Maintaining good oral health is important for a healthy smile and your overall health. While brushing your teeth is important, cleaning between your teeth is equally as important for achieving optimal oral health. In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of cleaning in between your teeth and why it’s such an important step toward a healthy smile.
Those Spaces Between the Teeth
Our teeth are not flat and don’t fit perfectly together. Instead, they have abnormalities and spaces between them, where plaque and food particles tend to accumulate. These spaces are often overlooked during our daily brushing routine, leaving them prone to decay and gum disease. This is where cleaning between your teeth becomes so important.
Floss is boss
Flossing is a simple and highly effective way of cleaning between your teeth. Dental floss reaches areas that your toothbrush may miss, removing plaque and debris between your teeth and along the gumline. Adding flossing into your daily oral health care routine helps prevent cavities and keeps your gums healthy.
Flossing should be done gently to avoid causing damage to the gums. A common mistake is snapping the floss between teeth, which can lead to bleeding and irritation. Instead, glide the floss gently up and down the sides of each tooth, forming a “C” shape to clean the area thoroughly.
Here are some great videos done by our hygienist, Sara, on how to properly floss your teeth with a water pic and traditional floss.
Embracing Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are another excellent tool for cleaning between teeth, especially for those who find traditional flossing difficult. These tiny brushes come in various sizes to fit the spaces between your teeth. They help remove plaque and stimulate the gums, helping for better circulation and overall gum health.
Interdental brushes are great for braces or dental work that makes flossing cumbersome. Regular use of interdental brushes can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Help Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health concern that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Cleaning between your teeth is an important component of gum disease prevention. By removing plaque and bacteria from these hard-to-reach areas, you can significantly reduce the risk of gingivitis and more severe forms of periodontal disease.
Choosing the Right Products
With so many choices for oral care products available, it’s important to choose the right ones for effective cleaning between your teeth. Dentists often recommend dental floss and interdental brushes that match the size of the spaces between your teeth. Additionally, there are water flossers that use a stream of water to clean between teeth which is a great alternative to traditional floss.
The Importance of Oral Health Routines
Consistency is key when it comes to oral health. Establishing a daily routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and the use of interdental brushes can make a substantial difference in your overall oral hygiene and well-being. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, cleaning between them ensures a comprehensive approach to removing plaque and preventing oral health issues.
Professional Guidance
Having a good oral health care routine at home is important, regular visits to your dentist are equally important. Dentists have the expertise to identify any potential issues and provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They can also offer personalized advice on the most effective methods and tools for cleaning in between your teeth.
A truly healthy smile goes beyond just the absence of cavities or gum disease. It radiates confidence and reflects overall well-being. When you prioritize cleaning between your teeth, you invest in the longevity of your oral health, ensuring that your smile remains bright and beautiful for years to come. Remember, a little effort in cleaning between your teeth today can lead to a lifetime of smiles tomorrow.
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