What Are the Benefits of Using Interdental Brushes?
After eating, there is food debris left stuck between teeth. If left there for some time, it combines with bacteria leading to tooth decay and infection. This is why brushing twice and flossing once daily is essential in keeping decay and other oral issues at bay. One way of removing food debris between teeth is by using an interdental brush. If you’re wondering what kind of brush this is and why you should use it, worry no more. We’ve got the answers to the mentioned questions and more concerning interdental brushes. So, keep on reading to learn more.
What Is an Interdental Brush?
A regular toothbrush cannot clean between teeth or remove food debris in teeth with large gaps. However, if you visit the Emerson dentist near you, they may recommend an interdental brush. This type of brush can clean between teeth efficiently to remove food debris, thereby reducing the chances of getting gum disease and other oral problems.
Who Should Use an Interdental Brush?
It is essential to note that an interdental brush is suitable for anyone. However, if you have large spaces between teeth, you should visit the dental clinic near you to consult on the most suitable size of the interdental brush. Other people who can benefit from an interdental brush include:
People who don’t enjoy flossing their teeth – flossing takes longer than brushing, which makes some people not enjoy the process. Fortunately, an interdental brush can work as effectively as dental floss.
People with braces – flossing can be challenging if you have braces as the dental floss can get stuck between the archwire and bracket. The good news is that interdental brushes can be used effectively for people with braces.
People suffering from joint problems – people who cannot move freely due to joint problems find it easier to use an interdental brush than dental floss.
How To Use an Interdental Brush
You should ensure that your clean your teeth once a day before brushing. Additionally, choose an interdental brush that will clean the spaces in your teeth. There are different sizes of brushes; therefore, you should opt for a brush that can clean well between your teeth.
After getting a suitable brush, hold it with your thumb and index finger : the way you hold a pencil. Holding it this way gives you a comfortable grip ensuring you can brush your teeth efficiently.
Next, insert the brush between your teeth and use a light back-and-forth movement. Do these 2 to 3 times. If the brush feels tight or gets stuck between your teeth, you will need to look for a smaller brush. You should focus on the deep areas between your teeth as they harbor lots of food debris that can cause tooth decay.
Why Choose an Interdental Brush?
Now that you know what an interdental brush is and how to use it, what are some of its benefits? Here are some of them:
Provides a convenient method of cleaning teeth – although a toothbrush and dental floss can clean teeth, they don’t provide the same level of convenience as an interdental brush. This is because they come in different sizes, which ensures that food debris stuck in the hard-to-reach areas is dislodged.
Provides thorough oral hygiene – the standard dental floss and toothbrush cannot remove all food debris, especially in the tooth grooves. Tartar and plaque can develop and progress, leading to gum disease. Fortunately, an interdental brush is designed to get into the tooth grooves to remove debris and plaque, preventing tooth decay and bacterial infections.
It has flexible material that can reach between the back molars – the strings of dental floss cannot easily reach the back molars, but an interdental brush can, thanks to its flexible material.
Reduces the advancement of periodontitis and gingivitis – after getting treatment for gum disease at the dental clinic in Emerson, the dentist may recommend an interdental brush. This is because an interdental brush will remove food stuck deep between teeth, reducing the progression of gum disease.
Plaque and tartar are the main culprits of gum disease. Therefore, removing them is essential in preventing periodontitis, which is a more severe infection. Unfortunately, not all plaque and tartar can be removed by a brush, whether a standard one or an interdental. This is where visiting a qualified professional like the one in Emerson Family Dental is essential. We offer regular dental exams and cleanings for optimal oral health.