The area between adjacent tooth surfaces, often overlooked during routine brushing, is a significant aspect of oral hygiene. This confined space, where teeth meet, plays a considerable role in maintaining overall oral health. Its concealed nature makes it susceptible to issues that can impact both your teeth and gums. Understanding and properly caring for this region is a fundamental part of a comprehensive oral care routine.
Understanding the Interdental Space
The interdental space refers to the triangular-shaped area between two neighboring teeth. This space is filled with soft gum tissue, known as the interdental papilla. The top of this triangle, where the teeth touch, is called the contact area, while the sides are formed by the proximal surfaces of the teeth, and the base by the alveolar bone.
This anatomical arrangement creates a sheltered environment. Food particles and bacterial plaque can easily become trapped within these embrasures, the small openings around the contact points. The irregular surfaces and inaccessibility to toothbrush bristles make this area a prime location for the accumulation of bacterial plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque buildup in this region is a major contributor to various oral health problems.
Consequences of Neglecting Interdental Care
Failing to clean the interdental space leads to oral health issues, primarily driven by plaque accumulation. This sticky film produces acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Interproximal cavities, forming between teeth, result from neglected cleaning.
The continuous presence of plaque also irritates the gum tissue, initiating gingivitis. This early gum disease manifests as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is unaddressed, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease. Periodontitis involves inflammation spreading to supporting tooth structures, leading to bone loss and potentially tooth mobility or loss.
The breakdown of food particles and the activity of bacteria in these interdental areas contribute to halitosis, or bad breath. The gases produced by these bacteria signal inadequate oral hygiene. Addressing interdental plaque combats these common oral health concerns.
Essential Interdental Cleaning Methods
Cleaning the interdental space requires specific tools and techniques beyond just brushing. Dental floss is a tool available in various types. To use floss effectively, a piece should be wrapped around your middle fingers, leaving a short section to work with. Gently slide the floss between teeth, curving it into a “C” shape around the side of each tooth, and moving it gently up and down, reaching slightly below the gumline.
Interdental brushes are another solution, effective for larger gaps or for individuals with orthodontic appliances. These brushes come in various sizes, and selecting the correct size is important for effective cleaning. The brush is inserted into the gap and moved back and forth to dislodge plaque and food debris.
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use a stream of water to clean between teeth and below the gumline. These devices are beneficial for those with braces, bridges, or who find traditional flossing difficult due to dexterity issues. They work by spraying a jet of water to remove food particles and loose plaque. While helpful for dislodging debris, they may not remove sticky plaque as thoroughly as mechanical methods.
Toothpicks and other dental picks can remove larger food particles. However, these are not a substitute for floss or interdental brushes for comprehensive plaque removal. Regardless of the chosen method, consistency is important; daily interdental cleaning is recommended to keep plaque and bacteria levels low.