You’re brushing religiously, follow all the standard advice, and still get plaque or cavities. What’s the missing piece? The answer is in the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, cleaning between your teeth—which is called interproximal cleaning—is not just an optional extra; it’s a essential component of any successful oral hygiene routine.
Understanding Interproximal Cleaning
Interproximal cleaning is the method of clearing out 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 significant portion to leave uncleaned.
The Dangers of Neglecting the Gaps
When plaque is allowed to accumulate between teeth, it can lead to several preventable issues:
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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 affect two adjacent teeth.
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Gum Problems and Disease: Plaque buildup at the gumline irritates the gums, which leads to gingivitis. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage 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 persistent bad breath.
Choosing the Best Cleaning Tool
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: Simple, effective tools for on-the-go cleaning.
Achieve Total Oral Health in Westfield, NJ
Knowing why is important, but learning the technique is just as important. At our clinic, Dr. Aristo Carranza is committed to helping patients with the skills and information for a truly complete clean. We can show you the right way and help you choose 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 located at 301 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.
