Interdental cleaning!

This week at the practice we have been brushing up on the importance of interdental cleaning.

One of our dental nurses, Ashley, has kindly put together an oral hygiene display to demonstrate the importance of interdental cleaning.

What is interdental cleaning?

The interdental area is the space between the teeth. This area is commonly missed when the teeth are brushed. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach between the teeth so we need to use smaller devices to ensure these areas are not being missed.

Why do I need to clean the interdental areas?

Interdental cleaning helps to prevent gum disease and dental decay by removing the small pieces of food and plaque from between your teeth.

How often should I clean the interdental areas?

You should clean them once a day, the best time being in the evening. This helps to ensure that any food stuck between the teeth from the day can be removed before you go to bed.

Some examples of interdental aids are:

• Interdental brushes, such as TePes
• Floss or dental tape
• Floss picks
• Interspace brushes
• Interdental sticks and picks

Your dentist or hygienist will be able to advise on which interdental aids to use for your mouth for an effective oral hygiene regime. It is important to remember that tooth brushing alone only cleans 60% of the tooth surface. If your gums bleed when you are brushing or using interdental aids, please do not be alarmed; the bleeding will usually decrease after 2 weeks as your gums become healthier.