Oral care
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Proper interdental cleaning
For removing food residue and bacterial plaque from between the teeth, interdental brushes represent a solution that is practical, effective, and above all, versatile. In fact, they are useful for cleaning particularly wide or especially tight spaces between the teeth, for precise cleaning of the elements of a bridge, of implants, and in cases in which empty spaces form at the base of the teeth (gum recession). Their versatility makes them ideal even for patients who wear orthodontic appliances.
The interdental brush should be used at least once a day, preferably after dinner. Especially at the beginning, it is best to do this at the same time. In this way, it will quickly become a healthy daily habit.
Under normal conditions:
You need only follow this simple procedure:
• Use light pressure to insert the interdental brush in the space between the teeth. Do not force the brush into tight spaces.
• A slight inclination from below to above must be maintained for the lower arch and from above to below for the upper arch.
•Then make delicate horizontal motions several times, while preventing the interdental brush from exiting the space between the teeth.
With orthodontic appliances:
Interdental brushes are especially recommended for cleaning between the teeth and the wire of the orthodontic arch and wherever there are larger spaces between the teeth. The cleaning should be performed with delicate in and out motions, while avoiding putting too much pressure on the wire itself. Choose an interdental brush size that is suitable for the spaces to be cleaned.
With implants:
Use an interdental brush to clean the pins and underneath the prosthesis. Delicately insert it between one pin and another and clean using a gentle in-and-out motions.
With bridges:
Use an interdental instrument that is suitable for the space affected by the bridge. Clean it by inserting the interdental brush on the cheek side and on the tongue side.
How to choose an interdental brush:
Interdental brushes come in a large variety of shapes and sizes to satisfy the different needs of the patients. The main criterion to take into consideration when choosing an interdental brush is the width of the spaces between the teeth. In fact, you must avoid forcefully pushing an interdental brush that is too large into a space that is too small. The existence of orthodontic appliances, implants, bridges, gum recession, and other specific situations must also be taken into consideration. This is why initially interdental brushes should generally be prescribed by your dentist, because he can identify exactly the best shape and size for you. It is also important to change them periodically. A high-quality interdental brush, with antibacterial protected bristles, will last longer without compromising its good effects throughout its lifetime.