CATEGORY 88 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST Introduction Effective plaque removal is still essential to prevent both oral and systemic diseases. Toothbrushing plays a key role here, although it cannot remove all plaque on its own. A toothbrush cleans mainly the easily accessible surfaces, leaving plaque behind – particularly in the nooks and crannies between the teeth where it is hardest to reach.1 So, how do we support patients in building lifelong interdental cleaning habits? Which products are recommended? Here are valuable insights and tips to help your patients. Interdental cleaning – from recommendation to daily habit Periodontal diseases most commonly originate between teeth. But it’s important to remember that the early stage of gingivitis can be both prevented and reversed. In addition, there is a link between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. This highlights the importance of effective daily interdental cleaning as part of preventive healthcare.1 However, many people find it challenging to stick to the habit of cleaning in between the teeth, despite strong clinical evidence. Some common reasons include difficulty forming a routine, discomfort, and uncertainty about which products to choose. For optimal oral health, the combination of toothbrushing and interdental cleaning is considered the gold standard. Interdental brushes, particularly cylindrical versions such as TePe Original, remain the most effective method for plaque removal in accessible interdental spaces and are widely regarded as the firstchoice device.1,2 Since many patients struggle to adopt interdental brushes as part of their daily routine, there is a need for simple, entrylevel solutions to help them initiate and maintain the habit of cleaning between their teeth. TePe EasyPick™ – for easy cleaning on the go TePe EasyPick™ is a flexible toothpick designed to provide a simple, comfortable and effective cleaning solution. It combines a stable core with a silicone coating featuring lamellae that provide a gentle yet effective cleaning action. Product benefits u Flexible, comfortable and durable u Long length and large contact surface for effective plaque removal u Non-slip grip for ease of use u Available in three sizes (XS/S-orange, M/L-blue, XL-purple) to suit different needs u Available with a pocket case to bring them along easily Who is it for? TePe EasyPick™ is particularly suitable for: u Those with healthy gums and interdental spaces u Those with gingivitis as an alternative or complement to other interdental aids u People who want to bring it along on the go u For most people with braces and prosthetic restorations u An introduction to interdental cleaning for patients with low motivation Worth noting is that there is no scientific support for toothpicks (e.g rubber picks, dental sticks) as the primary cleaning tool for people with periodontitis or implants.2-4 Clinical positioning TePe EasyPick™ is ideal as an on-the-go cleaning tool, a convenient option that supports daily cleaning habits outside the home environment. While appreciated for their comfort and ease of use, it’s worth mentioning that interdental brushes achieve superior cleaning efficacy compared to toothpicks.2,4 How to make interdental cleaning a habit for a lifetime By Michaela von Geijer, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Senior Clinical and Education Advisor at TePe HQ in Sweden. Michaela von Geijer ORAL HEALTH EasyPick™
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