Why is interdental cleaning key?

As we repeat in many of our articles, oral hygiene is one of the most important oral health habits. If carried out correctly, it not only helps to prevent the proliferation of bacterial plaque, but especially helps to keep both teeth and gums in good condition for longer. However, just as many people pay attention to brushing, choosing the perfect toothbrush and applying the right technique, many others neglect interdental cleaning. And let us tell you, it’s a key part of oral hygiene.

The importance of interdental cleaning in oral hygiene.

1. Why is interdental cleaning so necessary?
2. What oral diseases do you avoid with interdental cleaning?
3. How to carry out a proper interdental hygiene?

1. Why is interdental cleaning so necessary?

Brushing your teeth after every meal helps remove food remains and prevents the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the external surface of the teeth, both on the visible side and on the back of the teeth. However, brushing only manages to clean 60% of the accumulated dirt or plaque.

For this reason, both interdental (also known as interproximal) cleaning and lingual hygiene are essential to complete proper oral hygiene. Using floss, floss or interproximal brushes allows you to effectively remove what has accumulated in the interdental area (the space between teeth that is also occupied by the gum).

However, interproximal cleaning is still one of the most neglected areas. As we have already mentioned, not everyone completes their oral hygiene. This failure to correctly perform such an important habit for the maintenance of teeth and gums can lead to the appearance of certain oral diseases:

2. What oral diseases do you avoid with this cleaning?

2.1. Halitosis.

The main reason for bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, i.e. halitosis, is due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque and food putrefaction remaining in the mouth after each meal. Since many people do not attend to interpoximal cleaning, where food debris and biofilm also remain, decomposition begins to generate a bad smell that lingers in the mouth, causing the problem of halitosis.

2.2. Periodontal diseases.

Halitosis can also be a symptom related to a periodontal problem. Firstly, gingivitis and, secondly, periodontitis are diseases caused mainly by the accumulation of bacterial plaque that has affected the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, especially in the interdental space, where toothbrushes do not adequately reach to remove the accumulated plaque.

With gingivitis, gum inflammation and even bleeding begins, which can make it even more difficult to carry out proper oral hygiene, especially because of increased sensitivity. However, with this disease, hygiene must be reinforced even more, paying attention to interdental spaces and the tongue, without forgetting to visit the dentist, where the periodontist will ensure that this problem does not worsen and become periodontitis, with the risk of tooth loss.

2.3. Interproximal caries.

Interdental caries is the caries that develops between two teeth and is sometimes more difficult to detect. The problem with this caries is that it can affect both teeth, or one of them, lodging between the tooth and gum, with the symptoms of this disease being more intense, as this space is more vulnerable to the acids secreted by the bacteria in the plaque.

3. How to carry out an adequate interdental hygiene?

Since the toothbrush cannot adequately reach these interdental spaces for proper cleaning, it is necessary to resort to another utensil, the choice of which will depend on the preferences and oral characteristics and ability of each patient. If there are any doubts, our recommendation is to seek advice from a specialist.

3.1. Dental floss or dental floss.

Dental floss is the best method of interproximal cleaning for people with narrower interdental spaces. The only drawback is that it requires a little more skill and motivation. But nowadays there are commercially available gripping devices that help with flossing during oral hygiene.

3.2. Interproximal brush.

Interproximal brushes are the most suitable for those who have more space between teeth or have less dexterity. This utensil is manufactured in different sizes, which makes it easier to adapt to the space depending on the patient.

3.3. Dental irrigators.

In addition to the above, there are patients who prefer the use of irrigators, especially those who wear orthodontics, as the pressure exerted by the water allows the removal of the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which is more difficult to eliminate.

3.4. Professional cleaning.

Last but not least, you must remember that only professional cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, guarantee the removal of 100% of the bacterial plaque accumulated on and between the teeth. This simple procedure is really one of the most important when it comes to preventing the majority of oral diseases that are caused by the accumulation of biofilm.

Therefore, it is advisable to perform this simple treatment annually, or as many times as recommended by the specialist depending on the needs of each patient. With effective plaque removal through prophylaxis, together with proper personal oral hygiene every meal, the health of teeth and gums will be preserved for longer.