When we think of good dental hygiene, we often forget about the interdental spaces. However, the interdental brush, which is often referred to as an "interdental brush" in everyday language, is essential for good oral health. It is used in addition to traditional brushing. Indeed, this interdental brush will allow you to protect yourself against tooth decay. It also removes food debris in the narrow spaces between your incisors. Instead of flossing or using a dental spray, learn about interdental brushes that are super convenient and effective for everyday use.
Here's a guide to why it's important to use an interdental brush in addition to brushing your teeth.
What is an interdental brush?
The interdental brush or "interdental brush" is used to clean the interdental spaces. These are the areas where bacteria are most often at the origin of caries and periodontal disease. Indeed, some areas remain difficult to access even with a good toothbrush. It therefore allows the removal of the remaining plaque. It is particularly suitable for people with widely spaced teeth or gum problems. It also complements the action of a toothbrush. It is therefore important to brush your teeth well before you can use it properly. To do this, it is recommended to use a sonic toothbrush that takes into account your dental sensitivity. This is the case with the Y-Brush toothbrush, for example, which has several sonic vibration modes. You therefore have to choose the one that is best suited to your teeth.
The different functions of an interdental brush
Cleaning interdental spaces to prevent tooth decay
Rather than going to the dentist because of dental problems, a good grip on your teeth could save your life. The soft interdental brush comes in different sizes. It is perfect for teeth and gums that need to be cleaned effectively. For complete oral hygiene, start by brushing your teeth well after every meal. Then rinse your mouth weekly and don't forget to prevent cavities and tartar build-up with interdental brushing! Dentists recommend that you use a soft brush to clean your teeth and the spaces between your teeth and then rinse your mouth thoroughly. Adopt these good habits now to prevent tooth decay.
Brushing between the teeth for good oral hygiene
Tooth brushing is not complete without removing food residues that are lodged in the interdental spaces. Brushing hard-to-reach areas carefully for clean teeth is the job of the intermediate brush. Remember to carefully brush the space between the teeth to effectively fight against dental plaque and prevent periodontal disease.
Brushing the spaces between the teeth requires more care than brushing your teeth "normally". For healthy teeth and to avoid frequent visits to your dentist, protect yourself against gum disease with this interdental brush. For optimal interdental brushing, use an orthodontic dental jet and gently move back and forth to access difficult areas.
An interdental brush for adults and children
For children, the interdental brush can be used on both baby teeth and permanent teeth. For the first teeth, the cleaning of the teeth must be very gentle, which is why there are different sizes. Good brushing is a necessity for both adults and children. Choose an interdental brush with soft bristles to avoid bleeding gums. You need to brush gently through your oral cavity. Brushing your teeth requires a certain amount of time for the dental care to be completed. Be careful not to use toothpicks for your oral health, as they make the gums sensitive. Flossing can also damage tooth enamel, even if it is quite flexible. This is why an interdental brush is the best option.
Choosing the right interdental brush for your needs
The 3F rule
All dentists recommend that you choose your interdental brush according to the 3F rule. This rule ensures that the interdental brush is used correctly. It is important that the brush is adapted to your teeth when you wear orthodontic appliances, such as braces, aligners or braces. It is therefore important that the interdental brush respects these three principles: Scrubbing, not Floating, not Forcing. A brush that is too thin will not be of much use and one that is too wide will cause trauma to the teeth and gums. You should only be able to feel the bristles rubbing against your teeth and gums.
The bristles of the interdental brush
- Synthetic bristles : they are much softer on teeth and gums
- round or triangular bristles : they allow you to make rotating movements between the teeth and gums
- Medium or soft bristles : they do not break inside your teeth
The diameter of the interdental brush
The choice of the diameter of the interdental brush depends on your interdental spaces. Indeed, it is available in different sizes and diameters. They range from 0.6 mm to 6 mm because it takes into account the diversity of interdental spaces of all. It is particularly advisable to opt for a fine brush which will fit better in the interdental spaces. However, it should not be too thin, as the stem may twist in your mouth. Nor should it be too thick, as this can damage your teeth. It is therefore particularly important to choose a small size in all cases. You can only upgrade to a larger diameter if necessary.
The advantages of certain interdental brushes
The interdental brush has many advantages for maintaining good oral hygiene. You can choose an interdental brush with the design you prefer to motivate you even more to finish brushing your teeth.
Here are the different advantages of some interdental brushes:
- Coloured bristles: They help to detect dental plaque
- Chlorhexidine impregnated bristles: This is an antibacterial agent that keeps the brush clean after use
- Protective caps: they prevent your interdental brush from getting dirty
- Angled handles: they allow access to the back teeth
The use of the interdental brush
This interdental brush can be used every day after brushing your teeth without any problem. However, it is particularly important to be gentle and soft so as not to damage the gums and teeth.
Here is the technique for using an interdental brush properly:
- Wet your interdental brush
- Insert it into your interdental spaces
- Move it back and forth while tilting it
- Repeat these same movements after each brushing, i.e. 2 to 3 times a day
- Rinse your brush and change it every week
The interdental brush handle: a good complement to its use
The main function of the handles for interdental brushes is to ensure that the brushes are held securely.
They also prevent your hands from touching the interdental brush during use. They are therefore designed to allow you to be very hygienic. The bristles are based on chlorhexidine. They therefore provide antibacterial protection. In the same sense, they allow to fight against dental caries, periodontitis and gingivitis. The price of a handle for interdental brushes is rather variable. However, they always cost less than 10 euros.
We hope that this guide has convinced you of the benefits of choosing an interdental brush. Indeed, it is very easy to get an interdental brush that will take care of your teeth. All you have to do is take note of all these criteria and ask your dentist. You will see that you will be able to maintain good oral hygiene at all times.
