Two main types of interdental brushes:
- I-shaped interdental brushes.
- L-shaped inter-dental brushes.
The L-shaped brushes give you the ability to clean at the very end of your last teeth that are very hard to reach in your mouth (i.e. your molars). Interdental brushes are widely available in every pharmaceutical store and an online store too.
They come in various widths and sizes to fit in with different size spaces between your teeth. Depending upon the particular shape of your teeth, you may have to use different sized brushes. While The I-shaped brushes help you to clean the teeth that can be reached easily, such as your front teeth (upper and lower), as well as your incisors and canines.
Both brushes have small bristled heads that look like pipe cleaners, inform your dentist to help you with the right size of brush that is best suited to you.
What is an interdental brush?
This is a kind of brush that is smaller in shape and is specifically designed to clean in between teeth that are very hard to reach areas. Where the regular toothbrush can’t reach.
Interdental brushes are best tools for removing plaque from the tight spaces, helping to prevent bacteria buildup, cavities, and inflammation of the gums (gum recession). Some degree of gum recession is seen in the most mouth by those with gum disease, at any age.
Most of us think that brushing with a regular toothbrush alone is enough to keep our teeth and gums healthy, but medical researchers have proven otherwise that roughly 40% of interdental (between the teeth) there is still traces of plaque after brushing! Interdental brushes give you the ability to clean your teeth thoroughly, which reduces your chances of getting gingivitis and periodontal disease.
How to use interdental brushes to clean between teeth:
1. First, know the interdental brushes you’re going to use depending on the area you want to clean. For best result, start with the front teeth (top and bottom) and work through your way back. For front teeth, use the I-shaped brush, and for back teeth, use the L-shaped brush.
2. Gently push the I-shaped brush back and front into the spaces between your teeth. Do not attempt to force the brush into an area; try to work it in gently first, but if it simply doesn’t fit well, you may need to try a smaller size brush. Repeat this for the top front incisors and canines as well.
3. Continue using the same I-shaped brush in the same gentle motions from the very end (under) your front teeth to the incisors, and canines. Remove every food particles or plaque that accumulate on the bristles when using it. You can rinse the brush head as needed.
4. Now, Switch to the L-shaped brush because you are going to use it for the back teeth. Insert the brush from the tongue side and perform the same gentle motion from the back to the forth motion for these areas as well. It’s going to be a little more stressful to find the “G – spot” for the back teeth due to limited visibility so it will take a little practice before you get a feel for it.
Dip it inside the water each time you insert it to the gap of your teeth. When done, make sure you wash your interdental brush with running water and Soak the brush in an antiseptic gel or mouthwash is also necessary because cleaning with a mouthwash disinfect germs.