The Importance of flossing and Interdental brush for teeth
Why flossing matters:
Prevent gum disease: Flossing is one type of interdental cleaner that removes the plaque from between the teeth’s contact areas. Dental plaque, when allowed to build up on the teeth, hardens and becomes tartar, which leads to the onset of gum disease.
Prevent tooth decay:
Flossing between the teeth will reduce the buildup of the plaque and remove the food particles stuck, eventually keeping the teeth surfaces clean and preventing the development of dental caries.
Promotes fresh breath
Flossing removes the food that is stuck between the teeth in hard-to-reach areas. When the food that is stuck between the teeth is allowed to decay, it can result in foul smelling breath. Flossing removes bad breath causing bacteria between the teeth.
Improve overall health:
Oral health is a reflector of overall general health. Flossing along with brushing is necessary to maintain proper oral hygiene. Studies have shown Poor oral hygiene can result in conditions such as stroke, endocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases.
What is an interdental brush?
It is made up of a central metal wire with nylon filaments twisted around it. it is an interdental cleaning aid to reach the areas between the teeth, which the toothbrush cannot reach. It is especially useful in patients with bone loss between the teeth. Periodontitis causes bone loss and gum recession, which causes the gingival embrasures to widen, which may serve as areas of plaque buildup and food lodgement. These gingival embrasures can be effectively cleaned with interdental brushes.
Types of interdental brushes
Straight, angled and metal free rubber interdental brushes are the different types available.
Ease of use: interdental brushes have high patient acceptance due to ease of use.
Effective cleaning: when used as an adjuvant to tooth brushes, the use of interdental brushes improves the plaque scores, bleeding index, and probing depth.
Gentle on gums: Interdental picks made of rubber can be used for an even enhanced gentleness on the gums.
Great for braces and implants: Use the interdental brush around the braces and under the wires at least once a day during the orthodontic treatment. A tapered brush tip can be used under the wires. For cleaning around the implants, Interdental brushes are an excellent tool.
How to use an Interdental brush
Select the right size. This is an important parameter, as failure to use a right sized brush leads to failure of any significant improvements in the periodontal indices. The Dentist can determine the right size by using a color-coded probe. The probe is passed between the teeth from the buccal side and when it fits snugly, the colour is noted and the corresponding brush is suggested. There will be a need to use different sizes for different spaces in the mouth, as suggested by the dentist, as one size doesn’t fit all. Brushes are available in many sizes and shapes.
Select the right shape- Brushes can be conical or cylindrical. Straight or bent. Your dentist will help in choosing the one that is best for you.
Manner of Use: Insert the brush gently and use a gentle back-and-forth motion. It should snugly fit, with slight resistance, but shouldn’t hurt. Use it in all the interdental spaces and rinse the mouth thoroughly after. Rinse the interdental brush thoroughly and allow it to dry before storing it.
How long does an Interdental brush last?
Before recommending that the patient use an interdental brush, the dentist will demonstrate and explain how they should be used. After using them gently back and forth, they need to be completely cleaned and dried. They span many days to several weeks. Family members should not swap them since this could cause cross-contamination.
Conclusion
We at solitaire family dentistry recognize the importance of instilling good oral hygiene practices to our patients as the first step in therapy. We place high importance in educating the patients on managing the interdental plaque at home. Contact solitaire family dentistry to know more about the ways to achieve good oral hygiene. If you are concerned about maintaining plaque free dental implants, feel free to reach out to us to learn about the techniques, such as interdental brushing, which keep the implants disease free for a long duration. Book a consultation today @6281497455 as we are the Best dental service provider in kukatpally. We provide the best painless teeth cleaning services in Hyderabad. Your smile is our pride.
