Oral care – or the key to health?

Biofilm, Microbiome and Immune Regulation – the Key Factors in the Mouth

Biofilms continuously form on all surfaces in the mouth – on the teeth, between the teeth, at the gum line, along the gums, and on the tongue.

If left undisturbed, they mature and change their composition.
The balance shifts in favour of cavity-promoting and inflammation-active bacteria.

In close interaction with the immune system, this initially results in local inflammation of the gums.
With the appropriate genetic predisposition and additional risk factors from lifestyle, this can develop into a disease of the periodontium (periodontitis).

These factors include, in particular, diet, smoking, stress, and general metabolic or autoimmune diseases.

At the same time, inflammation-promoting messenger substances are released, which act beyond the mouth throughout the entire body and can particularly influence vascular function – with possible links to cardiovascular diseases.

The goal of modern oral hygiene: targeted control of biofilm

Biofilms cannot be completely removed – they continuously form anew within a short period.

The aim of oral hygiene is therefore not complete eradication, but targeted control of their development.

Regular mechanical cleaning interrupts the maturation of the biofilm and promotes a stable, healthy balance (Eubiosis).

Modern oral hygiene thus plays a central role: it stabilizes the balance in the mouth.

Effective prevention aims to specifically control the development of biofilm throughout the entire oral cavity – through regular mechanical cleaning, ideally twice daily, as biofilms reorganise and develop further within 24 to 48 hours.

✔ Cleaning of tooth surfaces and interdental spaces
✔ Care of gums and periodontal tissues
✔ Cleaning of the tongue (especially in cases of bad breath and deposits)
✔ Support of a healthy oral microbiome

The oral microbiome – key to health

Billions of microorganisms live in the mouth, maintaining a highly dynamic balance and playing a central role in bodily functions.

An intact microbiome not only protects local structures but also stabilises the entire system:

• Protection of teeth and gums
  A balanced microbiome colonises surfaces and limits the spread of pathogenic germs – thus maintaining equilibrium.
• Control of inflammation
  The microbiome closely interacts with the immune system and influences whether inflammatory processes occur, are amplified, or are regulated.
• Regulation of immune defence
  As the first contact zone with the environment, the mouth shapes the immune system's responsiveness – a stable microbiome supports a balanced and controlled defence.

A stable oral microbiome acts as a biological filter and regulator – it determines whether health remains stable or falls out of balance.

Connection to General Health

The processes in the mouth have far-reaching effects beyond the oral cavity:

1. Inflammations
   Imbalances in the mouth can promote systemic inflammation.
2. Microbiome
   The oral microbiome influences the gut, metabolism, and immune function.
3. Nitrate metabolism (NO system)
   Certain bacteria in the mouth enable the formation of natural nitric oxide (NO), which is important for:

• Vascular function
• Blood pressure regulation
• Performance and metabolism

More than toothpaste – the new concept of oral care

Modern oral care includes targeted products for all areas:

• Toothpastes with protection and repair functions

• Interdental care (interdental brushes, solutions)

• Mouth rinses for microbial balance

• Tongue care

• Microbiome-oriented care concepts

How to implement modern prevention in daily life

Daily basis (from age 12)

• Brush teeth twice daily
  → with fluoride-containing toothpaste and ideally sonic toothbrush (medium-hard, Sensitive 3 D bristles, compact head) – e.g., ApaCare Sonic

• Interdental care once daily

  • Teenagers and younger adults: dental floss (e.g., ApaCare Floss)

  • Older adults: interdental brushes

  • With implants or gum recession: interdental brushes instead of floss

For children

• Brush teeth twice daily
  → with age-appropriate children's toothpaste (adjusted fluoride content)

• From about 3 years:
  → 1 anti-caries chewing gum daily for caries prevention (e.g., ApaCare Gum)

• From 12 years → 3 anti-caries chewing gums daily for caries prevention (e.g., ApaCare Gum)

Tooth polishing (1–2× per week)

• Tooth polishing paste (e.g., ApaCare Polish) instead of toothpaste

For removal of:

• Discolorations (coffee, tea, red wine)

• Early plaque / tartar deposits

Tongue care

• For plaque or bad breath:
  → targeted cleaning, especially at the tongue base, best with a toothbrush

