As you might be aware we have a fantastic hygiene team here at Diana Dental and we recommend you see them at least twice a year to give your teeth a thorough clean (plaque starts to go hard if left for too long and this then becomes impossible for you to clean off). They will also show you the skills, tools and techniques to clean your teeth effectively. You have probably seen the adverts which say brushing is only a small part of your overall mouth care and this is definitely true! Cleaning in between your teeth daily is so important to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
There are lots of products out there atm which claim to do a good job and it definitely isn’t a one size fits all approach- you chose the product which you think you will get on with best-this way you are more likely to stick to a regular routine.
We thought we would share with you our preferred and recommended techniques, at your hygiene appointments our lovely team can discuss your technique and go over any issues you might have too!
- Flosspicks:these are perfect for people with challenged dexterity or bigger sized hands. They are quick and easy to use, and also have tension control which allows the floss to surround the sides of the tooth with each flossing action without breaking.
- Tepe brushes:these are little interdental brushes which fit between the teeth. They come in different sizes and are colour coded depending on the size. They are quick and easy to use and very useful for removing plaque from posterior contacts and under retainers. These too have become a very popular means of interdental cleaning- if you are considering using these please do speak to a member of the team who can ‘size you up’ it is also worth mentioning that you might need a few different sizes for different areas of your mouth.
- Super Floss:This type of floss is made of soft tufts and standard floss. For use in: implant abutments, bridges, orthodontic appliances and beneath tight contact areas.
- Floss: waxed floss, waxed dental tape, minted floss, fluoride coated floss. We normally recommend the dental tape as this is flatter and easier to use but floss really depends on your dexterity. The own brands of floss are usually just as good as the branded versions but if you do find that it breaks or shreads easily it might be worth switching brands before you try a different method.
So there you have it! Please also bear in mind that bleeding shouldn’t put you off-healthy gums don’t bleed and if yours are this is a sign of some inflammation caused by plaque in the area so please keep going! The bleeding will eventually stop if you persevere.
