The Key to a Truly Healthy Smile: The Importance of Cleaning Between Your Teeth

When you consider maintaining a healthy mouth, brushing your teeth should be the top priority. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is the cornerstone for your healthy smile. But, one simple addition that can transform how healthy your mouth is, interdental cleaning. 

While proper brushing is an effective way to keep teeth clean, it only reaches 60% of the tooth surface. Using interdental toothbrushes or appliances to clean between the gaps in the teeth is one of the simplest ways to improve the overall health of your smile. 

Why Is Interdental Cleaning So Crucial?

Dental plaque builds up between teeth and other hard-to-reach areas where the toothbrush cannot penetrate. Over time, it can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and foul breath. 

Using an Interdental cleaner as part of your daily cleaning routine is better to prevent this from happening later. 

These small brushing appliances are designed to clean the areas between teeth that your regular toothbrush cannot reach. Using this dental tool daily, along with your regular toothbrush, is an effective way to keep your gums and teeth healthy and fresh.

When you first start to clean in between your brush, your gums might feel sore and bleed, but do not stop cleaning, and the gums bleeding is a sign of mild inflammation. However, if the bleeding does not pause in a few days, contact your dental care professional immediately. 

How To Pick The Right Size Of The Interdental Brush?

These brushes are available in different sizes. It becomes too challenging to know which one is suitable for your mouth. If you are confused, asking the dentist in La Jolla CA, for recommendations is better. In the meantime, you can follow some of the essential tips to get you started-

1. Look in the mirror and insert the brush between the teeth and close to the gums. Start with the smallest size and work until the brush bristles touch the tooth surface and gum tissues. 
2. The brush should be snug, but the wire should have a plastic coating. It should not touch the sides of the teeth or gums and never force the brush into a place. 
3. Once inserted in the mouth, move the interdental brush to the full length back and forth about 2-3 times. Be sure to clean all the in-between spaces once a day. 
4. You must use at least 2-3 different sizes or a combination of 2-3 brushes and floss. The arrangement depends upon the spaces you have between the teeth. It varies throughout the mouth. 

Cleaning The Spaces In Between Teeth To Have A Healthy Smile

You must use the proper technique to get the most out of an in-between dental cleaning. The best part is that these brushes are very easy to use. Once you master it, you can maintain this healthy habit forever. 

1. Use A Straight Brush Between The Front Teeth

Insert the brush between the teeth. Do not force this dental appliance into the space. Work it gently, or choose a smaller version. 

2. Use A Small Interdental Brush On the Back Teeth

Choosing a small interdental cleaner with a slightly curved neck makes it easier to use. Pressing the finger makes it easier to reach between the back teeth.

3. Use A Bigger Brush On The Back Teeth

When using an interdental brush, choose a larger one. Curving the wire can improve access to the back teeth.

A healthy smile goes beyond the absence of cavities and gum disease. When you prioritize cleaning between teeth, you invest in the longevity of your oral health. At Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of La Jolla, we prioritize oral hygiene and provide the best dental care services. Book an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Grey J. Cunningham, to discuss your dental needs.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.