Oral flora plays a decisive role in oral health and also in general well-being. 

• Digestion and nutrient absorption: A balanced oral microbiome promotes digestion and nutrient absorption by breaking down food, producing enzymes, regulating pH levels and protecting against harmful germs. 
• Protection against diseases: A healthy oral microbiome plays a key role in the prevention of oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis. It controls the growth of harmful bacteria, reduces inflammation in the mouth and promotes a balanced bacterial flora. This has a positive effect on dental health and can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. 

Impaired oral flora can manifest itself in various ways in babies, toddlers and children. Here are some signs you should look out for:

• Bad breath: An unpleasant odour from the mouth can indicate an imbalance of bacteria.
• Increased occurrence of caries: If your child develops tooth decay more frequently, this could indicate a disturbed oral flora that favours the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Inflammation of the gums: Red, swollen or bleeding gums can be a sign of unhealthy oral flora.
• Dry mouth: A dry mouth can promote the formation of harmful bacteria and indicate an imbalance in the oral microbiome.
• Oral thrush: In babies in particular, a white coating on the tongue or in the mouth can be an indication of a fungal infection caused by impaired oral flora.

If you notice these symptoms in your child, you should consult a dentist to clarify the causes and initiate appropriate treatment.

There are several measures you can take to positively influence the oral microbiome and promote your child's health:

• Oral care routines: Regular brushing, flossing and mouthwashes support the oral microbiome. You can strengthen your baby's oral flora from the moment the first teeth come through by using a microbiome-promoting teething care product such as Dentinox® Gel care. By strengthening the body's defences in the mouth at an early stage, oral inflammation can be prevented and the development of the sense of speech and taste can be promoted. 
• Balanced diet: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the development of a healthy oral microbiome. Be sure to offer your children a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in their mouths. Regular consumption of fermented foods such as yoghurt and kefir can also help to support the balance in the oral microbiome.   
• Avoid excessive sugar: You should minimise your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Sugar favours the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Make sure you offer your children a low-sugar diet and choose healthy alternatives instead. This is important for your oral health! 
• Regular visits to the dentist: Even as a child, regular visits to the dentist should become a habit. Your dentist can recognise and treat oral health problems at an early stage. They also give you tips on how to optimise your oral hygiene to keep your oral microbiome healthy. 

Dentinox® Gel care gentle teething care is an excellent choice to support your child's oral flora. It contains a special combination of ingredients, including the contained ferment of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum and the plaque-reducing Acacia Senegal Gum. These ingredients help to reduce harmful bacteria and promote harmonious interaction in the oral cavity. The use of this gel can not only reduce the development of tooth decay and other oral health problems, but also improve the oral health of infants and children.

By strengthening the oral flora early on, you can lay the foundation for your child's long-term oral health.