How to Use Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes Correctly

Hello, this is Newen Dental Clinic.

It is difficult to maintain 100% of your dental health with a toothbrush alone.

If plaque and food debris are not removed from between the teeth and around the gums,

the risk of developing cavities and gum disease increases.

As a result, dental floss and interdental brushes have become essential tools.

In this post, we will look at the importance of these two tools, how to use them, and how to care for them properly.

The surfaces of the teeth can be kept relatively clean with brushing.

However, narrow spaces between the teeth or

areas below the gum line are not reached by the bristles, leaving plaque behind.

Over time, this plaque hardens and turns into tartar,

which can lead to the following problems.

1. Cavities

Food debris left between the teeth decays, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause cavities.

2. Gum disease

Gum inflammation (gingivitis) and the resulting gum recession (periodontitis)

can cause significant damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth.

3. Bad breath

Debris left in the gaps between teeth is a major cause of bad breath.

Why dental floss is important

Dental floss is especially useful when the spaces between teeth are narrow.

Made of a thin, strong thread, dental floss

passes gently between the teeth to remove plaque and food particles.

< How to use dental floss >

1. Prepare the floss

Cut about 30–40 cm of floss.

Wrap it around both middle fingers to leave about 10 cm of usable length.

2. Insert between the teeth

Hold the floss with your thumb and index finger and slowly guide it between the teeth.

Insert it gently so you do not injure the gums.

3. Remove plaque

Wrap the floss in a C shape so it fits closely against the tooth surface.

Move it gently up and down to clean the tooth surface.

After cleaning both sides of one tooth, move on to the next.

4. Clean all teeth

Move the floss along and clean between all teeth.

5. Care after use

Used floss should be discarded after one use.

When interdental brushes are needed

When the spaces between teeth are wide

When wearing orthodontic appliances

When the gums have receded and the tooth roots are exposed

<How to use an interdental brush>

1. Choose the right interdental brush

Select a brush size that fits the space between your teeth.

Interdental brushes come in various sizes, so it is important to use the size that is right for you.

2. Insert between the teeth

Slowly insert the interdental brush horizontally between the teeth.

Do not force it; move it gently to help prevent gum damage.

3. Move it back and forth

After inserting the interdental brush between the teeth

move it back and forth slowly to remove debris and plaque.

4. Clean after use

After use, rinse it thoroughly under running water, dry it, and store it. If the bristles are worn out, replace it with a new one immediately.

Then when should you use them?

It is best to use them once a day after brushing.

Using them at night is especially effective.

If you feel that food is left between your teeth after a meal,

it is good to use them right away.

Here are some precautions to keep in mind when using interdental brushes and dental floss.

First, do not use them too forcefully!

Using too much force can damage the gums.

Second, choose the appropriate size and product.

If the interdental brush is too large, it can injure the gums.

Be careful not to use floss that is too thick.

Third, combine them with regular dental checkups.

It is difficult to achieve perfect care with floss and interdental brushes alone.

It is necessary to visit the dentist regularly and get help from a professional.

What should you do for proper oral care? !

Dental floss and interdental brushes do not replace brushing.

They work best when used together with proper brushing.

At first, they may feel bothersome, but if you use them every day, they become a habit,

and you can notice a big difference in your oral health.

Dental floss and interdental brushes are essential tools for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

If you learn the proper way to use them and practice consistently every day, you can prevent cavities and gum disease,

and keep your teeth healthy for life.

Start making dental floss and interdental brushes part of your daily routine from today. Thank you.

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