An Overview of Different Interdental Cleaning Aids and Their Effectiveness

Abstract

Optimisation of plaque control is essential for the success of non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. This cannot be achieved with brushing alone; hence, there is a need for adjunctive interdental cleaning aids. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of different interdental cleaning aids and review the literature for consensus on their effectiveness. A literature search of articles in English, up to December 2018, was conducted in Pubmed. High-quality flossing is difficult to achieve, and ineffective routine use of floss may not confer significant benefits over brushing alone. Interdental brushes are more effective than brushing as a monotherapy. They are at least as good if not superior to floss in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Although they are effective for patients regardless of their periodontal status (healthy or active), they are especially indicated in periodontal patients where widened embrasures are common. Added benefits include ease of use, patient acceptance, and recontouring of interdental tissues. Rubberpiks do not demonstrate inferiority to conventional interdental brushes. Wooden interdental aids appear to offer no significant advantage over brushing with respect to plaque removal; they may, however, reduce gingival bleeding. Oral irrigators are a promising tool for reducing gingival inflammation, despite minimal changes to plaque levels. For cleaning around dental implants, oral irrigators and interdental brushes are preferred over floss.

New experimental setup for the measurement of cleaning efficacy and force of interdental aids in 3D-reproduced interdental areas

“…However, an appropriate size is of major importance for the cleaning efficacy. Hence, inappropriately chosen interdental brushes might be a cause for the lack of statistical difference between various interdental cleaning aids [23]. Consequently, only in in vitro set-ups, like in the chosen one, a standardized measurement of cleaning efficacy is possible [16].…”

The Oral Bacterial Microbiome of Interdental Surfaces in Adolescents According to Carious Risk

“…Indeed, due to their anatomical arrangement and location, the biological interdental space in healthy subjects with an estimated diameter of 0.6–1.1 mm is an ecological microniche protected externally by the papillary gingiva [4,10]. Interdental spaces facilitate the structuration and accumulation of oral biofilms [11]. The saliva, due to anatomic accessibility constraints, cannot circulate favorably.…”

Incorporating Oral Health Considerations for Medication Management in Care Transitions

“…The microbiome of patients with periodontal disease also impacts the body’s regulation of metabolism. Given how the oral microbiome is significantly impacted by the level of oral hygiene, this is why awareness and prevention are crucial to reduce associated risks [ 23 , 24 ]. Additionally, noting that systemic condition treatment goals may be impacted by oral health and vice versa.…”

“…The intent of the project was to provide more wholistic education to the patients about diabetes given the link to periodontal disease as described. In usual care, the dental students provided cleanings, procedures, and counseling on appropriate oral hygiene in between appointments such as use of proper brushing and flossing technique, interdental cleaning aids, and oral irrigators [ 24 , 32 , 33 ]. The project added services to the appointment including a nutritionist who provided dietary counseling, and a pharmacist who provided medication education and monitoring to the patients in conjunction with the dental appointment.…”