It’s no surprise that good oral hygiene is an essential part of maintaining good health. Many people are aware of the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, but there is one element of brushing that is often neglected: interdental cleaning. Interdental brushes, also known as dental picks, can help clean between teeth where traditional toothbrushes cannot reach. Studies suggest they are great in preventing gum disease and decay by cleaning food particles and plaque from between your teeth. In this blog post, we will explore what interdental brushes are and why they are important for good oral hygiene. We will discuss what types of interdental brushes are available and how to use them properly. So if you want to take your dental care a step further, stick around to learn more!
What are Interdental Brushes?
Interdental brushes are those small, spiky toothbrushes that look a bit like pipe cleaners. They’re designed to fit between your teeth and clean the areas that your regular toothbrush can’t reach. Those undergoing Orthodontic treatment(braces) should definitely use an Interdental brush as normal flossing can be out of bounds. Most interdental brushes have a small handle that you hold on to while you insert the brush into the space between your teeth. Once the brush is in place, you simply move it back and forth to clean the area. Interdental brushes come in a variety of sizes to fit different-sized spaces between teeth. You may need to try a few different sizes before you find the one that’s right for you. If used properly, interdental brushes can be very effective at removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth. They can also help to reduce gum disease and bad breath.
How to Use Interdental Brushes
These small, handheld brushes can help clean where your toothbrush bristles can’t reach, and they’re easy to use. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Choose the right size brush head. There are different sizes available, so it’s important to find one that fits snugly between your teeth without forcing it.
2. Wet the brush head and insert it into the space between your teeth.
3. Gently move the brush back and forth in a circular motion to clean the area.
4. Repeat with all spaces between your teeth.
5. Spit out any excess toothpaste or water after brushing.
And that’s it! Interdental brushing only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in keeping your smile healthy
Different types of Interdental Brushes
There are a few types of interdental brushes:
1. Regular Interdental Brushes: These are the most common type of interdental brush, and they come in a variety of sizes to fit different spaces between teeth.The biggest pro of regular interdental brushes is that they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to find in stores. The biggest con is that they can be difficult to use if you have smaller teeth or spaces between your teeth.
2. Electric Interdental Brushes: These brushes are more expensive than regular interdental brushes, but they offer a number of advantages. First, electric interdental brushes do a better job of cleaning between teeth than regular brushes because they vibrate at high speeds. Second, electric interdental brushes are much easier to use than regular brushes, so they’re a good option for people who have difficulty using regular interdental brushes. The biggest downside of electric interdental brushes is that they require batteries, which can add to the cost over time.
3. Water Flossers: Water flossers are another popular option for cleaning between teeth, and they have a number of advantages over both regular and electric interdental brushes. First, water flossers are very effective at removing plaque and bacteria from between teeth. Second, water and sparkling clean.
Alternatives to Interdental Brushes
There are essentially 2 alternatives to interdental brushes that can be used to clean between teeth. One option is floss, which can be thread- or tape-like. Another option, water flossers (also called dental irrigators) use a stream of water to remove plaque and debris from between teeth.
Conclusion
Interdental brushes are an incredibly effective tool for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Not only can they help remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth, but they can also reduce the risk of gum disease by getting rid of plaque and tartar buildup. If you use metal braces, flossing can be difficult. This brush is a must for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment. With proper use, interdental brushes can make a huge difference to your dental hygiene routine – so if you’re looking for a way to improve it, why not give them a try?
Note: If you are considering Orthodontic treatment, book a Free Consult with us to discuss your options. Our Invisalign plans start from $29 per week.
