If you’re brushing your teeth twice a day and having regular hygienist visits and dental check-ups, you may think you’re already doing enough to keep your mouth healthy – but what if we told you there’s something else you could be doing to keep your mouth in tip-top condition?
Interdental brushes are arguably better than using dental floss or mouthwash as a means of keeping your teeth and gums healthy and reducing the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis or periodontal disease.
The Benefits of Using Interdental Brushes
- Effective Plaque Removal – Interdental brushes are designed to reach the tight spaces between teeth where traditional toothbrushes can’t. They excel at removing plaque and food particles, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Gentle on Gums – Unlike dental floss, interdental brushes are gentle on gums and less likely to cause irritation or bleeding. This makes them an excellent option if you have sensitive gums.
- Improved Gum Health – Regular use of interdental brushes can promote healthier gums by preventing the build-up of bacteria and plaque. Healthy gums are the foundation of strong teeth.
- Preventing Bad Breath – By effectively removing food particles and bacteria from between teeth, interdental brushes can help combat bad breath, ensuring a fresher mouth.
- Easy to Use – Interdental brushes come in various sizes to accommodate different gaps between teeth. They are easy to handle and navigate, making them suitable for people of all ages.
How to Use Interdental Brushes
Using interdental brushes is a straightforward process, but before you begin you need to select the right size for your teeth.
- Choose an interdental brush size that fits comfortably between your teeth without forcing it. Your dentist may also be able to recommend the right size brush for you based on their observation of your teeth – so try asking them at your next check-up. Here at the Wellesley we also sell interdental brushes so ask at reception if you would like some help choosing the right one for you. Popular brands such as TePe are colour coded so you simply need to learn which colour is right for you and this makes it easy to remember which ones you need next time you purchase some.
- Once you have chosen the right brush, begin by Insert the brush between your teeth at a 90-degree angle to your gums. Move the brush gently back and forth to dislodge debris and plaque. Avoid using excessive force, in order to prevent gum irritation.
- Work your way along your teeth, cleaning each gap in turn. Some people like to start in the middle of the top, then go left and right, then do the same with the bottom teeth, but you may develop your own system to make sure that none of your gaps are missed!
- Then rinse and repeat. Rinse the brush regularly during use and repeat the process for each gap between your teeth. After use, clean the brush with warm water and let it air dry. Replace the brush when the bristles start to wear out.
How Often to Use Interdental Brushes
For optimal results, use interdental brushes at least once a day, preferably after brushing your teeth, just before bedtime. This ensures that you remove any food particles and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day. Like anything new, this might seem like a bit of a hassle at first but you’ll soon find that it becomes part of your daily dental routine and once you begin to experience the improved health benefits of using an interdental brush you should find that you feel motivated to carry on using them.
Where to Buy Interdental Brushes
You can find interdental brushes at most chemists, supermarkets, and online retailers. They come in various brands, sizes, and types, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs. We also sell them here at the Wellesley so if you are a patient please ask about them at your next visit and we will be happy to help you find the right size for your teeth and give you some advice on using them.
The best selling brand of interdental brushes is called Tepe, they come both with both short and long handled versions, which are used for reaching in between the teeth right at the back of your mouth.
Are Interdental Brushes Better than Dental Floss?
While dental floss is effective, interdental brushes offer several advantages:
- Ease of Use – Interdental brushes are easier to manoeuvre, especially for those with dexterity issues or braces.
- Greater Coverage – They provide more thorough cleaning in larger gaps between teeth.
- Gentle on Gums – They are less likely to cause gum irritation and bleeding.
- Reusable – Unlike dental floss, many interdental brushes are reusable, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
- Clean and simple – Floss can shred and get stuck in the gaps between your teeth, interdental brushes are much simpler to use and don’t get stuck. They are designed to be flexible and sometimes they can get bent, but are easily put back into shape.
Some people like to mix and match, using floss for harder to reach places or specific areas in their mouth. There’s no right or wrong way, the main thing is that you are consistent and incorporate some dedicated time to clean the space in between your teeth as part of your daily oral health routine.
Preventing Periodontal Disease and Other Oral Health Issues
Regular use of interdental brushes can significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease (gum disease), cavities, and other oral health issues. By maintaining healthy gums and preventing plaque build-up, you’re taking proactive steps towards better oral health.
Are Interdental Brushes Better than Using Mouthwash for Treating Periodontal Disease?
Interdental brushes and mouthwash serve different roles in oral hygiene and periodontal disease treatment, and their effectiveness can vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s important to understand their respective functions:
Interdental brushes are primarily designed for the physical removal of plaque and debris from the spaces between teeth and along the gumline. They are highly effective at cleaning these areas, where a toothbrush can’t reach effectively. Using interdental brushes can help prevent the build-up of plaque, which is a key contributor to periodontal disease.
Mouthwash, on the other hand, typically contains antiseptic or antibacterial agents. While it can help kill bacteria in the mouth and temporarily freshen breath, it may not be as effective as physical cleaning methods like brushing and flossing or using interdental brushes when it comes to removing plaque and preventing periodontal disease. Some specialised therapeutic mouthwashes prescribed by a dentist may offer additional benefits in managing periodontal disease, but they are often used in conjunction with brushing.
The best approach to managing periodontal disease often involves a combination of methods:
- Regular Brushing – This includes brushing with a soft toothbrush, flossing, and using interdental brushes to physically remove plaque and debris.
- Professional Dental Care – Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for managing periodontal disease. A dentist or dental hygienist can perform deep cleanings to remove tartar and plaque from below the gumline. At the Wellesley we have an amazing piece of equipment called a GBT Airflow which is designed to aid hygienists in this treatment.
- Prescribed Medications – In some cases, dentists may prescribe medications or therapeutic mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents to help manage periodontal disease.
- Lifestyle Changes – Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco use, can also contribute to gum health.
- Consistent Oral Hygiene – Consistency in daily oral hygiene practices is crucial. Regular and thorough cleaning, combined with professional care, can help manage and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
If you have gum disease it is important to consult with a dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition. They can provide guidance on the use of interdental brushes, mouthwash, and other oral hygiene tools to effectively manage periodontal disease and maintain good oral health.
Incorporating interdental brushes into your daily oral hygiene routine can be a game-changer for your dental health and can help to treat and prevent gum disease. With their numerous benefits, ease of use, and ability to prevent a raft of health issues, these little brushes are a valuable addition to your dental care arsenal. By using interdental brushes you are taking another step closer to achieving a healthy, lasting smile, and we guarantee that your teeth and gums will thank you for it!
Need some advice on choosing the right brush? Ask us next time you have an appointment or get in touch, we’ll be more than happy to help.
