5 Easy Steps for Using an Interdental Brush

Did you know that brushing alone only removes about 60% of the plaque on your teeth? The rest of the plaque is found BETWEEN your teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It must be removed regularly, or it can cause gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath.

Your toothbrush only cleans 3 of the 5 surfaces on your teeth, leaving 2 surfaces between the teeth ignored. Cleaning between the teeth, also known as interdental cleaning, is important because it cleans where a regular toothbrush simply cannot reach.

5 Steps for Using an Interdental Brush:

1. Use once a day, preferably in the evening.
2. To prevent your interdental brush from bending or distorting, either wiggle or do a quarter-turn when initially inserting between the teeth.
3. Once under the contact, move the brush full length back and forth a couple of times in a horizontal motion.
4. Rinse with water and let air dry.
5. Replace once the bristles are worn and start to collapse. If the bristles are one with the wire, they are not reaching all the grooves and depressions.

More tips for using your interdental brush:

• The plastic-coated wire of the interdental brush should pass between the teeth without rubbing the sides of either adjacent tooth.
• The bristles should fit snugly in between the teeth.
• There will be some resistance from the bristles, but do not force a brush into a space.
• If you are evoking any signs of pain, size down to a smaller size.
• You can put the ventilated cap onto the handle for an extra extension in length.
• Avoid bending the wire at a 90-degree angle to the neck of the brush, instead gently curve the wire to increase the longevity.