Is Flossing Hard? Interdental Brushes May Be the Answer!

The fact is that most people don’t floss... probably because they find it too fiddly and awkward to use, but floss is an excellent way to clean the gaps between your front teeth, and if you already floss you should continue. The problem is that gum disease and decay between the back teeth is a much bigger problem than the front teeth... as evidenced by the millions of people who have missing back teeth but still retain the front ones.

Interdental Brushes are Better at Cleaning the Indents & Hollows

Interdental brushes address this very important issue and they can be used with one hand, which makes cleaning much easier.  This also means they are more likely to be used. They are also better at cleaning the indents or hollows between the roots of your molars and pre-molars.  These areas are called furcations.  Floss forms a straight line across the top of the furcation, whereas interdental brushes have bristles that spring out sideways to clean the hollows and the bristles also massage the gum line, promoting good oral health.

What are Interdental Brushes and where are they used? 

Interdental Brushes are small circular toothbrushes that you insert into the spaces between your teeth to clean the difficult to reach areas. Like floss only easier. They can also be used around orthodontic braces or splints and anywhere a toothbrush cannot reach. 

How long do interdental brushes last? 

Usually for several days or more but it depends on how hard you work them. 

How do I look after them? 

Like toothbrushes they are washed out and re-used until the bristles deteriorate or the wire has been bent several times. If you prefer, they can be disposed of after a single use.

But I brush my teeth…why do I need to clean the space between my teeth? 

The space or gap between your teeth conceals about 40% of the tooth surface but it accounts for about 80% of the problems. By cleaning the gap you get a huge advantage in preventing decay and gum disease. The reason most X-rays are taken is to check for decay in the gap areas and to catch it early. By cleaning in the gap, you not only reduce your chance of decay, root canal treatments and crowns, but you substantially reduce your chance of serious gum and bone disease around the chewing teeth.

How often should I use Interdental Brushes? 

Use them as frequently as you feel you need to, especially if you get food stuck between your teeth, but at least once a day when you clean your teeth in the evening. You can also apply toothpaste to the bristles before insertion for a super fresh feeling. Unlike a toothbrush you can keep an interdental brush in your pocket and use it in many situations – especially after meals where you can’t access a bathroom

Piksters interdental brushes have the following advantages: 

• Strong, stiff, plastic coated wire – if you have used interdental brushes before you may notice a difference in the way Piksters do not buckle or bend as much as some, so you will get more uses per brush. 
• Nylon 612 filaments – this is the highest grade of nylon filament available and as a result many patients report that the brushes last longer. 
•  “Twisty” handle – this allows the user to rotate the brush on insertion and assists its cleaning ability. 
• One piece design – each brush head is fixed to the handle so the difficult and fiddly task of trying to replace brush heads is eliminated. 
• Hygienic – every single brush has a cap which is open ended. This allows the bristles to dry out between uses and minimises the chance of bacterial growth due to humid conditions 
• Slim design – Piksters are small enough to be kept in a pocket, wallet or purse without causing bulkiness, it’s always handy when you need it. 
•  10 sizes – the big variety of sizes means there’s one to cover any situation. 
• Economically priced – Piksters cost less than other well-known brands and they are sold in packets containing 7 and 10 brushes or even more economical packs of 40. We understand that interdental brushing is a necessity and needs to be affordable… that is the Piksters philosophy. 

How to use Piksters correctly and avoid wire breakage: 

• Choose a size that inserts without force. The correct size will fit easily. 
• Do not bend the handle back and forth against the brush head when the brush is inserted. 
• Back teeth. Use one finger to push the very tip of the brush head over to an angle of approximately 45o -90o . Pushing the tip will avoid a sharp bend where the plastic meets the wire and reduces stress and breakage in the metal. 
• Insert the brush SLOWLY with a gentle twisting or wriggling action – this will ease the brush in so that the wire does not buckle. 
• Do not straighten the brush after it has been bent more than a few times as this will stress the wire and increase chance of breakage. 
• Front teeth. Insert the brush head straight in line with the plastic handle, using a gentle twisting or wriggling action. 

 

Please Note: All interdental brushes, toothpicks and sticks can put pressure on the tip of the gum, especially if you force it, or use a brush that is too big for the space. This can cause a slight re-shaping of the gum over time. This is generally good for back teeth but most people like the look of the small triangle of gum growing in between their front teeth. Therefore, use the smallest size possible around your smile area.

CAUTION: If the brush head breaks and becomes caught between your teeth use one of the following methods to get it out and tilt your head forward and down so that the piece falls out of your mouth. 

1) Use another brush to push out the broken piece but insert it from the opposite direction. 

2) Use a pair of tweezers to pull the broken piece out. 

3) Use a toothpick to push out the broken piece. If you cannot remove the piece, please contact your dentist.