Ultimate guide to using an interdental brush for impeccable hygiene.

Oral hygiene is an essential part of our overall well-being (and yes, your oral health can say a lot about the condition of other of your organs). Among the tools we can count on to perfect this hygiene, interdental brushes are increasingly in the spotlight. They differ from dental floss in their effectiveness and ease of use. In this article, we explain how these little brushes can make a big difference in your oral care routine.

Interdental hygiene should not be neglected. Every day, food debris and plaque build up in these narrow interdental spaces , potentially causing cavities or other not-so-friendly problems. Interdental brushes offer an effective solution for removing plaque buildup from the narrow spaces between your teeth.

• The importance of interdental hygiene: Oral health is linked to our well-being. Ignoring the space between our teeth amounts to neglecting almost 40% of the tooth surface!
• Specific advantages: More manageable and often more comfortable than dental floss, they allow you to reach difficult areas, eliminate dental plaque and delicately massage the gums.

Problems avoided: Regular use helps prevent gingivitis , interdental caries, bleeding gums and strengthens oral health.

It is recommended to use your interdental brush once a day , preferably in the evening, before brushing. This way, you eliminate food debris and prepare your teeth for more effective brushing.

Using range of interdental brushes, in combination with good brushing , ensures top cleanliness:

• Preparation: Choose the size adapted to that of your interdental spaces.
  
• Technique: Insert it gently without forcing. Rubbing and floating rather than forcing is the key. It should fit easily (if not, test the size down).
  
• Movement: Use back and forth movements to remove plaque and dislodge debris.
  
• End: Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove residue.

After each use, it is essential to clean your brushes thoroughly. Rinse them well under lukewarm water to remove particles. For a deeper cleaning , you can dip the brush head in a suitable antiseptic solution or a glass of mouthwash (this works too).

The space between our teeth, or interdental areas , is often home to a buildup of food particles and plaque. If these areas are not properly cleaned, it can lead to various problems such as interdental cavities and gum inflammation . Fortunately, there are effective methods and tools for cleaning them.

• Choosing the brush head: Start by choosing the right size interdental brush head. Each space may require a different size, so don't hesitate to have several different sized brush heads.
• Insertion technique: Gently insert it between the teeth. It is important not to force it. It should slide with some resistance, but without pain. The central rod of the interdental brush guides its passage.
• Effective movements: Once inserted, make light back and forth movements to remove debris. Consider “rubbing” and “floating” rather than forcing.
• Passing between all teeth: Repeat this process for each interdental space, making sure to rinse thoroughly between each pass to avoid transferring debris from one area to another.
  

• Adequate length: Take about 45cm of floss and wrap the majority around each middle finger, leaving a few centimeters section to work with.
• Passing technique: Gently stretch the thread between your thumbs and index fingers. Gently slide it between your teeth using a sawing motion.
• Cleaning Motion: When you reach the gum line, curve the floss around the tooth in a "C" shape and gently slide it under the gum line until you feel slight resistance.
• Contact area: Going back, carefully clean the contact area between the teeth to remove plaque

Another innovative tool for cleaning interdental spaces is the dental floss . It uses a high-pressure water jet to destroy food particles and plaque between teeth and below the gum line.

• Filling and adjusting: Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water and adjust the pressure to your preference.
• Technique of use: Place the tip at the entrance to an interdental space, close your lips slightly to avoid splashing, then activate the jet. Slowly move the tip from one interdental space to another.

By combining these techniques and tools, you can ensure optimal interdental hygiene, prevent dental problems and display a radiant smile! 🌟🦷

The use of interdental brushes has become a common practice to improve oral hygiene. However, as with any care tool, errors can slip into our routine. To optimize the benefits of your interdental brush and avoid inconveniences, discover the most common mistakes and how to prevent them.

1. Choosing the wrong size 📏

• Mistake: Using a brush that is too big or too small for the interdental space.
• Consequences: A brush that is too large can damage the gums or break when inserted. Too small will not clean effectively.
• Solution: Consult your dentist or hygienist to determine the appropriate size for your spaces.
  

2. Force the brush head 😣

• Error: Inserting the brush head with too much force.
• Consequences: This can cause injury and damage to the gums.
• Solution: Insert the brush head gently. If it doesn't pass easily, it's probably an indication that you need a smaller size or you're not aligning it correctly.
  

3. Neglecting to clean the brush head after use 🧼

• Error: Not rinsing or cleaning the brush head properly after each use.
• Consequences: Accumulation of bacteria which can then be reintroduced into the mouth.
• Solution: Always rinse the brush head under lukewarm water after each use and occasionally disinfect it with an antiseptic solution.
  

4. Use a damaged brush head 🌪️

• Error: Continuing to use a brush head with worn, deformed or broken bristles.
• Consequences: Ineffective cleaning, and the risk of introducing bacteria or causing injury.
• Solution: Replace your interdental brushes regularly. If you notice signs of wear or damage, it's time to change it.
  

5. Inappropriate use 🔄

• Error: Using the brush head without proper movements or turning it inappropriately.
• Consequences: Risk of damaging the gums or not effectively removing dental plaque.
• Solution: Use gentle back and forth movements without turning it excessively. Make sure to cover the entire interdental surface.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you will maximize the benefits of interdental brushes and effectively protect your oral health. 🌟🦷

The combination of using an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes offers a complete and optimal approach to oral hygiene. Here's why this combination is so beneficial:

1. Cleaning Efficiency:

• Electric Toothbrush: It is designed to maximize the elimination of plaque on the surface of the teeth thanks to its oscillating, rotating or sonic movements . These movements can be much faster and more effective than manual brushing, helping to remove more debris and plaque.
• Interdental Brushes: Interdental spaces are areas that even the best electric toothbrush cannot clean effectively.
  

2. Disease Prevention:

The combination of an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes ensures that the majority of surfaces and spaces in the mouth are cleaned. By more effectively eliminating plaque and bacteria , this combination reduces the risk of cavities, gingivitis and other oral conditions.

3. Gum Health:

• Electric Toothbrush: Many have pressure sensors that prevent brushing too vigorously, which can be harmful to the gums. Gentle and effective cleaning helps maintain healthy gums.
• Interdental Brushes: By removing plaque between teeth, they prevent inflammation of the gums, thereby reducing the risk of developing periodontitis, a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss.
  

4. Comfort and Convenience:

The electric toothbrush makes the brushing process less laborious and more efficient, while the interdental brushes are easy to use and can quickly clean the spaces between the teeth.