ps2id id='interproximal-cleaner'/]What is an interproximal cleaner?
Interproximal cleaners are oral hygiene devices designed to clean large gaps between the teeth. These devices are a great supplement for patients who have a hard time cleaning the gaps between their teeth. They are also ideal for cases where flossing alone does not properly clean your teeth. Interproximal cleaners are not a substitute for brushing and flossing. You're only supposed to use them to supplement your oral hygiene routine. Talk to your dentist to see if they recommend that you use an interproximal cleaner.
Examples of interproximal cleaner devices include the go-between toothbrush and the rubber tip
What are examples of different interproximal cleaning devices?
Examples of interproximal cleaner devices include the go-between toothbrush and rubber tips. You can purchase interproximal cleaners from your neighborhood pharmacy or buy them online. Here's what you need to know about these hygiene devices:
Go-Between Brush
Interproximal brushes, also referred to as go-between brushes, are tiny toothbrushes used to clean large gaps between the teeth. These brushes resemble tiny toothbrushes and are designed to fit into small gaps. You can use go-between brushes to clean the following regions:
- Large gaps between teeth due to advanced gum disease
- Gaps underneath dental bridges
- Spaces surrounding dental implants
- All-on-four and full mouth dental implants
- Teeth with orthodontic brackets and wires on them during braces treatment
Go-between brushes are used to clean large gaps in between your teeth
Rubber Tip
Rubber tips is a device that is similar to go-between brushes, however, it is made from rubber instead of bristles. You can use a rubber tip to clean in between your teeth. Additionally, rubber tips stimulate your gum tissue to keep them healthy.
Rubber tips clean in-between the teeth while also stimulating your gum tissue
When do I need to use an interproximal cleaner?
Interproximal cleaners are not for everyone. The vast majority of people only need to use a toothbrush and dental floss to clean their teeth. However, if brushing and flossing alone doesn't fully remove food particles from your teeth, then you should consider using an interproximal cleaner. Interproximal cleaners are designed to clean large gaps between the teeth. These larger gaps are areas where brushing and flossing don't effectively clean your teeth. Here are examples of cases where interproximal cleaners are helpful:
You should use an interproximal cleaner if brushing and flossing is not fully removing food particles from your teeth
Advanced Periodontal Disease
If you're suffering from advanced gum disease, then you've already lost some of your supporting bone structure. As a result, there are large gaps between your teeth. These gaps tend to trap lots of food particles and are difficult to clean. You're most likely a good candidate for using an interproximal cleaner to aid in cleaning your teeth.
Extensive Dental Work
If you have plenty of dental work in your mouth, then you’re probably a good candidate for using an interproximal cleaner. When you have a mouth full of crowns, bridges, and/or dental implants, you end up getting food trapped just about everywhere! This is because nothing is as good as your own teeth. Dental prosthetics like bridges and implants are more likely to trap food and cause gum irritation as compared to natural teeth. Using an interproximal cleaner could be your best friend. Interproximal cleaners are very effective at cleaning the large gaps between crowns, bridges, and dental implants.
Braces
Interproximal cleaners are also useful when you're wearing braces on your teeth. Cleaning your teeth with brackets and wires can be difficult and challenging. Using an interproximal cleaner can really make a difference since flossing is not a viable option during braces treatment. Talk to your orthodontist to see if they recommend that you use an interproximal brush throughout your braces treatment.
Schedule a consultation with your dentist to learn more about which interproximal cleaner (if any) you should use. To learn more about other ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy, click on the following links: