Flossing and interdental brushing form part of a good oral hygiene routine. Your dentist can offer advice about when is best to use floss or interdental brushes as well as the most appropriate technique. Where braces or restorations are present, an interdental brush might be more suitable than floss.

The difference between floss and interdental brushes

Floss is made from a collection of nylon fibres or plastic thread. The thread is held between your fingers and passed between and around each tooth to remove plaque and debris. Disposable flossing devices are also available; these have a small plastic handle to be held during flossing.

Interdental brushes comprise of a tiny bristled head attached to a plastic handle. The bristled heads come in different sizes and are replaceable. You simply hold the interdental brush handle whilst moving the bristles between and around the teeth, cleaning the surfaces between the teeth and just below the gumline.

Dental flossing technique

Take a piece of dental floss, around 18 inches long. Wrap the floss around your index finger and gradually insert it between the teeth, starting at one end of the upper dental arch. Clean each tooth, making sure the floss moves in a C shaped curve between and around the gumline. Use a fresh part of the 18 inch floss per tooth. When the upper dental arch has been flossed, cut another 18 inch piece and repeat the action for the lower dental arch.

Interdental brushing technique

Place the brush head gently between the teeth, carefully removing it along with any food debris and sticky plaque. Repeat the action for each tooth so that any bacteria-attracting agents are removed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

To find out more about oral hygiene, please contact the team at Harley Street Dental Studio in London.