Fig. 5 Fig. 4 End Tuft Toothbrush Interdental Sticks Sticks in Use Interdental (interproximal) brushes b These are triangular shaped small brushes, like little bottlebrushes. b They are very useful for cleaning between the teeth. b They fit onto a plastic handle, and are available in varying sizes. b The patient can select the size of brush that is best suited for them. b Gently push the brush back and forth into the spaces between the teeth. b This interdental brush is best suited to teeth that have spaces between them, caused by gum recession. b Some degree of gum recession is seen in most mouths by middle age, and in those with gum disease, at any age. b Gently insert the stick between the teeth, with the flat edge facing the gum. b Then move it in and out gently to clean the teeth and massage the gums. b Food trapped between the teeth can be removed with these sticks. b Your dentist or periodontist will tell you if you need them. (Fig. 6) Pulsating water or medicament spraying devices b Irrigating devices provide a steady or pulsating stream of water under pressure through a nozzle. They are especially useful in mouths with fixed bridges, and for cleaning between teeth. b They should not be used as a substitute for tooth brushing. b Ask your dentist before you buy one. Rubber Tip Stimulator Fig. 6 End or single tuft toothbrushes b These are toothbrushes with only one tuft of bristles. (Fig.4) b They are used where the normal, multi-tufted toothbrushes cannot reach. b These brushes are designed for brushing around crowns, bridges, displaced and rotated teeth. b They are effective for mouths where receding gums have left spaces between teeth. b The sticks should only be used where there is sufficient space to allow the free movement of the stick between the teeth. Do not force them into position. b They should not be used if they cause any bleeding. b They are not suitable for chil-dren. (Fig 5) Interdental picks or sticks b These are specially designed soft wooden wedges for cleaning between teeth. They can be used after meals or at any time. b The end of the stick should be moistened and softened in the mouth before use. 32 January/February 2013 JAOS Interdental rubber tip stimulators b These are pointed rubber tips that are fitted to a toothbrush handle. b They are used to stimulate and toughen up the triangular soft gum between teeth. Of all interdental cleaning aids, other than the Platypus, studies have shown that orthodontic patients have less than 5% compli-ance. The Platypus has show 84% compliance, which is a 79% increase. It’s just so easy to use! In conclusion, as a dental hygienist I feel that it’s my respon-sibility to educate patients on why it’s important to use inderdental cleaning aids. I feel that the more people know about specifics of disease the more compliant they will become. As it is often said “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” When it comes to dental health knowledge of inter-dental cleaning can result in a huge payoff in both oral and over all health. RESOURCES Copyright © 2012 of Simplyteeth -All rights reserved.
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society January-February 2013: Page 32
