Interdental cleaning

Interdental cleaning is the process of cleaning between your teeth to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria that a toothbrush can't reach. It helps prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

Common Methods of Interdental Cleaning

1. Dental Floss – Thin thread used to slide between teeth. Great for tight spaces.

2. Interdental Brushes – Small bristle brushes designed to fit between teeth, ideal for wider gaps.

3. Water Flossers – Devices that use a jet of water to remove debris and plaque between teeth.

4. Soft Picks – Rubber-tipped or silicone picks for gentle cleaning.

Why It’s Important

● Prevents gum disease (gingivitis & periodontitis)

● Reduces bad breath by removing trapped food

● Helps prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas

● Improves overall oral health

Best Practices

● Floss once a day (preferably before brushing)

● Use the right tool based on your teeth spacing and gum sensitivity

● Be gentle to avoid gum damage

● Replace brushes/picks regularly for effectiveness

Here are some interdental cleaning recommendations based on different needs:

For Tight Spaces:

🔹 Glide Dental Floss (Oral-B, Reach, or Colgate Total) – Smooth, shred-resistant floss.

🔹 Waxed or PTFE Floss – Slides easily between tight teeth without breaking.

For Wider Gaps & Braces:

🔹 Interdental Brushes – Available in different sizes for various gaps.

🔹 GUM Proxabrush – Ideal for cleaning around braces and larger spaces.

🔹 Soft-Picks by GUM – Flexible rubber tips that are gentle on gums.

For Sensitive Gums:

🔹 Silicone Soft Picks (TePe or GUM) – Non-abrasive, ideal for gentle cleaning.

🔹 Waterpik Water Flosser – Uses water pressure for a gentle, thorough clean.

For Maximum Convenience:

🔹 Waterpik Cordless Advanced – Great for travel & daily use.

🔹 Floss Picks (DenTek, Plackers) – Pre-threaded floss for easy handling.

🔹 Automatic Flossers (Philips Sonicare AirFloss) – Uses air & microdroplets of water.