23. Importance of the interdental cleaning, techniques and aids.

Question 1

1. Why do we need to use interdental cleaning method, instead of standard toothbrushes?

Answer 1

Standard brushes cannot easily access interdental surface. Higher chance of plaque remaining there – 30% of plaque remains in the interdental surfaces.

Question 2

2. Self-methods for interdental cleaning
   a/ What are the interdental cleaning methods you can use by yourself?

Answer 2

• Floss
• Interdental brushes
• Individual (small head) brushes with soft bristles
• Interdental sticky strips

Question 3

2. Self-methods for interdental cleaning
   b/ How do you use floss for interdental cleaning?

Answer 3

Loop method
- Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque

Question 4

2. Self-methods for interdental cleaning
   b/ How do you use floss for interdental cleaning?

Answer 4

Loop method
- Curve the floss around each tooth into a U-shape, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque

Question 5

2. Self-methods for interdental cleaning
   c/ How do you use interdental brushes for interdental cleaning?

Answer 5

Interdental brushes need to be chosen per size of the interdental space.

Probe is colour coded
From blue » red » pink » yellow » green

If the patient has health periodontium, they can use brushes width 0.6mm – 1.1mm

Patients with periodontitis - 1.3mm – 2.5 mm diameter

Question 6

How to instruct and motivate the patients?

Answer 6

1. We show the correct technique on the model
2. The patient shows it on the model
3. The patient shows it in his/her mouth with his/her own toothbrush/interdental brushes and if it’s needed we correct it.
4. FMPS monitoring in every session (should be < 20%)
5. Plaque staining