Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a brilliant start—but your toothbrush cannot do all the heavy lifting on its own. The tiny spaces between your teeth are perfect hiding places for plaque and trapped food, which is where interdental cleaning comes in. Think of it as the finishing touch to your routine, helping to keep your teeth cleaner, your gums happier, and your smile feeling fresh.
It can help calm bleeding gums
If your gums feel sensitive or bleed a little, it can be tempting to avoid cleaning between your teeth. But oddly enough, that is usually when interdental cleaning matters most. Bleeding gums can be an early sign that gum disease is starting to develop, and gently cleaning between the teeth can help improve gum health over time. In other words, do not panic—stay consistent.
It helps protect against tooth decay
Even the best brushing routine can miss bits of food tucked away between teeth. If those food particles stay there, bacteria in your mouth get to work, which can lead to bad breath, gum problems, and tooth decay. Interdental cleaning helps sweep out those hard-to-reach leftovers, giving your mouth a cleaner, fresher feel and helping your smile stay in top form.
Your whole body may thank you for it
Flossing and other interdental cleaning habits do more than keep your teeth looking good. More and more research suggests that gum health may be linked to wider health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, poor pregnancy outcomes, and dementia. So, while cleaning between your teeth may seem like a small daily task, it can play a bigger role in your overall wellbeing than you might think.
So, what should come first?
Brushing may win alphabetically, but interdental cleaning should really take the lead in your routine. Cleaning between the teeth first loosens plaque and food debris, making brushing more effective afterwards. It also gives the fluoride in your toothpaste a better chance to reach the tooth surfaces and do its job properly. A small switch in order can make a surprisingly big difference.
If you would like to learn more about how interdental cleaning can boost your oral health, get in touch with Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment with our hygienist today.
