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Interdental oral hygiene aids and their application

5 mins read Oral health and mouth cancer
Interdental cleaning can remove plaque that toothbrushes cannot reach. Flossing is not the only method—other interproximal aids include tape, superfloss, interdental brushes, woodsticks and waterjets. Leanna Wynne explains how interdental aids work, and when and how they should be used

Dental biofilm is a community of microorganisms maturing on a surface within the oral cavity. It is also called dental plaque—the two terms are often used interchangeably within dental literature.

The toothbrush is the primary tool used to clean the oral cavity to prevent gingivitis, periodontitis and caries.

A person is unlikely to remove all biofilm every time they brush. Biofilm (Figure 1) is especially likely to remain in areas that are difficult to access with a toothbrush, such as between the teeth, and around crowns and bridges. Interproximal cleaning may be needed for its daily removal. The interproximal aids discussed here will help remove supragingival biofilm.

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