< Return to the Learning Centre
Cleaning Between your teeth
A tooth has 5 surfaces!…
...but with most normal toothbrushes you are only thoroughly cleaning 3. This leaves areas between the teeth and below the gum line susceptible to damage from plaque bacteria. Floss and Interdental products are designed to reach these areas to allow you to get the best possible clean.
Using
floss and interdental products regularly is the only way to remove dental
plaque from between the teeth. Dental plaque is the main cause of gum disease
and tooth decay and needs to be removed to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
Wisdom recommend cleaning between your teeth and gums at least once a day to prevent gum disease and tooth decay in the areas where brushing alone cannot reach.
Before you start:
Flossing or using an interdental brush should be done gently. Like brushing too hard, vigorous flossing or interdental brushing can easily injure your gums.
Your gums may bleed and be sore for the first few days if you are not a
regular interdental product user as this is the removal of the plaque and
bacteria between your teeth. However, this is just short term, and your
gums will eventually stop bleeding.
Choose the right product for you
Dental floss and tape
Using lengths of floss and tape is the traditional method of cleaning between teeth and along the gum line and is ideal for smaller gaps between teeth.
As well as effectively removing plaque from between teeth and below the gum line the thin nature of these products also means that they pass and clean between the tooth contact points and will help prevent caries.
There are many different types of floss and tape
How to use:
Take
12 - 18 inches / 45cm of floss
1. Wind the floss around the middle fingers of each hand and hold it tight leaving a gap of about 3 inches / 8 cm.
2. Gently glide the floss between your teeth and towards your gum line. Run carefully up and down the side of each tooth, taking care to clean under the gum line to dislodge food and plaque.
3. Repeat the process for each space, using a clean section of floss each
time.
Dentists recommend that flossing should be used as part of your daily dental
care regime – preferably at the end of the day before going to bed.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are the most effective way to remove plaque and clean the larger interdental spaces between teeth, they are also ideal for cleaning around bridgework and orthodontic appliances.
Wisdom Interdental brushes are available in three sizes to make sure you can find the perfect product for you.
Home