Tuesday, February 28, 2012

How Interdental Brushes Affect Teeth

Introduction








Interdental brushes are quite a bit smaller than your average toothbrush, and are used to clean the spaces between your teeth much as you would normally by using dental floss. These brushes are designed to work in the spaces between your teeth that are too wide to be effectively cleaned with floss. Some interdental brushes are attached to devices that will squirt fluid in the spaces as you use the small brush; some are just small brushes, which resemble pipe cleaners. Interdental brushes come in different sizes, and the best way to be sure you have the right sizes for your teeth is to seek the advice of your dentist or dental hygienist. It is typical for you to need more than one size of interdental brush. Finally, interdental brushes are not intended to replace your toothbrush.


Remove Food Particles


One of the best things about using interdental brushes is that they remove food particles from in between your teeth. The way this affects your teeth is that with these food particles gone there is less chance for the bacteria in your mouth to feed on the sugars in the food, which in turn leave acids behind on your teeth that eat away at your enamel and cause tooth decay.


Deep-Cleans and Massages Gums


Plaque and tartar left on the teeth create an environment that allows bacteria to thrive, which can in turn lead to gum disease. Using the interdental brushes to deep-clean between your teeth and massage your gums can help retard the growth of plaque and tartar, and block much of the bacteria that thrive among them.








Easier on Gums


Aside from their effectiveness at cleaning between teeth, interdental brushes are easier on your gums than floss; they can in fact replace it. If your gums have a tendency to bleed when you floss, using interdental brushes instead may actually help to prevent at least some of this bleeding.


Easier to Get at Back Teeth


Another advantage to the use of interdental brushes is their flexibility, which allows you to get at the back teeth. Interdental brushes can bend at a 90-degree angle, allowing you to get at them from whatever angle is easiest. Being able to get between those back teeth and clean the spaces and massage the gums is crucial if you want to prevent gum disease and decay.

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