You brush your teeth twice a day, follow all the standard advice, and still find yourself dealing with plaque or cavities. What’s the missing piece? The solution lies in the spaces your toothbrush misses. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, cleaning between your teeth—also known as interproximal cleaning—is not just an optional extra; it’s a vital component of any successful oral hygiene routine.
Understanding Interproximal Cleaning
Interproximal cleaning is the method of removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and just below the gumline. While your toothbrush does a great job on the front, back, and chewing surfaces, it simply cannot clean the tight spaces where two teeth meet. This makes up roughly 35% of each tooth’s surface area, a huge area to leave unattended.
Risks of Skipping In-Between Cleaning
When plaque is allowed to accumulate between teeth, it can result in several avoidable problems:
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Cavities Between Teeth: These are cavities that form on the sides of your teeth. They can be difficult to detect without dental X-rays and can damage two teeth at once.
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Gingivitis and Gum Disease: Plaque buildup at the gumline irritates the gums, which leads to gingivitis. Without treatment, it can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can result in losing teeth.
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Bad Breath (Halitosis): Trapped food particles and bacteria are a primary cause of halitosis.
Finding the Right Tool for the Job
While traditional string floss is the most well-known tool, it’s not the only option. Depending on your needs, dexterity, and dental work (like braces or bridges), other tools could work better:
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Water Flossers: Use a pressurized stream of water to remove particles.
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Interdental Brushes: Tiny, specialized brushes to clean between wider-spaced teeth.
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Dental Picks: Easy-to-use instruments for quick cleaning.
Your Partner in Complete Oral Health in Westfield, NJ
Understanding the “why” is the first step, but learning the technique is just as important. Here, Dr. Aristo Carranza is dedicated to empowering patients with the skills and information for a 100% clean mouth. We can demonstrate the proper methods and help you select the best interproximal cleaning tools for your unique smile.
Don’t allow hidden plaque to damage your smile. Improve your hygiene habits from good to great. To book an appointment with Dr. Aristo Carranza, call or send a WhatsApp message to (908) 444-3200. Our office is conveniently located at 301 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.
