Interdental cleaning
Cleaning between teeth
If you use the rotating electric brush correctly (or the manual toothbrush), it will clean part of your teeth. However, there is still a lot of plaque between the teeth where the brush cannot go. This is why it is necessary to also clean the interdental spaces once a day with interdental brushes, toothpicks or dental floss.
The most suitable remedy and how to use it
We discuss this with you during the preventive consultation. Toothpicks and interdental brushes are the most effective. Dental floss can certainly also be an added value, but it is very tech-sensitive and more time-consuming.
Toothpicks and interdental brushes
The spaces between the teeth are suitable for the use of toothpicks for most adults. A good toothpick is made of wood or plastic and has a triangular shape. They may differ in thickness. Throw away the toothpick after each use. Round toothpicks do not exist, they are cocktail sticks and they are not intended to clean your teeth.
At first, the use of toothpicks is sometimes difficult and painful. The gums then bleed easily because they are still inflamed. With daily use, pain, inflammation and bleeding disappear.
If the spaces between the teeth are larger, a brush may be indicated instead of a stick. These brushes are available in different sizes, your dentist will advise you on the right size.
How to use toothpicks?
Hold the toothpick between your thumb and index finger near the tip. With the other fingers, you press against the adjacent teeth. For wooden toothpicks: moisten the tip of the toothpick with saliva. This makes the wood more flexible and reduces the risk of breakage.
Place the flat side of the toothpick on the gums below where the teeth meet. Place the toothpick between the teeth and make it as perpendicular to the row of teeth as possible.
Firmly push the toothpick between the teeth three times. Increase the contact area with the tooth by changing direction.
Clean out any spaces a toothpick will go into.
Avoid biting the gums.
How to use the interdental brushes ?
First wet the brush under the tap and do not put toothpaste on it. Grasp it between your thumb and forefinger and push it from the outside between your teeth.
The brush should feel some resistance during use, but the metal core (wire) should not touch the teeth and gums. Close your mouth slightly when using the brush on the back of your mouth. This reduces the tension in your cheeks. For gaps at the back of the mouth, you can bend it slightly.
Move the brush back and forth several times.
If you encounter almost no resistance during use, it is better to try a larger size. It is often necessary to use different sizes next to each other.
Clean all the spaces a brush fits into. They can be used multiple times. Therefore, rinse them well after use and let them dry.