How Important Is Interdental Cleaning?
If you are one of the 80% who don’t do this, please read on!
The vast majority of people in the UK recognise that basic oral health care, i.e. brushing your teeth, is essential if tooth decay is to be avoided. The majority though (around one in five of us) do not floss or use an inter-dental brush to clean in the spaces between our teeth.
Whilst some people find dental floss initially difficult to use correctly; with a little practice it is an easy addition to your teeth cleaning that can help to prevent problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Bacterial build up
Whilst regular brushing of the teeth is certainly a positive thing to do and removes both food particles and bacteria from the teeth and gum line, a regular toothbrush simply can’t completely reach in the spaces in between our teeth, and this is where many oral health problems start. If not removed, the bacteria and acids that are trapped between the teeth, will start to harm both the enamel on the teeth and our gums too.
Gum disease
As well as tooth decay, gum disease is a major problem and is responsible for the majority of tooth loss in the UK. Although early symptoms are often relatively minor, including soreness or bleeding of the gums; if not treated in its early stage, it can lead to a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. At this stage, not only is the soreness and bleeding likely to be more serious but the bone in the jaw is also attacked, weakening it and potentially threatening the security of the teeth.
Whilst gingivitis can be treated with an improved cleaning regimen and professional cleaning by the Burton based hygienist at Mike Allan’s Dental Practice, periodontitis requires more invasive treatment that has to be performed by specialist dentists. This treatment, sometimes called a ‘deep clean’ involves the cleaning and scaling of the teeth, right down to the roots of the teeth. This can be quite an uncomfortable experience and success is not always guaranteed.
Far better is to avoid the situation ever reaching this stage!
Flossing
Our dental hygienist is always willing to demonstrate how to floss correctly or how to use an inter-dental brush. Some people who use floss do so by using a sawing motion but this is not particularly effective however, and a side-to-side motion is more effective at removing the residual bacteria and plaque. If you are at all unsure, please do ask our hygienist to demonstrate for you. Just a few extra minutes a day can save your teeth and gums from potentially serious harm. It may take a little getting used to, but the results are certainly worth it.
To arrange an oral health check at our Burton dental practice please call Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345 where our friendly reception team will arrange an appointment for you.