Traditional tooth brushing is no longer sufficient when there is an oral pathology. Interdental brushes are therefore a very important tool for maintaining good oral hygiene. Their use prevents the development of certain bacteria that can weaken their gums. Discover here some information on this small toothbrush.
Here is why the interdental brush is a useful little toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth is not everything
The 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 not removed. Indeed, it will allow you to clean the space between your teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. It is important to know that the toothbrush only reaches 50% of the surface of your teeth, only the interdental cleaning can guarantee a total hygiene of your teeth. Often neglected, cleaning the interdental area is nevertheless important for a good and complete oral hygiene.
What is the purpose of an interdental brush ?
Interdental brushes are objects recommended by orthodontists and also by dental surgeons. They are very small toothbrushes that are an important complement to traditional brushing. They allow a total cleaning of the whole dentition. The purpose of an interdental brush is to remove food residues and dental plaque that settle between the teeth.
It can easily reach all the places that you miss during brushing. The spaces between the teeth occupy at least 30% of the tooth surface. They cannot be cleaned well even with careful brushing, even if you use an electric brush. However, with an interdental brush, all the spaces are filled. So you can perform a deep and clean cleaning of the teeth.
Why should you remove dental plaque?
Dental plaque is a small, inconspicuous 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. This can only be removed with the help of a dentist.
This substance can later turn into calcified tartar. This will promote the development of gum disease and cavities. Thus, plaque must be removed every six hours since it becomes dangerous for the gums and teeth.
What criteria should I consider when choosing an interdental brush?
There are certain criteria to consider before selecting your brush.
Sizes and shapes
There are several diameters and sizes of brushes. You can find 0.6 mm diameter brushes for very narrow spaces. You can also find 6mm diameter brushes for wide spaces. If you don't know what you need, don't hesitate to consult your dentist. He or she will measure your interdental spaces with a probe and guide you to the ideal brush size.
However, the thinnest brushes are recommended for initial use. You can then change to another size, especially if you notice that the stem twists quite easily. If you can't get the smallest size brush in, it means that your space is too small. You will need to use only dental floss to avoid gum damage. Brush heads are usually triangular or cylindrical. They can be optimally inserted and remove enough dental plaque.
Additional options
For easy use of interdental brushes, there are models that have additional features. These may include a tilting head to easily reach certain spaces in the molar area. The bristles may be colored to help detect plaque. You can also have interdental brushes that have a removable or non-slip handle. This allows for a good grip and reduces the risk of mishandling. Brushes that are single-use are suitable for travel, commuting and weekends. They often come in a pack.
The 3F Rule
Everyone can use interdental brushes unless there are contraindications. People who wear dental crowns, dentures or undergo orthodontic treatment can use it. You must respect the three F's rule in order to choose your brushes properly and not injure yourself during use. Your brush must rub without floating or forcing.
You should feel the bristles rubbing against your gums and the sides of your teeth. A brush that is too wide will be ineffective, while one that is too wide will cause problems for your teeth.
The right choice of interdental brush
It is recommended to use the interdental brush which is a small brush with a handle and nylon bristles. It is particularly useful if you have periodontitis or loose molars or if you wear multi-ring braces. It will allow you to eliminate food deposits, toxins and bacteria that are found between your teeth. By getting rid of these elements, it will prevent damage to your gums and enamel. It also helps prevent the development of periodontal disease and cavities. There are a number of parameters you need to take into account to correctly choose your interdental brush for a good brushing.
How do I use an interdental brush
When you finish brushing your teeth, gently insert the brush. Place it between the space between your teeth or around your braces. Now do your cleaning while moving back and forth. Do not use force. When you're finished, clean your brush very well with water.
The brush should be discarded when it starts to lose bristles. There may be some bleeding after using the interdental brush, but it will disappear over time.
Before using it, you should first brush all surfaces of your teeth with an effective toothbrush that brushes all teeth and their surfaces at the same time. This can be the Y-Brush toothbrush for example.
We hope this guide has helped you understand that brushing your teeth isn't everything, which is why using an interdental brush after brushing is especially important. It allows you to perform a complete cleaning of your teeth and remove plaque from your teeth. It is important to consider a number of criteria to make the right choice of an effective toothbrush. Its use is easy once you get the hang of it.
