Wooden toothpicks do not clean well between teeth

Brushing teeth twice a day is essential for the oral health, but it is not enough. Even with the most advanced toothbrush, the spaces between the teeth remain unclean, and your teeth and gums will suffer.

If you remove food and plaque between teeth, you will reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which are the main cause of tooth loss and protect yourself from bad breath. There are several ways to clean between the teeth, depending on the size of the distances between them and your preferences. No matter which one you use, it may take some time to effectively master the cleaning technique.

Even with the most advanced toothbrush, the spaces between the teeth remain unclean, and your teeth and gums will suffer.

Dental floss

The need for daily brushing of the teeth is generally acknowledged. This is as well valid for the interdental spaces.

• You should clean them at least once a day (preferably in the evening), before brushing your teeth. This allows the paste ingredients to enter the clean spaces.
• Flossing once or twice a week will not get the results you would like.
• Tooth floss is effective when interdental spaces are narrow.
• Different types are available on the market - both waxed and unwaxed, in the form of strip, flavored, with fluoride, etc. The choice is a matter of personal preference. It's important how and how often you use it.

How do I use the floss?

• Cut a 40-45 cm long floss and wrap it around the middle fingers of both hands, leaving a distance of 2-3 cm between your thumb and forefinger. Gently insert the floss into the interdental space with forward and backward movements. If the contact between two teeth is strong, you can use some pressure to overcome the contact point. Pull the floss to one of the dental surfaces and gently wipe it below and above the gum level. Repeat the same with the adjacent tooth and all the tooth spaces in the upper and lower jaw. Some find it easier to use a thread holder.
• Pieces of floss are used once and thrown after use as they become brittle and dirty.

Interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are of different sizes to fit the different interdental spaces. Suitable for you are those that fit tightly against both teeth surfaces and gums.

How are interdental brushes used?

• Place the brush horizontally and move it only back and forth several times. To clean the back teeth, bend the brush slightly. Continuous bending can cause wire breakage and injury.
• After using the brush, wash it gently and let it dry.
• You may need to use different brush sizes for the various interdental spaces.

Silicone interdental brushes (silicone toothpicks)

Silicone interdental brushes (silicone toothpicks) are the latest innovation in cleaning in-between the teeth. They are easy to use especially for patients who have difficulty in cleaning with a floss. The silicone part gently and effectively removes food and plaque between the teeth. They are available in different sizes, consistent with the size of the interdental space.

Wooden toothpicks

• They are not effective for cleaning between teeth.
• Do not replace floss or interdental brushes.
• They can break and damage teeth and gums and are used only to remove large particles of food between the teeth.

Irrigators

• Use a jet of water to clean your teeth.
• They are useful in small, difficult to clean areas, e.g. around the brackets.