The interdental area: The forgotten spot in your oral care routine

In our daily oral hygiene routine, we often overlook a fundamental area: the space between the teeth. After every meal, we grab our toothbrush, apply toothpaste, and brush for two minutes. But what happens with the interdental area? A recent study conducted by the consultancy Hamilton and Dentaid reveals that 64% of people worldwide neglect to clean between their teeth daily, limiting themselves only to using the toothbrush and toothpaste, which results in incomplete oral hygiene.

The numbers are alarming. Even more so when we consider that 80% of cavities, the most common oral disease, originate in the interdental area. With these statistics, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the importance of complementing brushing with other hygiene products. Because what happens in our mouth not only affects our oral health, but also has a direct impact on our overall health.

The interdental area is hard to reach due to its physical characteristics. If we only use the toothbrush, food debris and plaque are likely to remain, which over time can lead to cavities, gum diseases, or bad breath. Therefore, proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent and maintain a healthy mouth.

It is important to note that not all interdental spaces are the same. Every mouth is unique and therefore requires a personalized approach. "It’s essential to choose the right interdental product based on the type of mouth or interdental space, such as dental floss, interdental brushes, or oral irrigators, and to adopt the habit of cleaning between the teeth from an early age, alongside brushing and using mouthwashes," says Joan Gispert, director of the Dentaid Research Center.

In mouths with narrow interdental spaces, products like dental floss, dental tape, or a flosser (floss with a handle) are ideal for removing food debris and plaque. On the other hand, in mouths with wider spaces, interproximal brushes, always used with gentle movements, are more suitable. Finally, the oral irrigator, which uses a stream of water to remove biofilm and food remnants, also helps control gum inflammation, reduce gingivitis, and decrease bleeding.

Incorporating these products into our daily oral hygiene routine will not only improve our oral health but also our overall health. Your teeth and gums will thank you.