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Traditional toothbrushing is no longer sufficient when there is an oral health condition. Interdental brushes are therefore a very important tool for maintaining good oral hygiene. Using them helps prevent the development of certain bacteria that can weaken the gums. Discover some information about this small toothbrush here.
Here is why an interdental brush is a useful small toothbrush.
Toothbrushing does not do everything
A toothbrush only cleans the inner, outer and biting surfaces of the teeth. However, it is important to clean the surfaces between the teeth, where bacteria multiply if they are not removed. In fact, it allows you to clean the spaces between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. You should know that a toothbrush only reaches 50% of the surface of your teeth; only interdental cleaning can ensure complete dental hygiene. Often neglected, cleaning the interdental area is nevertheless important for complete oral hygiene.
What is an interdental brush used for?
Interdental brushes are recommended by orthodontists and dentists. They are very small toothbrushes that provide an important complement to traditional brushing. They enable thorough cleaning of the entire dentition. The purpose of an interdental brush is to remove food debris and dental plaque that accumulate between the teeth.
It can easily reach all the areas that brushing misses. The spaces between the teeth account for at least 30% of the tooth surfaces. They cannot be cleaned properly even with careful brushing, including when you use an electric toothbrush. However, with an interdental brush, all these spaces can be cleaned. You can therefore clean your teeth deeply and thoroughly.
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Why should you remove dental plaque?
Dental plaque is an invisible thin film of salivary origin. When it is not properly removed, it can contain bacteria. These bacteria feed on the food you eat and produce a sticky substance that is difficult to clean. It can only be removed by a dentist.
This substance can later turn into calcified tartar. This encourages the development of gum disease and cavities. Dental plaque should therefore be removed every six hours, as it becomes harmful to the gums and teeth.
What criteria should you consider when choosing an interdental brush?
There are several criteria to consider before selecting your interdental brush.
Sizes and shapes
Interdental brushes are available in several diameters and sizes. You can find brushes with a diameter of 0.6 mm for very narrow spaces, as well as 6 mm brushes suitable for fairly wide spaces. If you do not know which one you need, do not hesitate to consult your dentist. They will measure your interdental spaces with a probe and guide you toward the ideal brush size.
Nevertheless, using the finest brushes is recommended for first-time use. You can then change size, especially if you notice that the wire bends quite easily. If you cannot insert the smallest brush size, this means that your space is too narrow. You should use dental floss only to avoid injuring your gums. Brush heads are usually triangular or cylindrical. They can be inserted optimally and then remove a significant amount of dental plaque.
Additional features
For easy use of interdental brushes, some models offer additional features. These may include an angled head for easily reaching certain areas around the molars. The bristles may be colored to make dental plaque easier to detect. You can also find interdental brushes with removable or non-slip handles. This provides a secure grip and reduces the risk of incorrect handling. Disposable brushes are suitable for travel, trips and weekends. They are often sold in packs.
The 3F rule
Anyone can use interdental brushes unless contraindicated. People with dental crowns, prostheses or undergoing orthodontic treatment can use them. You should follow the three F rule to choose your brushes correctly and avoid injury during use. Your brush should therefore rub without floating or forcing.
You should feel the bristles rubbing against your gums and the walls of your teeth. If your brush is too narrow, it will be ineffective, whereas one that is too wide can cause problems for your teeth.
Choosing the right interdental brush
It is recommended to use an interdental brush, a small brush consisting of a handle and nylon bristles. It is particularly useful if you have periodontitis, exposed molars or fixed braces. In fact, it helps remove food deposits, toxins and bacteria located between your teeth. By removing these elements, it helps prevent damage to the gums and enamel. It also helps prevent the development of periodontal disease and cavities. There are several factors you need to consider when choosing the right interdental brush for effective cleaning.
How do you use an interdental brush?
After brushing your teeth, gently insert the brush. Place it in the space between two teeth or around your orthodontic brackets. Now clean the area using back-and-forth movements. Do not use force. When you are finished, rinse your brush thoroughly with water.
Throw away the brush when it starts to lose its bristles. Bleeding may occur after using an interdental brush, but it should disappear over time.
Before using it, you should first brush all the surfaces of your teeth with an effective toothbrush that brushes all the teeth and their surfaces at the same time. This could be the Y-Brush toothbrush, for example.
We hope this guide has helped you understand that toothbrushing does not do everything, which is why using an interdental brush after brushing is particularly important. It enables you to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove dental plaque. It is important to consider a number of criteria when choosing an effective toothbrush. Using it is easy once you get the hang of it.
