The Secret to Better Gum Health Lies Between Your Teeth

Dental
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Brushing your teeth is only the first step to a healthy smile. Tooth brushing removes only 60% of plaque so it’s important to clean between your teeth as well.

The interdental area is the part of the gingiva that extends between two teeth till the contact area. Before going to different interdental aids first we need to understand a little about the anatomy of our gums.

EMBRASURES

The embrasures are V-shaped areas between adjacent teeth located above the contact point.

Embrasure_spaces
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They are classified as:

  • Class I: The gum papilla completely fills the space up to the contact point.

  • Class II: There is partial loss of the papilla, creating a slight V-shaped gap.

  • Class III: The papilla is entirely gone, creating a large, open space (black triangle)

INTERDENTAL CLEANING

Interdental cleaning targets plaque biofilm and debris lodged between teeth,

Techniques vary according to interdental space morphology, patient dexterity and periodontal status, necessitating individually tailored instruction.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTERDENTAL AIDS

  • Dental Floss

A thin filament designed to slide between teeth and disrupt interproximal biofilm.Used in Class I embrasure spaces

  • Interdental Brushes

A small conical or cylindrical brush used to clean interdental embrasures of varying widths(Class II and Class 3).

  • Wooden Interdental Aids

They have a thin triangular profile and a tapered end. The tapered end is inserted between the teeth for cleaning. Wood sticks work well for individuals with open interdental spaces, crowns, or fixed bridges.

  • Water Flossers

Water flossers spray a steady stream of water to flush out food bits and plaque. Water flossers work well to remove food debris that may become lodged in gum pockets.

Some studies suggest that water flossing may be more effective than interdental brushes or dental floss to remove plaque and reduce gum inflammation.

Along with regular toothbrushing, use of interdental aids can enhance your periodontal health and can prevent periodontal diseases.

What type of interdental aid do you regularly use?

MBH/DB

2 Likes
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Well said!!
Interdental area plays more role than normal tooth brushing.
Not cleaning interdental area can be equal to not brushing you teeth.

What i usually use is WATER FLOSSER!!

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I usually use dental floss!!!

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People usually neglect interdental spaces or one can say they are not so well aware about how cleaning in these areas are so important.

I wish people are more aware about it and they could take better care of their oral hygiene.