The Importance Of Interdental Cleaning
The brushing method used does not completely remove interdental plaque.
- Interdental plaque removal is crucial because majority of dental and periodontal diseases originates in interproximal area.
- Other condition formed in periodontal and gingival diseases also demands interproximal cleansing.
- The purpose of interdental cleaning is to remove plaque. Among the numerous aids available dental floss and interdental cleaners such as wooden or plastic tips and interdental brushes are commonly recommended.
- Criteria of selection of these aids depends on type of embrasures
Type 1: Interdental papilla completely fills embrasure space. Dental floss can be used.
Type 2: Mild loss of interdental papilla due to slight spacing between the teeth, interdental brushes can be advised.
Type 3: No proximal contact between the teeth like diastema where there is no interdental papilla. Unitufted brushes are advised.
“Best Tools For Interdental Cleaning”
Dental Floss
- It is used for cleaning in narrow gingival embrasures that are occupied by intact papilla and border by tight contact zones. It is most effective dental hygiene aid.
- There are various types of dental floss, i.e.
- Twisted or non-twisted
- Bonded or non-bonded
- Waxed or unwaxed
- Thick or thin
- Dental floss should contact the proximal surface from line angle to line angle to clean effectively.
“Is Flossing Necessary For Interdental Cleaning”
Interdental Brushes
- It is used in area of moderate papillary recession, proximal tooth surface adjacent to open embrasure, orthodontic appliances, fixed prosthesis, dental implant and other area that are hard to reach with regular toothbrush.
- They are single-tufted brushes or small conical brushes.
- These brushes should be inserted in inter-proximal spaces and are activated by short back and forth strokes in between the teeth.
Unitufted Brushes
- It is used in accessible areas such as lingual surface of mandibular molars, abutment teeth, distal surface of most posterior teeth, crowded teeth, open interproximal areas and in deep recessions. It is also indicated in fixed dental prosthetics.
- They are mainly used in Type III gingival embrasures
“Understanding The Benefits Of Interdental Cleaning For Gums”
Wooden Picks
- It is used for plaque removal at or just underneath gingival margin, for concave proximal tooth surface and for exposed furcation area.
- Soft triangular wooden picks should be placed in the interdental space in the manner that base of triangle rest over gingiva and sides contact the proximal tooth surfaces and now the pick is move in and out of embrasure which remove soft deposits.
- Wooden tooth picks should be attached to the handle and then used on facial and lingual surfaces of tooth in oral cavity.
- They are the substitute for dental floss in type III embrasures.
“The Role Of Interdental Cleaning In Preventing Gum Disease”
Gauze Strips
It is used for the cleaning of proximal surface of widely spaced teeth, for the surface of teeth which lies next to edentulous space and fixed appliances.
Irrigation device or Waterpik Device
- They are composed of built in pump and a reservoir.
- These devices remove the unattached plaque and debris.
- When these devices are used adjunct to toothbrushing, they enhance the periodontal health by decreasing plaque and calculus formation.
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