Brushes

Good oral hygiene is important

Brushes

Good oral hygiene keeps your teeth, molars and gums healthy. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste is the basis for this. With a toothbrush alone, you cannot always properly clean the spaces between your teeth. For this, you can use various aids. For example, you can use interdental brushes or spiral brushes.

Dental plaque

Plaque forms on and between your teeth. To keep your mouth healthy, you need to remove this barely visible, white-yellowish layer. Plaque consists mainly of bacteria and bacterial products. If you do not remove plaque regularly, the bacteria can cause gum inflammation and cavities. Plaque that is not removed can harden and calcify into tartar. New plaque easily adheres to tartar. The gums can become increasingly inflamed. The inflammation can spread and affect the underlying jawbone. Eventually, so much jawbone can be lost that your teeth become loose.

Removing plaque between teeth with brushes

To remove plaque from between your teeth, you can use different tools, namely brushes, toothpicks or dental floss. Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about which tool is most suitable for you. Use a brush once a day if the gap is large enough. Is the gap too small for a brush? Then use toothpicks. For very small gaps, it is better to use dental floss.

What types of brushes are there?

The brush follows the shape of the molar

Brushes come in different types and thicknesses. Some brushes have a long spiral brush, while others have a short brush that is secured in a handle or holder. Consult with your dentist or dental hygienist about which brush is best for you.

In the beginning, using brushes is sometimes difficult and painful. The gums then bleed easily because they are still inflamed. If you use the brush daily, the inflammation disappears and so does the bleeding. Moreover, using it becomes less painful. Bleeding gums can also result from incorrect technique. Doesn't the bleeding get less or worse? If so, see your dentist or dental hygienist.

How should I use brushes?

1. First wet the brush under the tap and do not put toothpaste on it. Grasp the brush between your thumb and forefinger and push it from the outside in between teeth. Use the other fingers to support it against the adjacent teeth. Avoid slipping.

2. A brush should encounter some resistance during use, but the metal core (wire) should not touch the teeth or gums. Close your mouth slightly when using the brush in the back of your mouth. This will reduce the tension of your cheeks. For the gaps at the back of the mouth, you can bend the brush slightly.

3. Avoid pricking your gums. Do you end up poking your gums? Then insert the brush at a slight angle. On the upper jaw more obliquely from above, on the lower jaw more obliquely from below.

4. Move the brush back and forth a few times. You can sometimes increase the interface with the tooth while doing this by changing direction (X-figure).

5. If you find that the brush barely experiences any resistance when used, it is better to try a size larger. It is often necessary to use several sizes side by side.

Tip: For large gaps, it can be useful to insert two brushes at the same time.

6. Clean all gaps where a brush fits. Brushes can be used several times. Therefore, rinse them well after use and leave them to dry.

Please note: Excessive or incorrect use of oral hygiene aids can cause damage to teeth and gums.

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