Interdental cleaning or interproximal cleaning is part of

oral hygiene Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's oral cavity clean and free of disease and other problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth (dental hygiene) and adopting good hygiene habits. It is important that oral hygiene be carr ...

where the aim is to clean the areas in between the teeth, otherwise known as the proximal surfaces of teeth. This is to remove the

dental plaque Dental plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms (mostly bacteria, but also fungi) that grows on surfaces within the mouth. It is a sticky colorless deposit at first, but when it forms Calculus (dental), tartar, it is often brown or pale yellow. It is ...

in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. The ultimate goal of interproximal cleaning is to prevent the development of interproximal

caries Tooth decay, also known as caries,The word 'caries' is a mass noun, and is not a plural of 'carie'.'' is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. The resulting cavities may be a number of different colors, from yellow to black ...

and

periodontal disease Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red and may bleed. It is considered the main c ...

. The combined use of tooth brushing and mechanical and manual interdental cleaning devices has been proven to reduce the prevalence of caries and periodontal diseases.

Floss

Floss is one of the most commonly used interdental cleaners. It is traditionally made of waxed nylon wrapped up in a plastic box. Since dental floss is able to remove some inter-proximal plaque, frequent regular dental flossing will reduce inter-proximal caries and periodontal disease risks. Results of a high-level of evidence meta-analysis recently found that floss may not be the most effective method for interdental cleaning, contrary to common belief at the time. Especially for individuals lacking dexterity or compliance, waterjet irrigators and interdental brushes were found to be significantly more effective than flossing.

Interdental brush

Interdental brushes commonly consist of either a central metal wire core with soft nylon filaments twisted around, or an

elastomer An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e. both viscosity and elasticity) and with weak intermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus (E) and high failure strain compared with other materials. The term, a portmanteau of ''ela ...

, and are available in various sizes to correspond to different spaces between teeth. Various factors—such as the brush’s material, geometry, and size—can be selected to optimize its efficiency and performance. * Material: metal wire may be sensitive to certain patients, thereby rubber might be preferred. * Geometry: Straight interdental brushes are considered more effective compared to angled interproximal plaque removal. * Size: This varies depending on the space between individual teeth. Failure to use an appropriate size may account for the lack of efficiency of the interdental cleaning aid. Interdental brushes are not designed for the same long lifespan as regular toothbrushes. On average, an interdental brush may need to be replaced after 7–14 uses. For those with braces, bridges, or dental implants, interdental brushes are especially helpful. They can manoeuvre around wires and brackets or under bridges, where plaque can accumulate, helping to maintain the integrity of dental work and supporting long-term oral health. Individuals with orthodontic appliances are recommended to choose conical-shaped brushes. The narrow top part does an excellent job of cleaning fine details. The lower and wider half removes food debris between teeth and around the structure. For cleaning brackets, forward and backwards motions are used. To select the correct size interdental brush, it is necessary to consult a dental hygienist. They will measure the interdental spaces with a special probe and determine the appropriate width of the brushes. Typically, narrower brushes are needed for the front teeth, and wider ones for the molars. According to the rules, interdental spaces are cleaned first. Then, with the help of a brush, the front, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth are cleaned. Brush movements should be strictly vertical, from the gum to the cutting edge of the tooth, to avoid pushing plaque back into the spaces between the teeth.

Oral irrigator

Oral Irrigators (also called water flossers) are common mechanical tools used for interdental cleaning. It uses a combination of pulsation and pressure facilitated by water or air to remove debris and bacteria both above and below the gums. When used with tooth brushing, the use of oral irrigators reduces inflammation of the gums (

gingivitis Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gums; ulitis is an alternative term. The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to bacterial biofilms (also ...

) by removing loosely adherent plaque. It is also beneficial for implant maintenance as there is less bleeding around implants when oral irrigators are used compared to dental floss.

Toothpick

Toothpicks are slender sticks, made from a variety of materials, designed to be inserted between teeth for cleaning the interdental spaces. Although there is a long history of use dating back to 1.8 million years ago, dentists generally discourage their use due to the danger of causing mechanical damage to gum, enamel, and tooth roots.

References

{{reflist Oral hygiene