Interdental cleaning

Question 1

Outline

Answer 1

however good the brushing technique, it is still impossible to clean interdental spaces perfectly with toothbrush alone unless specialist one is used. these mesial distal areas are more prone to developing caries + periodontal disease

Question 2

Dental floss + dental tape

Answer 2

thread like aids that are widely used to achieve interdental plaque removal. correct usage depends to some extent on pts manual dexterity + on receiving sound oral health instruction

Question 3

Flossette style

Answer 3

handles hold the length of floss in place so pts can floss with one hand, making the procedure less cumbersome, especially for posterior teeth where access can be difficult. useful when someone else is responsible for the pts interdental cleaning

Question 4

Interdental brushes

Answer 4

typical bottle-brush design + are able to clean spaced interdental areas, as well as around the individuals brackets of fixed orthodontic appliances

Question 5

Woodsticks

Answer 5

(may be plastic) to dislodge solid food debris from inter proximal areas, as well as massage gingivae here; their use should be restricted to competent adults as they can easily be stuck into gum + cause problems if used incorrectly or by inexperienced pts

Question 6

Demo:

Answer 6

use demo model so individual can see the actions being carried out - break off sufficient length of floss to wrap the ends several times around index fingers + leave 2 inch between hands
or tie length into a loop + stretch it between the index fingers

Question 7

Demo:

Answer 7

use thumbs to control 2 inch piece + guide into interdental area then floss if wrapped around mesial or distal surface of one tooth + sawed across the surface from gingival area first - scrapes off plaque + carries it to oral cavity away from gingiva

Question 8

Demo:

Answer 8

remove any debris from floss + repeat action in same interdental area but wrap around other surface then repeat throughout interdental areas
ideally fluoridated products should be used for maximum benefit

Question 9

If flossette is used

Answer 9

the head is pushed or pulled to wrap floss piece around one tooth surface or the other once is it in interdental area - they should be discarded as soon as shredding is evident

Question 10

For interdental brushes

Answer 10

the nurse will recommend the correct size for individual - the wider the space, the larger the brush size so the bristles make contact with tooth surfaces. the heads of some can be angled + bent to make access easier, especially when cleaning posterior teeth