How to Use an Interdental Brush? - Pavlo Orthodontics

One thing a lot of people don’t like about going to the dentist is that most of the time, you come out with chores. Teeth and dental health are high maintenance.

For orthodontic patients, this situation it’s even more intense because orthodontic appliances demand extra care, especially during the hygiene routine. However, orthodontic treatment should not be optional in cases where the patient’s health is at risk.

Orthodontic treatment is essential for a variety of reasons, as it goes beyond improving the appearance of a person’s smile. Of course, a boost of confidence may be one of the benefits of teeth straightening.

But the alignment of your teeth also affects your speech and pronunciation, did you know? In addition, orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health.

Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, periodontitis, and other oral health problems. They also help prevent uneven tooth wear, jaw joint tissues, and excessive stress on certain teeth.

Orthodontic treatment not only addresses current dental concerns but also prevents potential problems in the future. By correcting misalignments and bite issues early on, orthodontics can help avoid more extensive and costly dental treatments later in life.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay, or dental caries, is mostly a consequence of a combination of bacteria, dietary factors, and poor oral hygiene practices.

Understanding the causes of tooth decay is crucial in emphasizing the importance of orthodontic treatment in preventing this common dental issue.

As we said, bacteria accumulation is part of the problem. The mouth naturally contains various types of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutants, which are responsible for tooth decay.

These bacteria feed on sugars and starches present in food and produce acids as a byproduct. The acids, if you do not remove them properly, will erode the protective enamel layer of the teeth, leading to cavities.

The high presence of bacteria in your mouth can cause dental caries, but can we prevent or correct bacteria concentrations?

Consuming sugary foods and drinks can be part of the problem as well. When these carbohydrates are left on the teeth for an extended period, bacteria convert them into acids. Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and beverages increases the risk of tooth decay; this is not a myth.

All of the reasons above are why dental hygiene practices are so important. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow dental plaque to accumulate on the teeth.

And what is dental plaque if not a perfect environment for oral bacteria? Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria and acid-producing substances. Crooked or crowded teeth can make proper cleaning more challenging, increasing the risk of plaque buildup.

That explains why orthodontics plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay.

How Does Teeth Alignment Impact Oral Hygiene?

Teeth alignment has a significant impact on oral hygiene as it directly affects the ability to maintain proper oral care practices. When teeth are properly aligned, it becomes easier to effectively clean all tooth surfaces, leading to improved oral hygiene.

Easy Plaque Removal

Properly aligned teeth have minimal gaps, overlaps, or tight spaces that can trap food particles and plaque. It allows for better access to toothbrush bristles and dental floss, enabling more effective plaque removal.

With straight teeth, you can reach all tooth surfaces, including those in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring thorough cleaning and reducing the risk of plaque buildup.

Flossing Effectiveness

Flossing is an essential component of oral hygiene, and teeth alignment greatly influences its effectiveness. Straight teeth provide better access for dental floss to glide smoothly between teeth, allowing for thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces.

Proper alignment ensures that floss can reach the gumline and remove plaque and debris from these areas, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Good Oral Health

When dentists say the risk of tooth decay will reduce, it also includes gum disease and other issues.

Oral bacteria contributes to gum inflammation, bad breath, and gum bleeding. Before you get cavities, oral bacteria can cause tooth sensitivity first.

How to Maintain Oral Hygiene With Braces?

Maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes even more crucial when you have braces. The brackets and wires create additional spaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate.

Your dentist has probably indicated all of this, but here are the basic tips to have good oral hygiene while having traditional braces.

Brush Thoroughly

After every meal and snack, brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, gently brushing in small circular motions.

Make sure to clean all tooth surfaces, including around brackets and wires. Pay extra attention to areas where food particles tend to get trapped, like your molars.

Use an Interdental Brush

Great invention, interdental brushes. An interdental brush is an excellent tool for cleaning between brackets and wires. Choose an appropriate size that fits easily.

Insert the brush between the teeth and gently move it back and forth to remove plaque and debris. Repeat this process for each interdental space.

Floss Daily

Regular flossing is essential, even with braces. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss threader to guide the floss under the archwire. Gently slide the floss up and down between the teeth, making sure to clean both sides of each tooth.

Repeat this for all teeth, adjusting the floss as needed.

Introduce a Water Flosser to Your Routine

An oral irrigator, water flosser, or Waterpik can be highly beneficial for braces care.

You fill the reservoir with warm water and direct the stream with the tip around the brackets and gumline. Though this is a helpful tool, you still need to combine it with regular brushing and flossing.

Antimicrobial Mouthwash

A disinfecting mouthwash can help reduce the bacterial load in your mouth while giving you a longer-lasting fresh breath.

Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing to enhance oral hygiene further and minimize the risk of gum inflammation.

We recommend using mouthwash with fluoride in it for more effectiveness.

Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups

This is one you can’t skip.

Schedule regular dental visits for check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can monitor your oral health and guide proper oral care.

These periodical examinations are what ultimately keep dental plaque under control.

What Is an Interdental Brush?

An interdental brush is a small oral hygiene tool whose purpose is to clean the spaces between teeth, particularly the interdental spaces or gaps.

A handle with a slim bristled brush, like the ones you use to clean a feeding bottle. You can find these in most oral care sections of stores or at supermarkets and pharmacies.

The purpose of an interdental brush, ensure that the bristles come into contact with the tooth surfaces. After using it, rinse the brush carefully and let it air dry.

Even though this tool’s design is so efficient, it’s essential to follow a proper technique and consult with your dentist or oral health professional. Remember, interdental brushes are complementary to your everyday brushing and flossing.

Which Is Better: Interdental Brushes or Floss?

Interdental brushes and dental floss are both valuable tools for maintaining oral hygiene, but they have distinct characteristics and advantages. While interdental brushes offer specific benefits, dental flossing also plays a crucial role in oral care.

Interdental brushes will always be better for cleaning larger interdental gaps. Since the size of the space is bigger, dental floss would be of little help in these cases.

Interdental brushes generally have a longer handle, giving the user better control and easier maneuverability, a department in which dental floss is a little behind.

On the other hand, dental floss is perfect for cleaning between teeth with tight contact points, where interdental brushes may not fit comfortably. Dental floss can access narrower spaces.

Dental flossing also stimulates the gums and helps maintain healthy gum tissue. It can contribute to reducing the risk of gum inflammation and gum bleeding.

For patients with conventional braces, the use of an interdental brush can ease the following dental floss, which tends to be more difficult for orthodontic patients.

Newburyport, Braces Orthodontist

Pavlo Orthodontics is a dental home compromised with providing the best orthodontic treatment in town for you and your family.

Dr. John Pavlo and his amazing experience with traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, TMD treatment, and surgical orthodontics will be able to examine your teeth and treat any issues you have.

(Newburyport) Dental Insurance Orthodontics is usually one of the main concerns of orthodontic patients. Pavlo Orthodontics works with most insurance plans and also offers payment options. Patients will be glad to know that we also have a location in Peabody, MA, where you can get the same high-quality orthodontic treatment.

Schedule an appointment and treat yourself with a healthy smile!