Oral Hygiene: The Importance of Interdental Cleaning

Almost everyone is aware that brushing their teeth regularly is an important part of oral hygiene. This simple process removes bacteria, food particles, and plaque, and tartar buildup from the teeth. In turn, it wards off tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease, and other problems.

Many people fail to realize, though, that brushing alone can’t get rid of all those problems. No matter how thoroughly a person brushes, most toothbrushes just can’t reach all surfaces of the teeth. Those areas between the teeth are notoriously difficult to clean through standard measures, making them the perfect breeding ground for buildup and microorganisms.

Cleaning between the teeth is a vital part of a sound oral hygiene regimen.

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Understanding the Importance of Interdental Cleaning

Cleaning between the teeth is a vital part of a sound oral hygiene regimen. Getting to those hard-to-reach spaces will remove most of the bacteria, plaque, and other problems that could otherwise linger there and cause numerous dental issues. It’ll help keep your teeth and gums healthy, so they can continue to serve you well. Consider the following ways to improve the effectiveness of your interdental cleaning measures.

Be Sure to Visit the Dentist

One of the simplest and most effective ways to foster interdental cleanliness is to search for the Best Dentists Near Me. Visiting the dentist once every six months for check-ups and professional cleanings will help keep the spaces between your teeth clean and free of buildup. Dentists have the tools and experience to get to those spaces more effectively than you may be able to, so they can help improve your oral health significantly.

Keep Flossing

Between those dental visits, it’s important to take steps at home to clean the spaces between your teeth. Flossing is a vital step in the process. Several types of dental floss are on the market, each one with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. At least one of them is sure to meet your unique needs and expectations. Be sure to follow the proper protocol for flossing. Cover both sides of each tooth, and floss to the gum line without cutting too deeply into the gums.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can also be helpful for removing bacteria between the teeth. As a liquid, it flows freely into those spaces toothbrushes can’t reach. Experts warn against using mouthwash more than twice per day, though. Using it too often could kill the helpful bacteria in the mouth along with the harmful varieties. It may also lead to dry mouth and eliminate the essential mucus that helps protect the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.

Use an Interdental Toothbrush

Interdental toothbrushes are specially designed to reach the spaces between the teeth. Numerous versions are available with different bristle sizes to fit interdental gaps of different widths. Simply insert the bristles between the teeth to remove food particles and other debris. These should be used in addition to regular toothbrushes and other measures rather than as a replacement for them.

Getting to those hard-to-reach spaces will remove most of the bacteria, plaque, and other problems that could cause numerous dental issues.

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Keeping Your Teeth Clean and Healthy

Reaching those spaces in between your teeth can be difficult especially if your teeth are extremely close together. That doesn’t mean they should be overlooked, though. Bacteria, food particles, and other elements are known to thrive in those spaces, so cleaning them thoroughly is crucial to overall oral health. Visit the dentist for routine professional cleanings, brush and floss regularly, and consider using mouthwash and an interdental toothbrush to supplement the process. All these measures will help keep your teeth and gums healthy.