We all know we should be brushing our teeth at least twice a day, but it is less well known that we should also be cleaning in between our teeth with interdental brushes. While it might seem like yet another thing to do before we get our weary selves to bed, it’s actually very important for our oral health.
Here, we’ll take a close look at interdental cleaning and its benefits, as well as how to use interdental brushes to protect your smile for years to come.
What is interdental brushing, and what does it do?
When we eat and drink, food and debris collects between our teeth. This can cause staining and plaque build-up, which can lead to tooth damage. Regular toothbrushes, including both electronic and manual, are great at removing surface plaque when used correctly. But they’re not very good at getting in the gaps in between your teeth, which are the spots where debris can collect and cause problems.
Flossing is one method of interdental cleaning that people often use, but some find it difficult to position the tape appropriately or find they always catch their gums. Interdental brushing can be an easier alternative, and interdental brushes are available in all different sizes to cater to everyone.
Should I use interdental brushes before or after brushing?
According to the Oral Health Foundation, we should perform interdental cleaning before brushing to maximise its effectiveness. The study found that flossing loosens bacteria and debris from between the teeth, making them easier to clean.
How do I use interdental brushes?
- Before brushing, use an interdental brush to clean in between the teeth. Pick a brush size appropriate for the size of the space in between your teeth. You might need to use more than one size.
-Insert the interdental brush gently between your teeth, being careful not to poke the gums surrounding your teeth.
-If the brush feels too big for the gap or gets stuck, try and use a smaller brush. Whatever you do, don’t try and force the brush into the gap as this can damage your gums.
-Go round all the spaces in between all the teeth.
-Brush your teeth as normal.
What if my teeth bleed?
If you haven’t cleaned in between your teeth for some time, you may have a heavy build-up of plaque. When you disturb this through interdental brushing, you might notice some bleeding on the first few attempts. Bleeding can be a warning sign of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. Don’t let this put you off - keep cleaning every time you brush your teeth, and eventually the bleeding should subside. If it doesn’t, please do mention it to your dentist, as it can also be a sign of other health conditions.
What health benefits can interdental cleaning offer?
By not cleaning in between your teeth, you run the risk of plaque building up and infections developing. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to general health conditions like stroke, diabetes, heart disease and more. By maintaining your oral health, by knowing how to use interdental brushes, visiting your dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth at home through methods like interdental brushing, you can improve your overall health.
If you’re unsure how to perform interdental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist should be able to show you how to use interdental brushes effectively. What’s more, they can help you reach harder to reach places that may be causing you a problem, nipping any potential problems in the bud before they escalate.
If you’re looking for help with interdental cleaning or would like a dental hygienist to give your teeth a thorough clean to get you started, the team here at Riverside Dental Spa would be happy to help. Please contact us on 020 7091 0677 or click here to request an appointment.
FAQs
What health benefits can interdental cleaning offer? By not cleaning in between your teeth, you run the risk of plaque building up and infections developing. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to general health conditions like stroke, diabetes, heart disease and more.
What are the benefits of interdental? ›
The Benefits of Using Interdental Brushes
They excel at removing plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Gentle on Gums – Unlike dental floss, interdental brushes are gentle on gums and less likely to cause irritation or bleeding.
What is the Evidence for interdental brushing? ›
In a 2015 meta-study, Sälzer found moderate evidence about the efficacy of using an interdental brush combined with brushing compared with toothbrushing alone. That is, there was a 34% reduction in gingivitis and a 32% decrease in plaque scores7.
Why is it important to clean between teeth? ›
Why interdental cleaning is so important. Dental plaque can build up between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot get to. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation and bad breath. To prevent this from happening it is a good idea to use an interdental brush as part of your daily cleaning routine.
Why is a dental cleaning important? ›
Routine teeth cleanings can help reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and dementia. Bad breath prevention. Hardened plaque and tartar can cause bad breath. Routine cleanings can help keep halitosis at bay by removing harmful microbes (microorganisms that cause disease) from your teeth surfaces.
How often should you perform interdental cleaning? ›
Cleaning in-between your teeth should be done at least once a day, according to the Australian Dental Association. If you are at a higher risk of dental disease though, then we often we may recommend more frequent interdental cleaning.
Are interdental cleaners good? ›
As a matter of fact, a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information has shown that when used together with toothbrushing, interdental brushes are more effective in removing plaque than floss.
Is an interdental brush better than floss? ›
In response, the British Society of Periodontology said: 'Evidence supports the use of small interdental brushes for cleaning between the teeth where there is space to do so, in preference to flossing… Floss is not a waste of time – it is a viable alternative to interdental brushing where appropriate.
Do dentists recommend interdental brushes? ›
The authors found that use of floss or interdental brushes in addition to toothbrushing may reduce gingivitis or plaque, or both, more than toothbrushing alone and that interdental brushes may be more effective than floss.
Can interdental brushes remove tartar? ›
In fact, interdental brushes can actually help to prevent receding gums as they are designed to fight plaque and tartar build-up, which can contribute to gum recession.
After use, rinse the brush and replace the plastic brush cap. Interdental brushes need to be thrown away when they look worn. One brush should last 7-10 days.
Can you overuse interdental brushes? ›
Too much toothbrush
An excess of brushing may erode the enamel and expose dentin with no protection, apart from damaging our gums and soft tissues. The same for dental floss or interdental brushes. We must slide gently the floss between the teeth, without damaging gums.
What is the technique for interdental cleaning? ›
Use your interdental brush once a day, preferably in the evening and in front of the mirror. Move the brush gently back and forth a few times in each interdental space. Don't use regular toothpaste, since it contains abrasives.
Why is cleaning the mouth important? ›
A clean mouth is so important every day because bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles to create plaque. That plaque sticks to your teeth and eats away at them. Mouth germs also cause bad breath, affect your risk for infections and mouth sores.
What is the best time of day to floss? ›
There are some advantages of flossing at night rather than the morning. Flossing at night will remove any plaque between your teeth that has been built up over the course of the day. This can make your teeth feel cleaner and fresher when you wake up in the morning than they would with just brushing alone.
What are the pros and cons of interdental brushes? ›
Interdental brushes are most ideal for people with larger spaces or gaps between their teeth. The “cons”: There is a higher risk of damage to the gums with interdental brush use, as the gums could be poked and punctured by the tip of the brush if not used with caution.
Is it better to floss or interdental pick? ›
In response, the British Society of Periodontology said: 'Evidence supports the use of small interdental brushes for cleaning between the teeth where there is space to do so, in preference to flossing… Floss is not a waste of time – it is a viable alternative to interdental brushing where appropriate.
What is the efficacy of a new interdental cleaning aid? ›
The results concluded that as an adjunct to brushing, the interdental brush removes more dental plaque than brushing alone.
