Tooth flossing question

PudseyDB

Apollonia wrote: »

The smallest size is 0.4mm (usually pink). But there are also the wire-free interdental brushes that many of my patients prefer. So far as I know three companies make them - Corsodyl, Wisdom and Periproducts. There is no diference in the sizes between the brands but as they all taper to a point and the rubber is flexible they are better for tight spaces.

http://www.boots.com/en/Denti-Brush-Wire-Free-Brushes-30-Pack_870727/?CAWELAID=334514903&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-Google%20Base-_---_-DentiBrush%20Wire%20Free%20Brushes%2030%20Pack

I've seen them in Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, Wilkinsons etc. Your dental practice may also stock them.

Thanks for this info - I'm assuming that instead of having to buy 2 sizes of brush, I'd be able to use one of these for all the gaps??

jugglebug

PudseyDB wrote: »

Thanks for this info - I'm assuming that instead of having to buy 2 sizes of brush, I'd be able to use one of these for all the gaps??

The issue I have with tapered brushes is that when they fully engage the space on the cheek side by definition the narrower part is not fully engaging on the other side of the tooth. The tooth surface is curved so that surface wont get cleaned as well. Cylindrical brushes are more consistent as the bristles can collapse then spread out again on the other side.
Saying that they are still far and away better than not using anything at all and I would advise you try a few types to find what you get on best with.

PudseyDB

jugglebug wrote: »

The issue I have with tapered brushes is that when they fully engage the space on the cheek side by definition the narrower part is not fully engaging on the other side of the tooth. The tooth surface is curved so that surface wont get cleaned as well. Cylindrical brushes are more consistent as the bristles can collapse then spread out again on the other side.
Saying that they are still far and away better than not using anything at all and I would advise you try a few types to find what you get on best with.

Good point - didnt think of that!

PudseyDB

skypie123 wrote: »

Well I tried the brushes and couldn't seem to get them in between my teeth. They were 0.45mm I wonder if they make thinner ones than those?
Anyway luckily I had some floss tape and that seemed to do the trick. I have to say my morning breath wasn't as horrific as it can be (think wallpaper stripping!) so I assume I am doing some good.
My OH never has bad breath in the morning and he smokes AND drinks coffee incessantly!

Have you tried brushing your tongue too? Thats meant to help a lot with breath - worth a try!

skypie123_2

Yes I got a second toothbrush just for that and it does help. My breath is a lot better in the mornings although I would not say it was sweet exactly! Just makes the wallpaper curl at the edges now rather than stripping it!

jenhug

my dentist advised against using these as my teeth are tight together and slightly overlapped, he said forcing them through would damage my gums? is it possible for them to be a bad thing? and how do you get the sizing right?

jugglebug

jenhug wrote: »

my dentist advised against using these as my teeth are tight together and slightly overlapped, he said forcing them through would damage my gums? is it possible for them to be a bad thing? and how do you get the sizing right?

They shouldn't be forced true.
The brush should feel snug in the space. Not tight not loose, Experimentation is the key. Often you need different sizes in different parts of your mouth.
I can imagine if your teeth are overlapped you may very well not find one to fit the front teeth but it is rare for me to find someone who cant use them between back teeth, and then it is usually because of old fillings rather than the natural shape of teeth.
Teeth curve towards the gumline so there should always be a space, even if it is filled with gum. A correctly sized brush will compress the gum a little and the bristles will engage the sides of the teeth.

Toothfairy4

skypie, could it be that you have some calculus (hardened plaque) build-up which is stopping the brushes going through? As jugglebug said, usually the tepe brushes will fit between the back teeth but not necessarily the front teeth. Your dentist/hygienist should be able to point you to what is best for you when you see them.