Mind the Gaps: Switch It Up and Learn How to Interdental Brush Like a Pro
Still fighting the floss battle you never knew you’d face?
CONTENDERS READY?
Ingenious flossing design like that of Proxy 3 in 1 Floss make it possible to wear fixed braces and still floss – and thank goodness, because food gets into places that even the tiniest interdental brush can’t reach!
Yeah, that’s right, strawberry seed, we feel you, and we’re coming for you ... just as soon as we reach for our well thought out, rigid ended and spongy cleaning brace floss.
That seed’s got no chance!
There’ll always be a place where even an interdental can’t reach. But, research suggests that to keep teeth ‘squeaky’ clean, interdental brushing should be the method of choice for discerning brace wearers.
Interdental brushes ace it when it comes to getting the teeth cleaning job done
Into the In-between, the Behind and the Beyond
Interdental brushes ace it when it comes to getting the fixed brace cleaning job done.
Here's why:
- No flossing loop-de-loop for you – just find the gap, and gently guide ‘em in, wiggle ‘em around, done. No one needs to crochet anything from brackets and floss, right?
- They’re soft bristled so they love your gums, even when your brace doesn’t
- They come in different sizes so, as your teeth move and gaps open and close, you’ll always find the perfect fit
- There’s never a risk of an irritating thread shredding in a tight spot
"Please, no, not the brush! Use the floss instead!" But you'll show plaque no mercy.
Here's what plaque thinks:
Ignore its screams for help and mind your gaps.
The Best Way to Use an Interdental Brush
here come the instructions ...
Ok, so how to use an interdental brush isn’t the sort of instruction you ever envisaged searching for, but here we are. Life’s full of surprises!
Choose the Right Size The brush should fit snugly between your teeth, but if the wire’s bending, it’s a little too small. Be like Goldilocks: think, just right!
There are different sizes for different gaps and it’s worth the small investment – two sets of sizes last you twice as long, right? Quick maths!
Insert Gently We’re not trying to spear fish in a river! Don’t jab it in – we don’t want any nasty surprises for your gums.
Use a mirror Guide yourself at first until you know your way around. With braces, things change – your orthodontist might have added a surprise piece of kit to your brace so go lightly.
Move It Back and Forth A couple of times should do the job. We’re not trying to polish the local football team’s silverware. Focus on the area between the teeth and around the brackets.
Rinse and Repeat Rinse the brush during use to clear debris – you'll see it when it’s there, particularly on Interprox Interdental Brushes, as they have dual-coloured bristles: black to expose plaque and white to reveal any bleeding.
Move to the next gap.
Replace your brush when it starts to look a bit sorry for itself If you’ve subscribed to our Fixed Brace Daily Care Kit, you’ll go from month to month without having to nag for new interdental brushes (or mouthwash or monotip brush or toothpaste – phew!). More brain space to do what you wish with ...
Once a day – or more if food loves your intricate brace arrangement!
How often are we talking?
Remember braces need more care and, to avoid the whole spinach smile scenario, you might want to use your interdental brushes more often than once a day. Now you’re a pro, in fact, practically a trained dental hygienist!
Don't forget, for those uber tight spaces, you'll still need to dance the dance with orthodontic floss.
If your gums are bleeding, take a little look at our article:
help for gums
... and Healthy Smile Pharmacy are right there with you.
Your teeth are in this for the long haul ...
Forget interstellar, let’s go interdental!
