a pro-inflammatory effect, even though some of them are naturally part of the oral flora.

Deep-seated inflammation around an implant with progressive bone loss – the most common cause of implant loss.

An advanced, usually insidious form of inflammation that breaks down the fibres and bone of the periodontium and can lead to loose teeth.

A measure of the acidity in the mouth. If the pH level within biofilms drops for too long, demineralisation of the tooth enamel begins – countermeasures: reduce the frequency of snacking, stimulate saliva production, and remineralise.

Antioxidant plant compounds from berries, cocoa, green tea, olive oil and beetroot have a positive effect on inflammation regulation, blood vessels and the microbiome.

Postbiotics are bioactive metabolites or inactivated microorganisms that support the natural balance of the oral microbiome and can have a positive effect on the oral mucosa, immune function and inflammation regulation – without containing any live bacteria.

‘Food’ for beneficial microorganisms, e.g. dietary fibre or the amino acid L-arginine, which specifically support health-promoting bacteria.

Live bacteria that regulate the microbiome, helping to maintain a stable balance in the oral flora and potentially reducing the risk of bad breath, tooth decay and periodontitis.

A key building block for muscles, the immune system, mucous membranes and regeneration. Active muscles also produce myokines – signalling molecules that influence metabolism and vascular health – which is why sufficient protein is considered a factor in longevity.

Restoring the oral microbiome to a healthy balance in a targeted way: rather than fighting all bacteria, beneficial bacteria are promoted through probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics.

Exposure of the tooth root due to gum recession, e.g. caused by inflammation, brushing too vigorously or genetic predisposition (thin gingival phenotype). A common consequence: exposed, sensitive tooth necks.

Natural remineralisation of tooth enamel through saliva, fluoride and hydroxyapatite – counteracting demineralisation.

As tooth enamel does not regrow biologically, ‘rebuilding’ focuses on remineralisation: minerals, saliva and a protective surface stabilise the existing enamel – supported by hydroxyapatite and fluoride.

Saliva is the most important natural protective and regenerative factor in the oral cavity. It supplies minerals for the remineralisation of tooth enamel, neutralises acids, stabilises the oral microbiome, protects the oral mucosa and supports local immune defences as well as the functions of taste, chewing and swallowing.

A brief, sharp pain caused by cold, heat, or sweet foods, usually due to exposed dentin with open dentin tubules. Causes include receding gums, acid erosion, bruxism, or aggressive oral hygiene.

Hardened plaque that forms when soft plaque mineralises with minerals from saliva. Can only be removed by a professional.

Teeth whitening using oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, which alter the protein structures and light transmission within the tooth; the effect wears off over time and can temporarily make teeth more sensitive.

A period of hormonal change that also affects oral health: falling oestrogen levels can lead to dry mouth, sensitive gums and an increased risk of periodontitis.

Bacteria-rich build-up on the tongue and the most common cause of bad breath; can be reduced by gentle, regular tongue cleaning.

Bacteria-induced erosion of enamel and dentine caused by acids produced during sugar metabolism within the biofilm. The risk is increased by frequent snacking, dry mouth and dysbiosis.

The outer, visible layer of the tooth and the hardest substance in the body. It forms before birth, does not regenerate and is constantly interacting with saliva throughout a person’s life.

The eruption of milk teeth and permanent teeth marks the start of what is known as post-eruptive enamel maturation: in the first few months following this, the enamel is still soft and particularly vulnerable to acids, plaque and mineral loss – this is the most important phase for targeted stabilisation.

A biomimetic approach in which submicroscopic hydroxyapatite (liquid tooth enamel) is specifically deposited into micro-defects and porous areas of the tooth surface. Unlike a filling, tooth repair does not replace lost tooth structure, but instead stabilises and smooths areas that are still intact but weakened at an early stage.

By far the most common cause is tooth decay, followed by gum inflammation, exposed tooth necks, bruxism or inflammation of the tooth nerve (pulpitis). Persistent or severe pain always requires dental treatment – home remedies and painkillers are only a stopgap until your appointment.

Whitish, matt patches caused by impaired or incomplete mineralisation of the tooth enamel – often an early warning sign of incipient tooth decay, which can still be effectively remineralised at this stage.

Reduced saliva flow, which leaves teeth, gums and the microbiome defenceless and increases the risk of tooth decay, bad breath and fungal infections.

Xylitol (birch sugar) is a sugar substitute and sweetener that is scarcely utilised by bacteria that cause tooth decay. It stimulates saliva production, supports the remineralisation of teeth and can promote a healthy oral microbiome. Xylitol is a tried-and-tested ingredient in anti-caries chewing gum and modern dental care products.