What tools should you use For Cleaning Between Teeth?

Cleaning between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach can be difficult.

These areas make a perfect hiding place for food particles and bacteria. If they’re allowed to stay for a long time, these bacteria can start to destroy gum tissue as well as the bones and ligaments that support teeth. There are several ways of cleaning between teeth. Two of the most popular methods are by using floss and piksters.

Floss

Flossing removes bacteria and food particles from between teeth, but can be difficult to do.

If you’ve never tried flossing, it can be a bit fiddly to start with but you will learn the skill in no time! Floss is available in many different types, coatings and flavours. You can experiment with different ones to find your favourite. If you have trouble using the floss wrapped around your fingers, you can buy floss holders and interdental brushes in most supermarkets and pharmacies. Technique for cleaning between teeth using floss is:

• Take about 30cm of dental floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers.
• Using your thumbs and index fingers as guides, gently slide the floss between two teeth, using a saw-like motion.
• Once at the gum line, wrap the floss to form a C shape against one of the two teeth. Slide it up and down against that tooth. Be careful not to snap the floss between teeth.
• Next, wrap the floss against the other tooth and repeat the up-down motion.

Be very gentle and try not to scrape the floss too hard against your gums. Repeat this wherever two teeth are touching.

Piksters

Like floss only easier.

These are great flossing alternatives and are small circular toothbrushes that you can insert into the spaces between your teeth to clean the difficult to reach areas. They can also be used around braces or wires and anywhere a toothbrush cannot reach. Use them as often as you feel you need to especially if you get food stuck between your teeth, but at least once a day when you clean your teeth in the evening. You can also apply toothpaste to the bristles before insertion for a super fresh feeling. Unlike a toothbrush you can keep an interdental brush in your pocket and use it in many situations – especially after meals where you can’t access a bathroom or use a conventional toothbrush.

To purchase piksters check out our online shop.