What is Interdental brushes, various sizes of brushes and how to use interdental brush effectively?

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES : 

An interdental or interproximal ("proxy") brush is a small brush, typically disposable, either supplied with a reusable angled plastic handle or an integral handle, used for cleaning between teeth and between the wire of dental braces and the teeth.

WHAT IS AN INTERDENTAL BRUSH MADE OF? 

Interdental brushes commonly consist of a central metal wire core with soft nylon filaments twisted around and are available in various sizes to correspond to different spaces between teeth.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SIZES OF INTERDENTAL BRUSHES?

Manufacturers of interdental brushes have color-coded them so that we can easily choose, purchase and use the sizes that we need. The smallest sized ones are pink and have a diameter of 0.4mm and the widest brush is black and measures 1.5mm.


HOW TO USE INTERDENTAL BRUSH EFFECTIVELY?

  • aim to clean your teeth with interdental brushes once a day before brushing
  • use a brush appropriate for the size of the space between your teeth – you may need to use more than one size
  • insert the brush gently between your teeth, and try a smaller brush size if it feels too tight – don't try to force the brush into the space
  • work around the whole of your mouth so you don't miss any of the spaces.


FLOSSING vs INTERDENTAL BRUSHES - WHICH IS BETTER OPTION?

When it comes to taking care of our teeth, there is no single approach that fits everyone.

Advice to every individual varies depending upon different factors such as:

  • Whether or not there are gaps between teeth and how tight these are
  • Whether the mouth is affected by periodontal (gum) disease
  • The manual dexterity of the patient – this is particularly important for flossing
  • Mouth size – is smaller mouths, it can be much harder to get access to floss back teeth
  • Gag reflex
  • Muscular guarding – oral muscles can involuntarily contract when brushing which can make access for oral hygiene much harder
  • Level of oral hygiene motivation of the patient

If there are spaces between teeth or loss of gum attachment from periodontal (gum) disease, normally prescribe interdental brushes, which are small brushes that can clean between teeth, the brush sizes to be used for specific areas of the mouth. Additionally, if you have dental bridges or implants, recommend specialist tools, such as the extra thick Oral B super floss.








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