[Health Column] The Correct Way to Use Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes! Can Using Them Incorrectly Actually Damage Your Gums?

 

hello, Dr. Oh Su-hwan, Director of Smile D Dental Clinic no see!

 

There are so many of you who make sure to use dental floss or interdental brushes in addition to brushing your teeth after meals, aren't there? ✨

 

Making an effort to reduce food particles between your teeth and protect your gum health is a truly excellent habit. 👍

 

However, among those who visit the dental clinic, unfortunately Using interdental brushes or dental floss incorrectly can actually cause gums to tear or teeth to wear down. Quite a few people come looking for me. 😢

 

Today, I will summarize everything from the exact difference between dental floss and interdental brushes to the proper usage methods to prevent gum damage.

 

1️⃣ Dental floss and interdental brushes, what exactly is the difference? 🦷

Dental floss is a tool for cleaning the surfaces between teeth, while interdental brushes are tools for cleaning the triangular spaces where the gums have receded.

 

Many people think the two products are similar, but cleaning Key target area It is completely different.

 

🔹 dental floss
It passes through the contact surfaces (interproximal surfaces) where teeth tightly meet to scrape away plaque and food debris from both tooth surfaces. Regardless of gum condition Essential items that everyone of all ages must use It is. ✨

 

 

🔸 interdental brush
The triangular empty spaces that form between teeth as the gums recede, that is Black Triangle It is a tool for cleaning the interior. It is specialized for cleaning widened tunnel structures.

 

💡 If your gums are healthy and there are no gaps dental floss If a gap has formed due to gum recession interdental brush Choosing is the correct answer.

 

2️⃣ Top 4 Bad Habits That Ruin Gum Health ⚠️

No matter how good a supplement is, if used incorrectly, it can cause side effects such as gum recession and tooth wear.

 

🔸 1. Skip regular brushing and rely solely on aids
The chewing surface (occlusal surface) and the outer and inner surfaces of the tooth, where cavities are common, With regular toothbrushing only It cleans. Since dental floss and interdental brushes are 'auxiliary tools,' After thoroughly brushing your teeth, additionally Please make use of it. 🪥

 

🔸 2. Forcing an interdental brush in when there is no space
If someone with healthy gums and no gaps forces it in, it can cause wounds and bleeding, and if it persists 'Gingival recession' where the gums recede It is coming. If the gap is narrow, be sure to use dental floss. 🩸

 

🔸 3. Apply toothpaste to an interdental brush and rub.
Inside toothpaste Abrasive components If you stimulate this weak cervical area Cervical abrasion It can cause. Interdental brushes are With only 'water' and no toothpaste Write gently. 💧

 

🔸 4. Choosing a size that does not fit the spacing between my teeth
If it is too small, plaque is not removed, and if it is too large, it causes gum irritation and tooth wear. A size that fits your spacing perfectly Please select. 📏

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. I think the gap (black triangle) has gotten bigger since I used an interdental brush!

 

A. It may be a phenomenon where the space appears wider as the swelling subsides and the gums, which were swollen due to inflammation, become healthy. ✨

 

You can rest assured that this is a natural process of inflammation relief. However, if healthy gums have receded due to an incorrect size or excessive force, stop using the product immediately and consult a dentist.

Q2. Does using dental floss and interdental brushes every day cause the gaps between teeth to widen?

 

A. If done with the right method and appropriate size, it will absolutely never happen. 👍

 

Dental floss is thin enough to pass through tiny gaps, and if an interdental brush is the right size, it removes only plaque without damaging the gums.

Q3. My hands are clumsy, so using dental floss is inconvenient. Is there an alternative method?

 

A. If your hand movements are clumsy Oral irrigator (Waterpik) I recommend this. 💦 It washes away debris between teeth with a strong stream of water.

 

However, if the water pressure is too strong, it may irritate the gums, so please adjust to an appropriate pressure. ⚠️

 

🎯 Conclusion and Words of Advice

✔ Key Summary Points

· If your gums are healthy and the gaps are tight 👉 'dental floss' Manage primarily
· If you have gum recession or a black triangle 👉 An appropriately sized interdental brush (with water only, without toothpaste) use
· Before using assistive devices, be sure to 👉 Basic tooth brushing Proceed through every nook and cranny

 

All oral care products are most effective when used according to the condition of your teeth and gums. ✨

 

If you are unsure which product or size is suitable for your gums, get regular checkups at a nearby dental clinic. Accurate guidance from a specialist I highly recommend you try this. 🏥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smile D Dental Clinic

Chief Director Oh Su-hwan

• Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry
• Major in Orthodontics, Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry
• Ministry of Health and Welfare certified orthodontist
• Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists
• Completed internship and residency in Orthodontics at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital
• International member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
• International member of the World Federation of Correctional Organizations (WFO)
• Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists
• Certified by the Korean Association of Orthodontists

 

 

 

 

 

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