Oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing your teeth—it’s also about cleaning between them. Interdental cleaning removes plaque and food particles from areas your toothbrush can’t reach, significantly reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities. Despite its importance, many people neglect this crucial step. In this blog, we’ll discuss why cleaning between your teeth cleaning, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. With the right tools, like Curaprox or Optim interdental brushes and Oral-B floss, you can achieve better oral health and a brighter smile.
What is interdental cleaning?
Interdental cleaning refers to the process of cleaning between your teeth to remove plaque and food debris. While brushing your teeth removes most plaque from the surface, it can leave up to 60% of plaque on inter proximal surfaces—the spaces between teeth. These areas are particularly vulnerable to decay and gum disease, making cleaning between your teeth a vital part of oral hygiene.
Why is interdental cleaning important?
Without proper cleaning, plaque buildup between teeth can lead to serious oral health issues, such as:
- Gum disease: Plaque between teeth irritates the gums, causing gingivitis and, if untreated, periodontitis.
- Tooth decay: Plaque accumulation increases the risk of cavities in hard-to-reach areas.
- Bad breath: Food particles trapped between teeth can cause unpleasant odours as they decompose.
A study found that individuals who performed interdental cleaning 4–7 times per week had significantly lower rates of periodontal disease and tooth loss.
What are the benefits of interdental cleaning?
Interdental cleaning offers a range of benefits that go beyond just cleaner teeth:
- Improved gum health: Removing plaque from between teeth reduces inflammation and prevents gum disease.
- Reduced risk of cavities: By cleaning areas your toothbrush can’t reach, you reduce the risk of decay.
- Better overall health: Gum disease is linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your gums healthy supports your overall health.
- Enhanced confidence: Clean, healthy teeth and fresh breath can improve your self-esteem.
How to perform interdental cleaning
Incorporating interdental cleaning into your routine is simple. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Choose the right tool: Depending on the size of the spaces between your teeth, select an appropriate interdental cleaning tool.
- Interdental brushes: Ideal for larger gaps and more effective than floss. We recommend Curaprox and Optim interdental brushes.
- Floss: Works well for tight spaces. Consider Oral-B floss for ease of use.
- Rubber Picks: For sensitive gums or beginners, rubber picks offer a softer, effective alternative to traditional brushes.
- Be gentle: Avoid snapping floss or forcing brushes into tight spaces, as this can harm your gums.
- Clean every day: Aim to clean between your teeth at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
- Follow up with brushing: After interdental cleaning, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to remove any dislodged debris.
A final note
Cleaning between your teeth is an essential part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By removing plaque and debris from between your teeth, you reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Tools like Curaprox or Optim interdental brushes, and Oral-B floss make it easier than ever to achieve thorough cleaning.
At well, we are bringing dental wellness to life. We’re here to make it easier to keep mouths healthy and happy. Check out our range of preventive hygiene treatments bespoke to each patient, by heading over to our treatment page.
