Even the best toothbrush cannot perfectly clean the narrow spaces between the teeth, where a large amount of plaque accumulates. Interdental brushes are used to clean the interdental spaces. Regular use of them will help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums for life. Do you know how to choose the right interdental brush and how to use it?
How to choose an interdental brush?
The size of the interdental brushes should correspond to the size of the interdental gap. If the brush is too small, it will not clean the plaque perfectly, if it is too large, it can damage the gums. A dentist or dental hygienist will help you choose the size. Another way to choose the right size of the interdental brush is to buy a package with several sizes. An interdental brush of a suitable size passes into the interdental spaces, fills them, and cleans the entire space beautifully, including the gingival groove. Since not all interdental spaces have the same size, it is possible to combine interdental brushes of several sizes (brush sets of different sizes are available). Dental floss or tape is used to clean very narrow areas that are inaccessible even to an interdental brush.
Interdental brushes
For ease of use, you can put interdental brushes in a special holder or immediately buy a model with a handle.
There are a large number of brushes for interdental spaces on the market, and each has a different size. If you want to try brushes from another manufacturer, you can refer to one parameter called ISO permeability (created by the International Organization for Standardization). The ISO bandwidth is numbered, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, where 0 corresponds to the smallest brush size, and 7 corresponds to the largest. Interdental brushes can be used even if you wear braces or have dental implants – some manufacturers offer special types of toothbrushes only for these cases.
How to properly clean the interdental spaces?
Even when cleaning the interdental spaces, the correct technique is of key importance. It can be summarized point by point as follows:
Insert the toothbrush into the interdental space at an angle to the gums from top to bottom. If you encounter resistance, adjust the angle.
When the brush is inserted about halfway, straighten it to a horizontal position.
Move back and forth to clear the interdental space.
Use light pressure, not force.
Do not turn the interdental brush.
When to clean the interdental spaces?
It is enough to clean the interdental spaces once a day during oral hygiene. You can use a brush for interdental spaces after brushing with a toothbrush for cleaning (you will be surprised how much plaque will remain after brushing with a toothbrush), or you can even before brushing – in this case, you will prepare the interdental spaces well for other oral hygiene. products are water).
How to get started?
If you have never used interdental brushes before, do not worry about the initial bleeding from the gums. Bleeding gums is a manifestation of gingivitis, which usually resolves a few days after thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces. With it, the swelling of the gums will disappear, so be prepared for the fact that you may need larger brushes. If the bleeding does not stop after a week, contact your dentist.
Don’t forget prevention
Even if you take good care of your teeth, do not forget about regular preventive examinations at the dentist, ideally twice a year. It is also recommended to ask a dental hygienist to check the correct technique of brushing teeth and interdental spaces.
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