Toothbrush for the spaces between the teeth

Interdental brush, interdental brush

Introduction

Brushing your teeth is part of your daily routine and is the basis of good oral hygiene. However, a normal toothbrush cannot reach and clean all parts and areas of the mouth. These hard to reach areas include especially the interdental spaces.

Here, food residues and bacteria can settle undisturbed and lead to plaque, tartar, caries and inflammation. This is particularly relevant for patients with dental prostheses such as bridges or implants or with inflammation of the periodontal apparatus (periodontitis). For this reason special small brushes in different sizes have been developed to clean the interdental spaces (= interdental spaces) sufficiently.

Who needs interdental brushes?

Originally, toothbrushes for interdental spaces were developed mainly for cleaning bridges or other prosthetic restorations to achieve cleaning under and between the tooth replacement. Many people suffer from periodontitis, an inflammation of the periodontium, i.e. the periodontal apparatus of the teeth. Often a receding of the gums can then be observed.

In this case, interdental brushes facilitate cleaning enormously, since many places can hardly be reached with a normal toothbrush. The brushes should therefore be integrated into daily oral hygiene, even if they are particularly suitable for bridges, implants, crowns or other prosthetic restorations. Daily additional cleaning of the interdental spaces can prevent plaque, caries and inflammation in the oral cavity or even bad breath. The brush should fit through the interdental space with moderate pressure, but also with noticeable resistance.

How to use interdental brushes?

The correct use of toothbrushes for the interdental spaces is very important. First of all, one must take the time to clean the interdental spaces thoroughly and carefully so as not to damage the gums. The brush is inserted perpendicular to the interdental space with moderate pressure and resistance.

The application must not hurt very much. This would indicate the need for a smaller size. Gum bleeding is no indication to stop the application.

On the contrary, it is a sign of an inflammation of the gums, which can be prevented in the future by using the interdental brushes if necessary. The brush should be moved back and forth about 3 – 4 times in the interdental space. By intermediate rinsing with water the just removed plaque can be washed out of the brush and will not be transported to the next interdental space. Furthermore, dipping into a disinfecting solution such as a mouth rinse with e.g. chlorhexidine as an ingredient is also suitable. It is very important that the brushes are used without toothpaste, because there are abrasive particles in every toothpaste, which can have an abrasive effect on the tooth enamel when used continuously.