Cleaning interdentally—which refers to cleaning between your teeth—is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing alone often can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque and food can build up. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

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1. Dental Floss

Flossing is the most common and traditional method for cleaning between your teeth. Here’s how to do it properly:

  • Choose your floss: You can use regular waxed or unwaxed dental floss, or even dental tape. If you have tight spaces between your teeth, you might want to use thinner floss. For larger gaps, you could try thicker floss or dental tape.
  • Cut a piece of floss: About 18 inches (45 cm) is usually enough. Wrap the ends around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches of floss to work with.
  • Gently slide the floss between your teeth: Use a back-and-forth motion to get the floss in, but be careful not to snap it in. Once it’s between your teeth, curve it around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently slide it up and down. Don’t forget to floss both sides of each tooth.
  • Use a clean section of floss: After you clean between two teeth, move to a fresh section of floss to avoid transferring plaque.
  • Don’t forget your back teeth: These can be harder to reach, but it’s just as important to clean them.
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2. Interdental Brushes (Small Brushes)

Interdental brushes are tiny, bristled brushes designed to fit between your teeth. They’re a great alternative to floss for people with larger gaps or those who find flossing difficult. Here’s how to use them:

  • Choose the right size: Interdental brushes come in different sizes. It’s important to find one that fits snugly between your teeth without forcing it.
  • Gently insert the brush: Slide the brush between your teeth using a gentle motion. Avoid forcing it in, as that could damage your gums.
  • Move the brush back and forth: Once the brush is between your teeth, move it gently back and forth to remove debris and plaque.
  • Clean the brush after each use: You can rinse it under water or use mouthwash to sanitize it.
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3. Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators)

A water flosser uses a stream of pulsating water to help clean between your teeth and along your gumline. It’s a good option if you have braces, implants, or other dental work, or if you just find traditional flossing uncomfortable.

  • Use the water flosser: Aim the nozzle at the gumline, and move it between your teeth while the water pulses to flush out debris.
  • Gentle pressure: Use gentle pressure to avoid hurting your gums. You can adjust the settings depending on your preference.
  • Not a substitute for flossing: While water flossers can help remove food particles and reduce plaque, they should be used in addition to regular flossing or interdental brushes for optimal oral care.
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4. Soft Picks

Soft picks are like tiny rubber-tipped sticks, and they’re another good alternative to flossing, especially if you have sensitive gums. Here’s how to use them:

  • Place the soft pick between your teeth: Gently insert it into the space between your teeth, and move it in and out a few times.
  • Be gentle: Just like with other methods, don’t force it. A soft pick should glide between your teeth without too much pressure.
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5. Mouthwash (for extra cleaning)

Mouthwash can help reach places that brushing and flossing may miss, especially if you’re prone to gum disease or have braces. It can also reduce plaque and freshen your breath.

  • Choose the right mouthwash: Look for an antimicrobial mouthwash that helps reduce plaque, or one that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth.
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Key Tips for Effective Interdental Cleaning

  • Be consistent: Clean between your teeth once a day—typically at night after brushing.
  • Don’t rush: Be thorough. Spend enough time cleaning between each tooth.
  • Start gently: If you’re new to interdental cleaning, be gentle to avoid injuring your gums. If your gums bleed, it might be because they’re inflamed, but over time, with consistent cleaning, the bleeding should stop.
  • Check for tight spots: If flossing or brushing doesn’t feel comfortable or isn’t effective, consider talking to your dentist about whether you might need a different technique or tool.
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