Nothing replaces brushing your teeth, 2-3 times a day for about two minutes, using the right toothpaste and toothbrush. This is the basis of correct oral hygiene. However, brushing your teeth may not be enough ! It is very effective for cleaning the anterior, posterior, and upper surfaces of the teeth, but hardly reaches the surfaces between the teeth and the gum line (the line that separates the teeth from the gums). For these areas with a more difficult access to the toothbrush, there are other methods that help remove food residues and bacterial plaque and help prevent their accumulation. Among these are the mechanical methods to use at home, which can be, for example: Dental floss; Dental tape; Toothpick; Interdental brush. Their regular, before each brushing, considerably improves oral hygiene and contributes to the prevention of cavities and other dental problems. Dental floss After toothbrush, dental floss is the best-known mechanical method to remove plaque and is suitable when the spaces between the teeth are narrower . Dental floss may be of different materials. There is also waxed and unwaxed dental floss on the surface. The purpose of the waxed is to counter the tendency to fray when it is being used and to facilitate sliding. As it slides easier, waxed floss may be a better option for closer teeth . Another variety is scented floss with either a disinfectant or fluoride, this being an option to make the use more attractive. Dental floss is used by keeping it taut , with the help of the fingers of both hands (by pinching the ends between the fingers or wrapping them around a finger) and then sliding it: Up and down around each tooth to the gum (to clean the gum line); Up and down and back and forth between teeth. The movements should be smooth, without forcing . For cleaning each tooth, a new piece of floss must be used. The simplest is to cut a piece of about 50 cm, use about 3-4 cm for each tooth, and advance along the cut length as you change teeth. Another option is to use applicators that already have a piece of dental floss. They are practical, but you need to use several in each cleaning operation. Also, although they clean between the teeth easier, cleaning around a tooth is not so simple. Dental tape Dental tape is used in the same way as dental floss . It has a different shape being a slightly wider and flatter. It may or may not be waxed. Its flat surface allows a good glide between the teeth and over the teeth. The choice between dental floss and tape (and their various types) is mainly based on the cleanliness that is achieved and the ease of individual use. Toothpick These are another option for cleaning between teeth, more suitable when spaces are not too tight , and very simple to use. Unlike dental floss and tape, and like the brushes, they only need one hand to be manipulated. There are toothpicks of different materials, such as plastic or wood, for example. Its ends are tapered and roughened to aid cleaning. Some toothpicks have the second end shaped like a spatula and malleable, suitable for cleaning the area near the gum line. Interdental brush The interdental brush is an alternative when the spaces between the teeth are larger . The interdental brush is shaped like a small cylindrical or conical brush with bristles similar to those of a toothbrush. There are brushes already with a support and with the brush at different angles to facilitate cleaning. Others must be applied to the support before being used. The length and thickness of the brush also vary, and it is important that the proper brush is used. How to choose The choice depends on what suits you best . Ease of use must be considered, but also age, type of teeth, frequency of brushing, distance between teeth, the existence of periodontal disease and other oral pathology. Ask your dentist or oral hygienist for advice , with whom you should regularly monitor your oral health and who are the right people to tell you which method is most suitable for you. Author : Gisela Oliveira Meet the dentistry clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
