Hopefully, you’ve listened to your dentist and you make an effort to clean your teeth twice a day. This is great news, but we have one extra recommendation for all those patients who are desperate to preserve their pearly whites for as long as possible. Once you’ve brushed your teeth normally, take a minute to clean between your teeth.

The importance of cleaning between your teeth

When you brush normally, it’s impossible to cover the entire mouth, and this is why it’s so beneficial to clean between your teeth. You can’t fit a normal toothbrush in the gaps between the teeth, and this can increase the risk of plaque formation and contribute to discolouration. If you clean between your teeth, your smile will look brighter and you’ll reduce your risk of decay and gum disease.

How to clean between your teeth

There are two main options when it comes to cleaning the gaps between the teeth: inter-dental brushes and flossing. Inter-dental brushes are small hand-held brushes, which are specifically designed to clean the cracks between the teeth. They come in different sizes and your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how to use them. Flossing involves passing lengths of dental floss or tape through the gaps between your teeth. It is particularly beneficial for dislodging bits of food that have become trapped. If you’re not used to flossing, you may find that your gums bleed slightly when you floss the first couple of times. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist.

If you need any more information or you’d like advice about oral hygiene, contact us today!