Interdental Brushes Or Floss. Which Works Best For Me?

A diligent tooth brushing regime is important to ensure we have healthy teeth and gums throughout our lives. However, brushing twice a day for two minutes is just the bare minimum we can do to ensure we are looking after our mouths correctly, as dentistry has progressed over the years we are now aware that most leading problems in tooth loss comes from unhealthy gums causing recession and wobbly teeth. It is now proven that cleaning in between the teeth is how we can ensure we are looking after them properly! Daily flossing allows the removal of plaque and bacteria every 24 hours and because bacteria becomes toxic after 24 hours, it ensures you are on the right tack to keeping the mouth at its healthiest state.

There are many benefits which are associated with inter-dental cleaning (cleaning in between the teeth) including the lowered risk of gum disease which is the leading cause of tooth loss. As well as fighting any bad smelling breath as it helps to remove the plaque and debris which could not be removed with an ordinary toothbrush. It is also known that people have improved self confidence when they have got flossing in their daily lifestyle as they are no longer conscious of smells and food getting trapped in their teeth throughout the day.

Interdental Brushs Vs Floss. Which will win?

Tepes are inter-dental brushes which come in all sizes and some are softer than others. If you can fit an interdental brush through the gaps between your teeth I would highly suggest doing this once a day than using dental string floss. This is because it pushing out more plaque and debris than dental floss would. As dental floss can be tricky to establish the correct technique, some people prefer using Tepes as they are easier to manage as all you need to do is push the brush through each gap once per day. At Eccleshill Dental our dental hygienist deep cleans the gums and will demonstrate which type of product to use for inter-dental cleaning during the appointment. As shes the expert she will assess whether floss or interdental brushes will work for you specifically, as well as explaining which size or type will work best. For example, someone with larger gaps may benefit from a interdental brushes but someone with smaller gaps and overlapped teeth, may find it easier to use string floss.

Floss is great if you can use the right technique and is also a well known product. Over the years floss was not deemed essential as part of the oral hygiene regime but in most recent years studies have been put together show that flossing is key and dentists are now focusing on making sure everyone’s regime is changing for the better. Here at Eccleshill Dental we are now demonstrating and educating the younger generation to introduce floss into their daily routine so that they have grown up knowing the importance of floss, as well as persuading the older generation that their routine has to change.

What If My Gums Bleed?

Keep flossing! Bleeding is encouraged when there is active disease present, but do not worry this may only be mild. The body’s immune system attempts to fight off the bacteria and this is why it bleeds. I’m in no way suggesting that bleeding is a good sign or that this is the aim, but when there is a significant change in the brushing regime the bleeding should reduce in approximately 10 days and even further as flossing continues. My advice would be, do not be put off by bleeding. Be encouraged to tackle the problem at its earlier state and watch the obvious signs of progression!

Interdental brushes are the gold standard option but if you find floss works better for yourself, then use floss. Cleaning is personal preference and can be adapted to anyone! Your dentist will be pleased that you’re spending more time on cleaning!