13th April 2021

Should You Brush Between Teeth?

We all know the importance of brushing our teeth at least twice a day and keeping an eye on our oral health, but when it comes to brushing between teeth, many of us tend to be unsure as to what to include as part of our routines. Cleaning those harder to reach or see areas of our mouths is an essential part of maintaining good overall oral health and ensuring that any plaque and leftover food particles have been removed.

No matter how good you think your tooth brushing technique is, your toothbrush can’t reach all areas of your mouth, which means that plaque can quickly buildup within the gaps in your teeth, something that then leaves you vulnerable to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing between teeth is a good way to keep some of those harder to reach areas clean and flossing or using interdental brushes are the most effective methods. If you don’t already, then here are some reasons why you should brush between teeth and how to properly use interdental brushes and floss.

Brush Between Teeth To Keep Your Mouth Healthy

A regular toothbrush isn’t designed to clean all areas of your mouth, which is why we need additional tools, such as floss, interdental brushes and mouthwash, to look after our wider oral health. Of course, you can’t fit a regular toothbrush between teeth or properly get into gaps and not paying attention to these areas of your mouth can lead to discolouration and plaque build-up. Brushing between teeth reduces the risk of plaque formation and helps to remove any trapped bits of food which can cause plaque and bad breath.

By using floss or interdental brushes, you can dislodge these bits of food and remove any plaque or debris which may remain after mealtimes. Once you start cleaning and brushing between your teeth, your gums may feel a little sore, or you may notice some light bleeding. This should stop after a few times, but if bleeding persists, then please get in touch with us.

How To Clean and Brush Between Teeth

When you clean and brush between teeth, this is something that should either be done prior to brushing your teeth with your normal toothbrush or after brushing and prior to using mouthwash. This means that any debris you remove from your teeth isn’t left behind. Using dental floss is fairly straightforward when it comes to cleaning your teeth. Use a long length of floss and gently pass this backwards and forwards in between your teeth. This should remove any stubborn plaque build-up or food debris.

Using interdental brushes can look a little intimidating at first, but they are really good little tools for getting in between gaps to clean and brush between teeth. They’re also good for metal brace wearers, who find that food gets trapped between the wire and bracket. Interdental brushes come in a variety of different sizes, so you need to find the right one which doesn’t feel uncomfortable whilst using. Our hygienist team will recommend the correct size or sizes of brush (you may need more than one size)

Using interdental brushes to brush between teeth couldn’t be easier. Insert the brush gently into gaps between the teeth and move it backwards and forwards between the teeth, making sure not to use too vigorous movements. Work around the whole of your mouth, cleaning in between each tooth. Like with flossing, after the first few times your gums may feel slightly sensitive or tender, or you may notice some bleeding. This should lessen the more you do it, but if the bleeding persists, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Looking After Your Oral Health

Ensuring that you regularly brush between teeth can vastly improve your overall oral health and leave you with healthier teeth and fresher breath. Using more than one technique is recommended in order to reach different areas of your mouth, however, if you have had bridges or dental implants, then this should be taken into consideration before you start using interdental brushes or floss and should be discussed with your dental hygienist.

Good oral health starts with you and here at Dental Solutions, we have a range of hygienist treatments available, where our dedicated team of dental hygienists can give you advice on gum and oral health. It is not even necessary to be a patient at our dental practice to see one of our hygienists. Get in touch today to arrange your consultation.

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Mike White
Mike White
2024-01-29
The best experience. When you step through the door you are met by the friendliest receptionist,Which continues through the practice. If you want the best dental care and treatments across the board this is where you need to go.
Charlotte Bell
Charlotte Bell
2023-12-15
I came to dental solutions with severe anxiety of dentists and Lauren was so helpful, kind and patient with me. For the first time in years I've found a dentist who I feel comfortable with. Thank you
Gill S
Gill S
2023-10-27
I had a wisdom tooth extracted by Gavin after having toothache due to my tooth breaking. I was nervous as I had not had a tooth removed by injection before. Gavin was reassuring, explained the procedure fully and it was over quickly with no pain. All staff at the practice are caring, friendly and professional and I have been going for many years. I highly recommend Dental Solutions.
K.WEDGE
K.WEDGE
2023-09-06
Thank you to Gavin and team at Dental Solutions for the superb dental work done yesterday. As well as being highly professional and very good at what they do the place has a great atmosphere which makes going to the dentist a pleasure.
tracy grensinger
tracy grensinger
2023-07-02
Amazing experience. I felt in safe friendly professional hands with all the team . Thank you!
Zoe Manley
Zoe Manley
2023-06-30
Can’t speak highly enough of this practice and in particular Lauren. 2 years ago I walked in and was so nervous I cried just as the sight of the chair. Her and the staff have been so patient and understanding and have worked with me to overcome my phobia. This week I had a filling and was absolutely fine, my family couldn’t believe it. Reception staff are lovely and really accommodating too. So glad I found them, I don’t dread the dentist anymore.
David Partridge
David Partridge
2023-05-10
A really Five Star Dental Practice! Upon arrival I was greeted by their most friendly welcoming receptionists. it seems nothing is 'too much trouble' to them. Gavin is similarly very friendly and the surgery is kitted out with the most high-tech modern equipment. On my first visit Gavin examined my teeth and explained my options to me giving me his recommendation for treatment and reasons why. Their Co-ordinator prepared a detailed quote for my treatment and went through it in detail with me, ensuring I understood everything; she had plenty of time for me as a patient. From the outset I had complete confidence in entrusting them with my dental care and the final results are truly amazing. Gavin and Richard could not have been more professional and my treatment was made as painless as possible. Dental Solutions provide a truly outstanding service and I thank them for my new 'long lost' smile and renewed confidence, especially when dining out and talking with people. I can't recommend them too highly.
Carole Dodwell
Carole Dodwell
2023-05-08
A first class experience from start to finish. Despite being fearful of visiting the dentist, Gavin put me at ease with his gentle unhurried manner. I was surprised at how relaxed I actually felt undergoing treatment for a crown and the removal/replacement of front teeth veneers. Having felt self conscious about my front teeth for a long time, I decided to have my old veneers replaced. The results were amazing and far exceeded my expectations. What Gavin achieved was nothing short of a work of art, boosting my confidence tenfold. The practice itself is very welcoming, the customer service excellent and the staff are all very friendly and kind. I cannot recommend this dental practise highly enough.
Nick Halliwell
Nick Halliwell
2023-04-28
I recently needed some urgent treatment and after trying a couple of dentists in the area, dental solutions were the only dentist that agreed to see me, genuinely nobody else showed any interest in helping me. The receptionist I spoke to initially was super compassionate and understanding and did all she could to get me in asap. I saw Lauren for all of my appointments, and I’ve now had: a composite filling, root canal and emax crown and just yesterday had a wisdom tooth extracted. I don't know what Lauren does but I have had zero pain or discomfort with any treatments during and after. I'm extremely happy with the results of her work. She definitely knows her stuff and filled me with the utmost confidence whilst in the chair! I literally cant find any fault with any of the experiences I have had so far. They go the extra mile and do it with a smile. What more can you ask for?! Definitely my dentist for the foreseeable future! Thank you Lauren and everyone!
Pete Taberham
Pete Taberham
2023-04-07
Had my initial consultation with Lauren, truly professional and extremely friendly. She explained all my options in detail and following discussions opted for veneers and can't wait to see the end result.
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