CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 41 INNOVATIONS According to a recent meta-analysis, interdental brushes are significantly more effective and less aggressive than floss. Dentists also point to the fact that floss can cut into gums and damage them, while the interdental brush doesn’t do that. However, some places will only allow access by floss, and your dentist will indicate this if needed. Interdental brushes go between your teeth and destroy the structures of the biofilm. A simple in-and-out movement is usually enough. The brush is then rinsed clean and can be reused. Unlike dental floss, interdental brushes have bristles that get into all corners and spaces and clean out the plaque. This makes them more effective than floss. avoid any damage or unpleasantness. It’s best to see your dentist and have them measure your interdental space. Every dentist has a tool that helps them measure your interdental space precisely and match it with a proper type of interdental brush. You’ll get a recommendation for the exact size of the brush and maybe even some samples to try at home. It’s a good idea to try using your new interdental while still in your dentist’s office. That way, you’ll make sure you’re doing it right and not damaging your teeth and gums. Feel free to ask any questions and get familiar with your new interdentals before taking them home. Some people experience temporary bleeding when they use an interdental for the first time: this is a sign that a mild form of gum disease has already started near the interdental space, and by brushing, you’ve disrupted a small portion of the gum that contains tiny blood vessels. It’s a good thing you caught it early because a little later, you could get the same bleeding from conventional brushing. Don’t worry: once you clean out the biofilm from between your teeth, the gum inflammation will go away, the blood vessels will be protected, and there’ll be no bleeding. If the bleeding persists, contact your dentist. What to avoid Do not self-diagnose gum diseases, do not measure your own interdental space and do not stock up on interdental brushes based on self-diagnosis. Interdentals have to be picked by a professional who can expertly evaluate your teeth. There are many kinds of interdental brushes that suit certain tooth conditions, so don’t self-prescribe or self-medicate, no matter how user-friendly the packaging looks. Do not replace regular brushing with interdental brushing altogether. Interdental cleaning is a part of your brushing ritual. Proper regular toothbrushing is still vital: soft brush, gentle circular motions, front and back, until clean, twice a day. It’s generally a good idea to avoid a high-carb, high-sugar diet as it reduces your saliva’s capacity to protect your teeth. Bacteria breed better when sugars abound, so don’t give them the opportunity. If you have diabetes or immune-related issues, be extra careful with your oral hygiene and interdental space. Lowered immune response weakens your gums’ ability to counteract the bacteria that are already on your teeth, making gums more susceptible to inflammation. u For different sizes of interdental spaces, you need different sizes of interdental brushes. Make sure your dentist picks out the proper sizes for you and tests them out with you. You might get different interdentals for different parts of your mouth: for example, you’ll have your front teeth cleaned with the thinner brush and your back teeth with a thicker one. It’s critical to follow your dentist’s recommendations on the sizes of your interdentals. Cleaning with a brush that is too small can be ineffective – the bristles won’t do the job. If the brush is too big, it won’t fit. Toothbrush makers have enough sizes for all teeth, so just follow your dentist’s recommendations. What to consider when you choose an interdental Since interdentals go between your teeth, you have to choose their size carefully to WWW.PROFDENT.COM.AU #SUPPORTAUSTRALIAN Isopol Clear & Isopol Blue Hospital Grade disinfectant containing Isopropyl Alcohol 70% for broad spectrum use in surgeries.
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