Why it matters and how our dental hygienists can help you do it right
Good oral hygiene goes beyond brushing your teeth twice a day. One often-overlooked yet essential part of maintaining a healthy mouth is interdental cleaning—cleaning between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Even if you brush diligently, about 40% of the tooth surface is left uncleaned if you skip interdental cleaning. In this blog, we’ll break down the importance of cleaning between your teeth, how to do it effectively, and how our dental hygienists can guide you in perfecting your routine.
Why Interdental Cleaning is Important
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth throughout the day. If left unattended, it can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. While brushing helps remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, it doesn’t reach the spaces between them. Over time, food particles and bacteria accumulate in these areas, leading to oral health problems like:
Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Plaque that remains between teeth can inflame the gums, causing gingivitis. If untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, a serious condition that damages the bone supporting your teeth.
Tooth Decay: Bacteria thrive in these hidden areas and produce acids that can erode enamel and form cavities.
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Food debris and bacteria trapped between teeth can result in chronic bad breath, even if you brush regularly.
Benefits of Interdental Cleaning
Incorporating interdental cleaning into your routine brings numerous benefits:
Improved Gum Health: By removing plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, you reduce the risk of gum inflammation and bleeding.
Preventing Cavities: Keeping interdental spaces clean lowers the chances of tooth decay in these vulnerable areas.
Fresh Breath: Removing hidden food particles helps combat bad breath.
Enhanced Overall Health: Research links poor oral health to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene reduces your risk for these systemic issues.
Best Tools for Interdental Cleaning
There are several tools designed specifically for cleaning between teeth. The best choice depends on your personal preference, the spacing of your teeth, and your specific dental needs.
Dental Floss: The most common and traditional method, floss effectively removes plaque from between teeth and below the gumline.
How to use it: Gently slide a piece of floss between two teeth, curve it around each tooth, and move it up and down. Avoid snapping the floss to prevent injury to your gums.
Interdental Brushes: These tiny brushes are especially useful for people with larger gaps between their teeth or those with braces or dental work.
How to use it: Choose a brush size that fits snugly between your teeth without forcing it. Insert the brush gently between your teeth and move it back and forth a few times.
Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators): A water flosser uses a pressurised stream of water to clean between your teeth and along the gum line.
How to use it: Aim the water jet at the spaces between your teeth and follow the contours of your gums. This is a great option for those with braces or other dental appliances.
Wooden or Silicone Picks: These are disposable, soft-tipped tools designed to clean between teeth and stimulate the gums.
How to use it: Gently insert the pick between your teeth and move it in and out. They’re often less effective than floss or interdental brushes but can be convenient for quick, on-the-go cleaning.
How Our Dental Hygienists Can Help You Master Interdental Cleaning
While learning the technique for interdental cleaning can seem straightforward, many people make subtle mistakes that can affect the effectiveness of their efforts. That’s where our dental hygienists come in—they can help you:
Personalised Tool Selection:
Everyone’s teeth are different. Our dental hygienists can recommend the best interdental cleaning tools for your mouth. For instance, if you have tight spaces between your teeth, floss might be the best option. If you have larger gaps or braces, interdental brushes or a water flosser may be better suited for your needs.
Proper Technique Guidance:
It’s easy to floss incorrectly, which can lead to missed spots or even gum irritation. Our dental hygienists can demonstrate the correct technique for using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. They’ll show you how to clean thoroughly without damaging your gums.
Tips for Sensitivity or Inflammation:
If you’ve experienced gum bleeding or sensitivity when flossing, it could be a sign of improper technique or early gum disease. Our hygienists can assess your gums, offer tips for easing into a new routine, and suggest specialised products for sensitive areas.
Tracking Your Progress:
Interdental cleaning can make a significant difference in your overall gum health, but it takes time to see results. During regular visits, our dental hygienists will monitor your progress, making adjustments to your cleaning routine as necessary to keep your gums healthy.
Addressing Unique Needs:
Whether you have dental implants, bridges, or orthodontic braces, interdental cleaning becomes even more critical. Our hygienists can provide specific guidance on cleaning these areas, where plaque tends to accumulate more quickly.
When Should You Clean Between Your Teeth?
Interdental cleaning should be done once a day, either before or after brushing your teeth. Some prefer to floss before brushing, as it helps loosen debris that brushing can then remove. Others prefer to do it afterward to leave the mouth feeling cleaner. Either way, the key is consistency. Aim to clean between your teeth at the same time each day, making it part of your regular oral hygiene routine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While interdental cleaning is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping difficult spots: Some people neglect their back teeth, but these areas are just as prone to plaque buildup.
Being too rough: Gums are sensitive, so avoid snapping floss or forcing interdental brushes into tight spaces.
Inconsistent routine: Only cleaning between your teeth occasionally won’t give you the full benefit. Make sure it’s a daily habit.
Final thoughts, interdental cleaning is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It’s a simple step that can prevent bigger problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Whether you prefer dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser, the important thing is to find a method that works for you and stick with it.
Need a little extra help? Our dental hygienists are here to guide you. During your next appointment, ask for a demonstration or advice on perfecting your interdental cleaning routine. Your future self and your smile will thank you!