Gum Interdental Brushes for Protecting Oral Health
Posted on May 22nd, 2023 | Christopher Neal
Many people have heard of floss, floss picks, and even water flossers, but interdental brushes are a slightly less common tool that are also used for cleaning gums and between teeth. They’re extremely effective, safe for kids, and provide a thorough clean that helps in preventing cavities, gum disease, and even stimulates blood flow to promote healthy gum tissue.
Why Should You Floss?
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to protecting your oral health, and flossing is just as important. A toothbrush can’t remove all the food particles and plaque that gather between teeth or below the gum line, which is why flossing regularly helps to maintain good oral hygiene.
However, many people skip this step in their oral care routine, which increases the risk for plaque development and as a result, tooth decay and gingivitis.
It’s especially important for children, who are prone to cavities, to have a good at-home dental care routine, but traditional floss is often hard for kids to use. An interdental brush can make flossing easier and more comfortable, for both children and adults.
What is an Interdental Brush?
An interdental brush is a thin, soft-bristled brush that comes in different sizes to slide effortlessly between teeth to remove trapped food and debris. Interdental brushes perform just like traditional floss or picks, but they can be maneuvered more easily to thoroughly clean between molars and other hard to reach areas of the mouth.
Interdental brushes offer a number of advantages over conventional floss. Interdental brushes are great for individuals with large gaps between their teeth, such as children who are still losing baby teeth. They’re also suitable for children undergoing orthodontic treatment who need to wear retainers or braces.
How to Use an Interdental Brush for Kids
Interdental brushes come in a variety of sizes in order to fit through different interdental spaces. This ensures that users don’t have to force the brush between their teeth, which could cause damage to the gum tissue. It’s important to choose a size that can be worked gently between your child’s teeth without any discomfort or pain.
With the right size interdental brush, you simply need to push and pull the brush back and forth between the teeth several times to clean the area and remove plaque. Teach your child how to do this themselves, and make sure they repeat the process until they have finished flossing around every tooth.
When your child reaches the back teeth, if the brush has a pliable head or neck, you can bend it so they can better reach the spaces between their molars. You should also encourage them to brush from the outside and inside to ensure the back teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
Keep in mind, interdental brushes are small and can potentially become a choking hazard. It’s important to supervise your child when they use this type of tool to floss their teeth, or simply do it for them until they get older.
Contact Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry for Teeth Cleanings & Check-Ups
The best way to protect your child’s teeth is to ensure they keep up with their at-home dental care routine, and visit the dentist at least every six months for an exam and teeth cleaning.
Schedule an appointment at Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry if your child is due for a check-up and dental cleaning in Palos Heights. We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their smile development and oral health.
Whether you’re wondering how to use interdental brushes and if they’re safe for your child, or you think your child may need a cavity filling, you can rely on our dentists in Palos Heights, IL.
