Brushing your teeth twice per day should always be the top priority when thinking about oral hygiene, however, interdental cleaning can boost the health of your mouth even more!
Why interdental cleaning is important
Toothbrushing alone only reaches 60% of the tooth’s surfaces so when you pair that with the use of interdental brushes in between any gaps in your teeth, it increases the amount of surface area covered and is one of the easiest and most important things to do for a healthier smile.
Dental plaque can build up in places where a toothbrush cannot reach which overtime can lead to tooth decay, gum inflation and bad breath. By using the interdental brush as a part of your daily routine, it significantly reduces these risks.
Choosing the right size
An interdental brush is a small brush designed specifically for cleaning in between your teeth in the places that a toothbrush cannot reach. Choosing the right size for the brush is crucial and you should always ask your dentist for their recommendation as they come in many different sizes. The first few uses of the interdental brush may make your gums feel a little sore and potentially even some slight bleeding, but this is usually just a sign of slight gum inflammation. If there is no improvement within a few days, contact us and ask for more advice.
The brush should have a relatively tight fit but the wire in the middle should never touch the teeth or the gums. Do not try to force the brush into spaces that it is too big for. You are likely to need different sized brushes in order to cater to the spaces between the teeth which usually vary throughout the mouth.
To use the brush, move it to its full length back and forth around 2-3 times and ensure to clean all the spaces between the teeth once per day.
Using the interdental brushes
- Use a straight interdental brush between the front teeth
- If using a small interdental brush on the back teeth, lightly curve the soft neck or try using a long-handled brush
- If using a larger interdental brush on the back teeth, slightly curve the wire
Remember to always speak to one of our dentists if you have any concerns or questions regarding the use of interdental brushes.
For more information regarding interdental cleaning, visit www.dentalhealth.org
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