Interdental brushes are small, specialized tools designed to clean the surfaces between teeth where a conventional toothbrush cannot reach. These brushes are highly effective at removing plaque and reducing the risk of gingivitis and cavities. While they are safe when used correctly, misuse can lead to irritation or injury to the gums. Proper usage is necessary to gain their full benefits without causing harm.
Mechanisms of Gum Damage
Physical injury to the gums typically occurs through a few specific actions. One common cause of trauma is applying excessive force during insertion or cleaning. Aggressively snapping the brush into the space or pushing too hard can bruise or cut the delicate gum tissue, leading to irritation and bleeding.
A second mechanism involves using a brush that is too large for the gap. A brush that is too wide will strain and tear the gum tissue upon entry, causing abrasion. Similarly, the wire core, if not properly coated or if the bristles are worn, can scrape the gum margin or the exposed tooth root surface.
Incorrect physical movement, such as rotation or rapid, uncontrolled scrubbing, also contributes to damage. This motion can abrade the gum tissue over time, leading to localized inflammation or soreness.
Choosing the Correct Brush Size
Selecting the appropriate size is the most important preventative measure against gum trauma. The brush head should fit snugly between the teeth, making firm contact with both adjacent surfaces, but it must not require any force to insert. If you have to push or bend the brush to get it through the space, the brush is too big and will cause trauma.
Individuals often require multiple brush sizes because the spaces between teeth vary throughout the mouth. Narrower gaps, such as those between the front teeth, require a smaller diameter brush than the wider spaces found between the molars. Many manufacturers use color-coding to identify the different diameters, which can range from approximately 0.32mm to 1.5mm.
Consulting a dental professional is the most reliable way to determine the precise sizes needed. They can measure the gaps and provide a personalized guide, ensuring the brush is effective without causing injury.
Proper Technique for Safe Cleaning
Even with the correct size, proper technique is necessary to ensure the cleaning process is safe and effective. The brush should be inserted straight into the space or with a slight angle, directing the bristles toward the gum line. It is crucial to slide the brush in gently without using any snapping or heavy pushing motion.
Once positioned, cleaning is achieved by moving the brush back and forth horizontally a few times, covering the full length of the bristles. The movement should require only light pressure, as the soft bristles are designed to sweep away plaque without aggressive force. Avoid twisting the brush or repeatedly scrubbing in a circular motion, which can irritate the gums.
Most dental professionals recommend using interdental brushes at least once a day, typically before brushing your teeth. The brush should be rinsed after each use and replaced when the bristles become worn or if the wire core bends. A worn brush is less effective and may increase the risk of tissue abrasion.
Recognizing Signs of Injury and When to Consult a Dentist
It is important to distinguish between gingival trauma and the temporary bleeding that often occurs when first starting interdental cleaning. Gums inflamed due to gingivitis may bleed lightly when plaque is dislodged, but this bleeding should reduce and stop within a week or two of regular, correct use as gum health improves. This initial bleeding is a sign of existing inflammation, not damage from the brush itself.
Signs that the brush is causing physical injury include persistent, localized pain or soreness that does not fade after a few days. Visible gum recession, which appears as the gum line pulling away from the tooth, or chronic inflammation that continues despite careful technique are indicators of a problem. These symptoms suggest the size or technique is incorrect, or that an underlying issue exists.
A dental consultation is necessary if bleeding remains heavy or persistent for more than a week, or if you notice visible changes like gum recession. Severe pain upon insertion or chronic, localized swelling are reasons to seek professional guidance. A dentist or hygienist can re-evaluate the brush size, correct the technique, and check for any existing periodontal disease.