Let’s look at the ‘new-ish kid on the block’ – the interproximal brush. These brilliantly simple little devices have revolutionised preventive dentistry and are fast overtaking floss as the interdental cleaning go-to.
A users guide. . .
'The good’ and ‘the bad’ aspects of the interdental brushes.
The good:
These brushes clean under the gum line gently, reducing bacterial numbers and breaking up the biofilm.
They can in a range of sizes and styles to fit all sorts of gaps.
They make cleaning back teeth much simpler to do – a big winner.
Super convenient to carry around. One brush can be tucked in a wallet or a pocket for day time use.
Each brush can be used more than once.
Interdental brushes beat floss hands down when it comes to cleaning grooves and hollows on the tooth surface.
The bad:
When teeth are very close to each other these brushes are impossible to use.
You can hurt yourself with the small wire if you are not careful.
Some people hate the feeling of the wire between their teeth.
The wires can break if you are rough or twist them too far.
Most people need more than one brush size to thoroughly clean their whole mouth, making them a bit more fiddly.
The everyday problems dentists see with interdental brushes:
Same as flossing, people lose interest and stop doing it….
Because they are easier to use, it is also easier to do without focus and get a poor result.
Impossible to use between tightly spaced teeth.
Are interproximal brushes the tool for you?
If you have tried floss and do not like it or just cannot use it, get your dentist to show how to use these brushes.
They are very good for people who are busy, and really want to make the commitment to good oral health.
When people fall in love with these brushes, their oral health improves measurably.
