Most of us know that we should brush our teeth twice a day. It is one of those things that becomes so much a part of everyday life that we probably don’t even think about it. There is always room for improvement though and brushing technique and a healthy toothbrush play a significant role too.
Cleaning between the teeth is another matter however. The reality is that not enough people floss between their teeth. They probably feel that brushing well is enough, but bacteria that remains in the gaps between our teeth and in the gum line can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The main reason that people don’t seem to do this is that they find it difficult, but it really doesn’t have to be and adding it to your daily routine is important.
While we believe that flossing is a tried and tested, and very effective, way of cleaning between the teeth, it isn’t the only one.
Interdental brushes are now available and may be easier to use for some people. They come in different sizes, allowing the brush to fit into the spaces between the teeth. Some people also use specialist interdental cleaning devices, such as water flossers.
We still think that persevering with floss is the best way to go and suggest that you ask the hygienist at the Smile Dental Practice Croydon to show you how to do this. Floss provides a flexibility that some other methods don’t and is also the cheapest one. If you really can’t do this, then try the interdental brushes.
Water flossers can be effective but are unlikely to remove as much bacteria and can be quite messy too. If you can’t use floss or the interdental brushes, this is another option.
Finally, for anyone who refuses to use these or when you are away and have forgotten to bring them, try vigorously rinsing your mouth with water, swilling it aggressively between the teeth. This will help to remove larger pieces of food debris at least.
To put it bluntly, if you don’t clean between your teeth, you are inviting problems. These might include inflammation of the gums. Plaque left around the gum line can irritate the tissues, causing them to become red, swollen or prone to bleeding. This early form of gum disease is known as gingivitis.
It is worth pointing out that bleeding does not mean you should stop cleaning the area. Quite the opposite. If plaque is the cause, removing it is an important part of getting the gums healthy again.
If gum disease is allowed to progress, it can become much more serious. Periodontitis can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Eventually, this can lead to loose teeth and even tooth loss.
Interdental cleaning is only one part of preventing gum disease, but it is an important one.
The spaces between teeth can also be vulnerable to decay. If plaque remains there, the bacteria can use sugars from food and drinks to produce acids. These acids attack the enamel and can eventually result in a cavity.
A toothbrush may not be able to reach the affected area properly, so simply brushing for longer is not necessarily the answer. Cleaning between the teeth helps to remove plaque before it has the opportunity to cause this sort of damage.
This is particularly important if you have teeth that are close together or areas where food regularly becomes trapped.
This is one of the most common reasons why people give up using dental floss. They notice bleeding and presume that they are damaging their gums. If the gums are inflamed because of plaque, however, bleeding can actually be a sign that they need more effective cleaning rather than less. Be gentle. Do not force floss down between the teeth or snap it against the gums.
If you are using interdental brushes, the brush should fit comfortably. You should not have to force a brush that is too large into a space.
If your gums continue to bleed regularly despite improving your cleaning routine, make an appointment with the hygienist at our Croydon dental practice. There may be more significant gum disease that needs professional attention.
You should try to do this every day, without fail. Plaque is constantly forming, so cleaning between the teeth once every few weeks is not going to provide much protection. For most people, once a day is a sensible target, usually at the end of the day after your final meal or drink that isn’t plain water.
It should only take a couple of minutes or so. Once you become accustomed to it, cleaning between the teeth should become just another part of your evening routine. Some people prefer to do it before brushing. Others do it afterwards. The most important thing is doing it consistently and cleaning thoroughly.
If you have never flossed or cleaned between your teeth regularly, there is no point feeling guilty about it. The best thing to do is to start to address the problem now. If you don’t know how, you can start by purchasing some floss and following an online video provided by a dental practice (rather than by an ‘influencer’). If you still struggle, give us a call and we will be able to offer advice.
Your gums may bleed a little at first if there is existing inflammation, but with regular and gentle cleaning this should usually improve.
It can take a week or two for the routine to feel natural. Initially, you may find it fiddly and wonder how anybody manages to do it every day, but once you have managed to do it with relative ease, it just becomes a part of what you do to look after your teeth and gums.
If you clean between your teeth effectively, ideally with floss, you greatly reduce the chances of needing invasive treatment for decay or gum disease. You should, though, maintain regular appointments to see a dentist and, if suggested, the dental hygienist too. If you would like to make an appointment at the Smile Dental Practice in Croydon, please call our receptionists on 020 8649 7911.
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