Should I Use an Interdental Brush?
Clinical studies have shown that manual interdental brushes are very effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis. Selecting the sizes and types of interdental brush that are best for you is very important. To find the best size and shape for you, you will have to take into account the size of the space between your teeth, contact points, areas that retain food, gum shape and position, and periodontal pocketing.
Interdental brushes, or proxabrushes come in wider or thinner sizes Go-Betweens® (Sunstar Butler), to accommodate different size spaces between the teeth. They are available with both coated and uncoated wire, and some include antibacterial agents (chlorhexidine) on the bristles.
There are also ultrathin, rubbery versions of interdental brushes called Softpicks and Advanced Softpicks® (Sunstar Butler). Our patients who have dexterity issues often find interdental brushes or Softpicks easier to use than floss.
Interdental brushes are found to be easier to use than floss for many individuals, and some people are more likely to use them daily. Likewise, interdental brushes may be more appealing than floss to those with limitations in manual dexterity or with larger hands. They can be used with one hand and also can come with long handles.
Interdental brushes are a must for many patients with periodontal disease. Back teeth (molars and premolars) often have a more complex anatomy between the teeth due to root concavities. A root concavity is a developmental depression in the root surface. In health, these root concavities are covered in gum tissue and bone and actually help secure the tooth in the bone. Flossing may not always access these difficult to clean and plaque retentive areas. So for many periodontal patients, flossing as well as the use of an interproximal brush is necessary.
There are a variety of sizes of interdental brushes to accommodate most patients. For example, TePe USA offers interdental brushes, both angled and regular, at the smallest wire diameter size of 0.4 mm. Different size brushes allows for effective and individualized home care.
Your dental professional can help instruct you as to which brushes are best suited for you. Smaller brushes can be used for smaller spaces between the teeth while larger brushes can help address problem areas, areas that are missing teeth, orthodontics, fixed appliances, and other variables. Your dentist, hygienist or periodontist will help you choose the correct size (or sizes), how often to change the brushes, limitations on bending the wires, and overall technique. A dental health professional may also serve as a support person for continuing motivation of a patient. Interdental brushes are a great alternative or addition to flossing that to improve your oral health.
Watch this video from Tepe USA:
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