What do you mean by "cleaning between?"
Brushing alone isn’t enough to take care of your teeth and gums. It’s essential to clean between your teeth – and that’s where interdental cleaning comes in.
Interdental cleaning refers to cleaning the spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. While brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, a toothbrush bristle can’t get into the narrow gaps between your teeth.
This is especially important in the fight against gum disease (periodontal disease), and here’s why you should make it part of your daily routine.
What are the main options?
- Interdental brushes – small, cone-shaped “bottle brushes” that fit between your teeth.
- Dental floss – a thin ribbon or string that can slide between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles.
- Soft picks – flexible silicon picks that clean between teeth and are great for those with sore gums or don’t like interdental brushes.
- Waterflossers – a mini jet that pulses water between your teeth and hard to reach areas.
A recap; what is gum disease?
When plaque and bacteria are left to sit between your teeth and gums, they can cause inflammation – the first sign of gingivitis. As gum disease progresses, it can lead to bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums and even tooth loss. Interdental cleaning removes the plaque and bacteria that cause this inflammation, reducing your risk of developing gum disease in the first place.
Gum disease begins with gingivitis – a mild, reversible form of gum inflammation. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. This can cause irreversible damage to your gums and the bone supporting your teeth.
What happens if you skip interdental cleaning?
Skipping interdental cleaning can lead to a build-up of plaque between your teeth, which can quickly turn into calculus if not removed. Over time, calculus can irritate your gums, causing them to become swollen, red, and bleed when you brush.
If the plaque and calculus aren’t removed, they can lead to more serious problems, such as gum infection and even tooth loss. In fact, research shows that periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
How to make interdental cleaning part of your routine
- Use the Right Product: Choose interdental brushes or dental floss that are comfortable for you to use – your dental professional can advise on the best option for your needs.
- Be Gentle: When cleaning between your teeth, be gentle to avoid injuring your gums.
- Stick to It: Make interdental cleaning a daily habit. It only takes a few minutes but can make a big difference in the health of your gums.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups allow your dentist or hygienist to monitor your gum health and help you keep your interdental cleaning routine on track.
I personally use a combination of interdental brushes for larger spaces and floss satin tape for the tighter gaps. I prefer using these at nighttime before using my electric toothbrush, and in the morning I only use an electric toothbrush.
Ultimately, you have to use what works best for your mouth, as there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” – you will require multiple sized brushes and potentially multiple cleaning aids. It does seem like a faff to start with, but once you see the results with less bleeding, less soreness and less pain, you’ll be hooked!
Book a check-up with Dr Dhroov Thanki, your gum health dentist, today.