When it comes to the prevention and treatment of gum disease and periodontitis, flossing might not be the most effective method. This may come as a surprise to many, but experts have now recommended a new tool for fighting gum disease; the interdental brush!

Interdental Brushing

Interdental brushes (which is also known as proxy, spiral, or interproximal brushes) are thin and cone-shaped brushes. They consist of a small head and short bristles and are meant to be gently inserted between the teeth. These brushes have handles similar to toothbrushes or special handles that are easier to grip.

Interdental brushes can be used several times before being discarded. However, it’s important that you rinse your interdental brush thoroughly between uses and replace the brush if/when the wire bends or the bristles become worn and frayed.

There are a variety of different sizes of interdental brushes. Choose a size that will fit comfortably between the teeth without having to force the brush through. Otherwise, you may damage your gum tissue. Additionally, you may need different sized interdental brushes for the front and back teeth depending on the amount of space between the teeth.

The benefits of using an interdental brush include reduced risk of gum disease and periodontitis. For more tips on how to incorporate an interdental brush into your oral hygiene routine or to make an appointment for a routine checkup and cleaning, please contact Severance Dental. Our general dental office is located in Severance, Colorado.