Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste should be second nature. But maintaining a healthy smile requires more than just twice-daily brushing. Interdental cleaning is essential to achieve a healthy mouth and smile.
What is Interdental Brushing?
Interdental brushing refers to cleaning between your teeth with interdental brushes. Brushing your teeth well for two minutes each time will still only reach approximately 60% of your tooth’s surfaces. This can be enhanced significantly with interdental brushes.
The gaps between your teeth gather debris and plaque, and cleaning these gaps is essential for overall oral health. Interdental brushes are available in various widths and sizes. Consulting a dental professional, such as Blythe Road, is the best way to ensure you are using the right interdental brushes for your teeth.
Why Use Interdental Brushes?
Plaque builds up in all crevices, and the places a toothbrush cannot reach provides the perfect place for it. This can lead to issues such as gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Incorporating interdental brushing into your daily tooth cleaning routine will help eliminate this risk.
Interdental brushes are designed to slip into those crevices that a toothbrush cannot. This leaves the gaps as fresh and healthy as the surface of your teeth when used alongside regular brushing.
When and How to Use Interdental Brushes
It is recommended that you use interdental brushes at least once every other day for maximum oral care. You may find that your gums bleed when you first start using this method, but you should notice this improves after a day or two. If this issue persists, contact your dental specialist.
The brush should fit snuggly between your teeth, and you should never force the brush to fit. Once you have inserted the brush, begin moving it back and forth. Do this motion two-three times. You will need a few different brush sizes for your mouth. Switch between these sizes depending on the part of your mouth you are cleaning. Spaces between teeth will vary at different points.
Do not rush the process or move the brush vigorously. Interdental cleaning should be carried out gently. If you feel pain or resistance, stop.
For further information on the specialist dental treatments, we offer at Blythe Road, contact our professional team on 020 7602 5089.
