Interdental Brush Vs. Floss - Living And Learning

Fact and Figures of Dental Diseases.

Oral diseases, while largely preventable, pose a significant health burden in many nations. It is estimated that about 3.5 billion individuals are affected by oral diseases.

Image by Mudassar Iqbal from Pixabay 

The answers to the most common questions -interdental brush vs. flossing.

What Are Interdental Brushes?

Interdental brushes are a good alternative to dental floss for persons who have gingivitis or periodontal disease, have bigger gaps between their teeth, or simply dislike flossing.

Previously, these devices were only available in larger sizes, intended for patients with gaps that rendered regular dental floss ineffectual. There are many different sizes of interdental brushes available today, including several for people with crowded teeth.

These brushes significantly minimise the amount of interproximal plaque that accumulates between your teeth, especially in the molars, where floss may be difficult to reach. These brushes were first launched in 1976. They are made up of a metal wire core, which may be coated for persons who have dental crowns or bridges to prevent material damage, and soft nylon filaments coiled around it. This is attached to a handle, similar to that of a toothbrush or pen.

Interdental brushes were determined to be the most effective method of interdental cleaning available in 2015, removing proximal plaque better than floss, water picks, or other devices. Floss may be more effective in flatter or tighter spaces, although interdental brushes can remove plaque from between the teeth.

Is flossing or using interdental brushes preferable?

Interdental brushes, according to research, remove more plaque than floss. Experts recommends that you clean between your teeth at least once a day beginning at the age of 12, in addition to brushing twice daily. Maintain a consistent routine to avoid missing any places.

Why should I use interdental brushes?

Flossing is a common element of many people's regular teeth cleaning routines, and most dentists encourage it. Recently, however, a few newspaper articles have confused the waters, with headings such as "Flossing teeth does little benefit."

The argument was sparked when the US government abandoned its recommendation that people floss on a regular basis. Interdental brushing was claimed to be more effective in reducing plaque and gum disease.

Can you damage gums with interdental brushes?

It is critical to use the proper size interdental brush. As an example, if the brush is too small, it may be ineffective. However, if it is excessively large, you may have difficulty getting in between your teeth and may accidently harm or traumatise the teeth and gums.

Are interdental brushes good for your teeth?

Interdental brushes aid in the prevention of gum disease by removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth. They have small bristles heads that are meant to clean between your teeth, and they come in a variety of widths to accommodate the size of the gaps.

Is flossing necessary if I use interdental brushes?

Dentists frequently encourage patients to use more than one approach for different parts of the mouth, commonly a combination of flossing and interdental brushing. Dentists also consider the presence of dental bridges and dental implants, which necessitate the use of specialised cleaning techniques.

Do you put toothpaste on interdental brushes?

Once a day, use the interdental brushes. Use toothpaste or mouthwash on the brush to avoid damaging the bristles. Some brushes can be reused, however they should be discarded when the bristles get bent or worn.

How long should interdental brushing take?

Whether or not you use your interdental brush twice a day, brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Interdental brushing is not a substitute for brushing your teeth in the morning and evening!

How many times may an interdental brush be used?

How many times you can reuse an interdental brush depends entirely on its condition. If the bristles begin to seem worn or shabby, or if the wire begins to fatigue (bend or twist), we recommend that you replace it. An interdental brush is usually only good for 1-2 weeks.

When I use interdental brushes, why my gums bleed?

When you initially begin utilising interdental brushes, your gums may bleed and become sore as you begin to remove plaque buildup. Bleeding indicates that the gums are unhealthy, although it is entirely normal if you have never cleaned in between your teeth before.

What size interdental brush should I use?

Begin with the smallest brush size and work your way up until the bristles meet the tooth surface and gum tissue. Even if the brush is plastic-coated, the wire should not come into touch with the sides of the teeth or the gums. Never force the brush into a confined space.

Can interdental brushes remove tartar?

Interdental brushes are an alternative to flossing; they can be used daily and have been shown in trials to be more successful in removing interproximal plaque than floss.

Should you use interdental brushes once or twice a day?

Interdental brushes should be used once a day, especially in the evening and in front of a mirror. In each interdental space, softly move the brush back and forth a few times. Regular toothpaste contains abrasives, so avoid using it.

Should you brush first or floss first?

While it may come as a surprise, a study indicated that flossing first, followed by brushing with fluoride toothpaste, is more effective than brushing first, flossing second in eradicating interdental plaque. Flossing before brushing also boosts fluoride retention between teeth.

Do interdental brushes cause gaps?

Use pressure, but don't force the pick through, since this might produce gaps or black triangles between the teeth and injure your tissue. They are suitable for persons who have crowns, implants, or bridges. They massage and stimulate your gums in order to improve gum health.

Which is best interdental brush?

GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Cleaners. 

GUM Soft-Picks Original Dental Picks. 

Bamboo Piksters Interdental Brushes. 

DenTek Slim Brush Interdental Cleaners. 

TEPE Interdental Brush Original Cleaners.

Oral-B Interdental Brush Handle With 2 Tapered Refill Brushes. 

are some of the examples of good Brush.

Interdental brushes come in a variety of sizes designed to fit between your teeth. These devices appear to be more successful at eliminating plaque than dental floss because they are easier to use and have a larger surface area to clean.