As we mentioned in a previous article, oral hygiene is very important for the health of our teeth but also for our psychology and self-confidence.
And since we already talked about brushing our teeth, in this article we will cover another important part of oral hygiene, dental floss and interdental brushes.
First, let's clarify how one uses either one or the other and not both. That is, someone who uses dental floss does not need to use an interdental brush, and vice versa. Your dentist can advise you which of the two solutions would be best for your needs.
Where do flossing and interdental brushes help?
Dental floss and interdental brushes are used to clean the areas between the teeth. Their biggest advantage is that they can get where the toothbrush can not reach when brushing your teeth. They remove food debris and help prevent gingivitis, cavities and bad breath.
How to choose the right size of dental floss or interdental brush?
Both dental floss and interdental brushes come in different sizes that are available in the market to meet different needs depending on the different types of mouth. If you are not sure which size to choose then your dentist can advise you on the most suitable size for your case.
How often should you use dental floss or an interdental brush?
It is a good practice to use dental floss or an interdental brush before or after brushing your teeth, morning and night. This way we achieve an in-depth cleansing and minimize the chances of forgetting it.
You could also use dental floss or an interdental brush after meals, especially if you need to remove food debris.
There is no specific rule, as long as you clean the areas between your teeth 2 times a day.
How often should you change your dental floss or interdental brush?
Dental floss should be discarded immediately after use. You cannot and nor is it safe to re-use because it carries bacteria from the areas you have just cleaned. Once the package is finished, you should get a new one.
On the other hand, an interdental brush is carefully washed after use and can be reused. As soon as you notice that the bristles begin to wear out, it means that you have to change it. Just like with a toothbrush, a worn brush is no longer suitable for proper cleaning.
Note here that, while there may initially be some tenderness and potential bleeding, the cleansing process should not hurt. Whether you use dental floss or an interdental brush.
If the pain persists try using a smaller size. If pain, tenderness and bleeding still persist, then visit your dentist for advice.