There is a great variety of Interdental Brushes, with different colors, sizes, shapes and uses. This variety can create confusion or difficulty to remember them all. To avoid it we have created this article so you can have in one place all the information you need about interdental brushes and recommend them to your patients.
Fuente: Tepe
What is an Interdental Brush?
We will begin with a basic definition; Interdental Brushes, also called interproximal brushes are oral hygiene instruments used to clean the interdental spaces (space between teeth, brackets, bridges or implants). Their shape is usually cylindrical and much smaller than a normal toothbrush.
Types of interdental brushes
These vary mainly according to their thickness. Each color indicates the diameter of the brush.
Classification of interdental brushes according to size and colour
When choosing an interproximal brush, it is essential that it is of good quality and complies with ISO 16409:2006 standards..
According to the standard they are color-coded:
- Pink 0.4 mm.
- Orange 0.45 mm (PHD: <= 0.8 mm).
- Red 0.5 mm (PHD: 0.9-1.0 mm).
- Blue 0.6 mm (PHD: 1.1-1.2 mm).
- Yellow 0.7 mm (PHD: 1.3-1.5 mm).
- Green 0.8 mm (PHD: 1.6-1.8 mm).
- Violet 1.1 mm (PHD: >1.9 mm).
- Grey 1.3 mm.
- Black 1.5 mm.
*Space or size between the teeth (PHD: Passage Hole Diameter).
They also vary in shape:
- Conic (pine-shaped): Especially for the hygiene of implants and around orthodontic appliances.
- Straight or cylindrical: Special for lingual surfaces and spaces between the teeth..
- Thin: Easily adapts to small spaces.
- Ultrathin: For very narrow interdental spaces.
And why not? There is also the electric interdental brush for manual use.
Indications for interdental brushes
Any patient who cannot completely remove residues with a conventional toothbrush should use the interdental brush to control the formation of plaque on the teeth, especially people with:
- Open Interdental spaces
- Diseases of the periimplant, gingivitis and halitosis.
- Implants
- Prosthesis
- Orthodontic treatment
- Furkish areas
- Themes
- Edentulous Gaps
Why use interdental brushes?
The lack of hygiene in the interdental spaces leads to the production of dental and peri-implant biofilm.
With the use of the interdental, diseases such as gingivitis, halitosis, as well as the creation of caries and dental plaque can be prevented.
These reach places that a toothbrush or floss cannot.
Bleeding of the gums is one of the disadvantages of using these brushes, but this is not a problem, the bleeding will disappear in one or two weeks if the correct size is used for each interdental space.
Besides the price of interdental brushes is quite accessible from packages of 6 units for 4 euros to packages of 25 units for 10 euros.
Frequently asked questions and answers about interdental brushes
How to choose an interdental brush?
There are interdental space meters that determine the interdental space by color. This helps you determine what type of toothbrush should be used and where.
The key is that the brush fits perfectly between the teeth or spaces without forcing it. You can start by trying the ultrafine interdental brush.
The following should also be taken into account:
- Ergonomic design for a good grip.
- Small and comfortable head that allows to reach the most difficult areas.
- Soft bristles so that they do not cause damage to gums or enamel.
How to use the interdental brush?
After measuring the interdental space the brush must be inserted without force. The correct size is easily adjusted.
- Insert the brush between the teeth or spaces and move it in and out.
- Foranterior areas we recommend the use of interdental brushes with straight handles..
- Forposterior areas such as premolars or molars, bend the brush at an angle of 45° or 90°, as appropriate, or use an interdental brush with an angled head.
- Once the brush is bent, do not straighten it as the wire may break.
- If for some reason the brush head breaks and is left between the teeth, another interdental brush should be used to remove it by pushing it from the inside out.
- Do not turn the interdental brush.
- Don't use toothpaste.
How often should an interproximal brush be used?
The interdental brush is for daily use, it can be used whenever necessary as a complement to the toothbrush. It is also very practical to carry and is used in situations where you do not have the possibility of using a conventional brush.
How long does an interdental brush last?
It usually lasts about 30 days, depending on the use.
How often do you change the brush?
When you see a strong-wearing filament it's time to change it, but it can be a one-time use if you wish. There are spare parts for interdental brush handles and holders.
How to take care of the interdental brushes?
Like toothbrushes Toothbrushes interdental brushes are washed with water and reused until the bristles are deteriorated. Some of them have a cover, which allows them to keep their shape and hygiene longer.
Some interdental brushes available at Dentaltix
