If you struggle to remember to floss each day, you’re not alone. Just over 15 percent of adults report flossing once a day, according to the American Dental Association. Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IN recommends flossing at least once a day. If you have trouble remembering to floss, interdental brushing (proxy brushing) may be an effective alternative.
What is Interdental Brushing?
According to the American Dental Association, about one-quarter of Americans floss only when they need to remove food stuck between their teeth. More than half of Americans report that flossing is “too time-consuming.” One popular substitute for flossing is interdental brushing.
A 2009 study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health reported that the alternative, when used in conjunction with brushing, is “more effective than dental floss.”
The thin bristles are commonly found at grocery check-out lines and pharmacies. Interdental brushes come in various size and shapes, most being small. Some even have handles that resemble a toothbrush. The brush is designed to fit between teeth to remove buildup and plaque. Most interdental brushes have a short lifespan of about several uses.
How To Use An Interdental Brush
Using an interdental brush is straightforward. Simply insert the brush gently between teeth and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean each side of your teeth. Make sure to not skip any teeth, especially the molars, which are more prone to cavities. Many patients start with the end teeth and work your way around the arch.
Benefits of Using an Interdental Brush
- Improved oral hygiene: Associations like the ADA have reported that interdental brushes are just as effective as flossing. Using either device is critical to oral hygiene because food can remain in the crevices between teeth.
- Convenience: One of the main advantages of an interdental brush is that it is simple and easy to use. Many individuals have difficulty handling floss. Others find flossing awkward to use. An interdental brush is designed to be easy to hand. The brushes are effective at cleaning prosthetics (dentures, bridges, and implants).
- Great for braces: Many people who use braces have been told to use interdental brushes because floss cannot reach between the metal wires of traditional braces.
- Affordable treatment: A package of these brushes is a few dollars.
- Ideas for gapped or misaligned teeth: If you have poor teeth alignment, brushing may miss many areas of your teeth. Interdental brushing can reach these hidden areas.
- Less likely to cause bleeding: Some patients avoid floss because it cuts the surface of their gums. Interdental brushing is much gentler on gums than floss.
Contact Our Lombard, IL Office Today
Whether you use traditional floss or an interdental brush, consistency is key. Allowing plaque and tartar to build up between teeth creates an environment that invites cavities and decay.
Proper flossing habits are the foundation of a healthy smile, and so are routine cleanings with your family dentistry provider! If it’s been six months or more since you or your child’s last dental cleaning, call our Lombard, IL practice to schedule an appointment. You can reach a member of our staff at 630-629-5700.
