Interdental Cleaning Guide

What is Interdental cleaning?

Cleaning in between your teeth where your toothbrush can't. Your toothbrush cannot clean in between your teeth and so dentists advise flossing or using Tepe brushes to remove bacteria (plaque) that accumulates in this area. Your dentist will advise which Tepe brushes are the safest to use and how to use them (using the wrong size can damage the gums!) Flossing requires patience and skill and children will struggle until their teen years to pick up the correct habit. Where possible monitor interdental cleaning up to the age of 16 years. Alternatively get your child to see the hygienist every 3 months.

Why is it important?

Tooth decay is most common in between teeth!! Bacteria can hide here from the toothbrush and cause tooth decay. Remove the bacteria to reduce the risk of tooth decay!

Is professional cleaning necessary?

Your dentist will advise you if and how often professional cleaning is necessary. Children may find it very difficult to floss and clean in between their teeth so bacteria can accumulate in between the teeth so we recommend professional cleaning every 3 months by the dentist or hygienist. The majority of adults cannot floss, so children should not really be expected to floss very well either!

What we recommend

If the dentist recommends professional cleaning then go for it. The cost compared to having dental treatment for tooth decay is minimal. Tip: remember once you have a filling it will need replacement again in the future, a crown may then be needed later on, and the tooth may then even be lost and may need to be replaced. All this subsequent treatment could have been prevented with simple preventive measures!!