Targeted support of the microbiome

Daily

• Probiotic-effective mouth rinse 2 x daily for 20 seconds (e.g., ApaCare Oralactin liquid)
  (no aggressive antibacterial rinses)

• Probiotic-effective toothpaste (instead of regular toothpaste) 2x daily (e.g., ApaCare OraLactin medical toothpaste)

• Probiotic lozenges (Oralactin) 1 x daily for 30 days course (also for preparation and post-treatment after dental therapy or prophylaxis measures)

• Especially useful:

  • for bad breath or gum problems

  • for tendency to periodontitis

  • for dry mouth or mucosal burning

  • for high caries risk

  • generally for increased disease risk

  • in the second half of life

With increased caries susceptibility

• Caries prevention chewing gums

• 1 gum daily (up to age 12), from age 12: 3× daily 1

• Ideal as 30-day course, then repeat

For irritated gums or mucosa

• ApaCare Gingivagel (hyaluronic acid)

• Apply locally 4–6× daily

For:

• Irritations

• Burning

• Inflammations

Supplement for General Health

Power Pulse Protein/Nitrat Shake (NO Metabolism) (e.g., Power Pulse Powder)

• 200ml twice daily before meals

(Prevention made easy, tastes good)

Supports:

• Vascular function

• Blood pressure

• Performance

Functional Gummy Drops (e.g., Power Pulse Superfruit Gummies)

• up to 4 daily, in between

• with polyphenols & micronutrients

• with essential vitamins and minerals

→ Prevents inflammation, promotes immune function, and provides essential vitamins and minerals

"Prevention can also be particularly tasty"

Why is dental care more than just cleaning?

Dental care influences not only teeth and gums but also the microbiome and the immune system. The mouth is a central starting point for processes affecting the entire body.

What is a biofilm and why is it important?

A biofilm is a natural bacterial layer in the mouth. The crucial aspect is not its existence but its composition – which determines whether health is maintained or inflammation occurs.

Can biofilm be completely removed?

No. Biofilm re-forms within a few hours. Therefore, the goal is not complete removal but targeted control of its development.

Why should you brush your teeth twice daily?

Biofilms begin to organise and mature within 24–48 hours. Regular brushing interrupts this process and maintains the balance.

What role does the microbiome in the mouth play?

The oral microbiome controls key processes such as immune defence, inflammation regulation, and metabolism. It influences not only the mouth but the entire body.

How is oral health connected to overall health?

Inflammatory processes in the mouth can affect the entire organism. Particularly, vascular function, the immune system, and metabolism are closely linked to the oral microbiome.

Why is nutrition important for oral health?

Modern diets high in sugar and soft foods promote the maturation of biofilms. Fibre-rich foods, on the other hand, naturally clean and stabilise.

What does modern oral hygiene mean?

Modern oral hygiene considers the entire oral cavity as a system. It includes not only tooth brushing but also interdental care, tongue cleaning, and supporting the microbiome.

When is microbiome support advisable?

Especially in cases of increased risk, such as gum problems, bad breath, stress, unbalanced diet, or in later life stages.

What is the goal of modern dental care?

Not the complete removal of bacteria but stabilising a healthy balance in the mouth – as a foundation for health throughout the body.

What is periodontitis and how does it develop?

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium. It develops through mature biofilms and an imbalanced oral environment, often in combination with genetic and lifestyle factors.

What helps against gum inflammation?

Regular mechanical cleaning, especially of interdental spaces, and stabilising the oral microbiome help control inflammation.

How does caries develop?

Caries occurs when certain bacteria metabolise sugar and produce acids that attack the enamel.

What helps against bad breath?

Bad breath often results from bacterial deposits on the tongue. Targeted tongue cleaning and a stable microbiome can be decisive here.

How does the microbiome influence health?

The microbiome regulates central processes such as immune defence, inflammation, and metabolism – thereby affecting the entire body.

Why are interdental spaces so important?

Biofilms form particularly easily in interdental spaces, which can lead to inflammation without targeted cleaning.

How often should the tongue be cleaned?

Daily, if there are deposits or bad breath, as the tongue is a central carrier of bacterial activity in the mouth.