How Should Teeth Be Brushed and Interdental Areas Cleaned?

Daily oral care plays a fundamental role in protecting the health of the teeth and gums, and at the centre of this care are a correct brushing technique and the cleaning of the areas between neighbouring teeth (interdental areas). Although a toothbrush can reach most surfaces, it cannot fully access the narrow interdental areas where teeth sit next to one another, so cleaning these areas with dental floss or interdental brushes is generally recommended. The aim is to remove bacterial plaque regularly from both the tooth surfaces and the gum line.

Uzm. Dt. Emre Karakaya, as part of his work in the field of periodontology, is involved in assessing patients' oral care habits. The headings below have been prepared for general information; the methods and tools suitable for each individual can only be determined through examination, and this content is not a substitute for a personal examination.

Correct Brushing Technique

One of the commonly recommended approaches in brushing is to place the brush head at an angle of about 45 degrees to the line where the gum meets the tooth surface. With short, gentle, vibration-like movements, the aim is to remove the plaque along the gum line. Brushing twice a day and generally for about two minutes appears as a general recommendation in most sources.

A soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste are considered a suitable starting option for many people. In addition to the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth, gently cleaning the surface of the tongue may contribute to oral hygiene. Replacing the brush when its bristles become worn is recommended; however, the most suitable technique and brush features vary from person to person.

Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes

Dental floss helps remove plaque between the adjacent surfaces of the teeth. It is generally recommended to place the floss gently between the teeth and, wrapping it in a C shape around each of the two neighbouring tooth surfaces, move it without harming the gum margin. In cases where the interdental spaces are wider or where there is gum recession, interdental brushes may be a suitable option.

In people who are new to interdental cleaning, mild gum bleeding may be seen during the first few days; this is often associated with plaque-related gum inflammation, and its possible causes are discussed in the article on bleeding gums. If the bleeding continues or increases, it is appropriate for the situation to be evaluated by a dentist; the suitability of the tool and technique to be used varies from person to person.

Common Mistakes

One of the frequently encountered mistakes is brushing the teeth with a hard brush or by applying excessive force. Over time this may contribute to gum recession (gingival recession) and to wear on the tooth surface; in advanced cases, assessment of gum health and, where necessary, gum treatment may come onto the agenda. For this reason, it is recommended that technique rather than force be kept to the fore in brushing.

Other common mistakes include neglecting interdental cleaning, keeping the brushing time short, and focusing only on the front surfaces of the teeth. Rinsing the mouth with plenty of water immediately after brushing is a point noted in some sources, as it may reduce the effect of the fluoride in the toothpaste. A care routine suitable for the individual is determined through examination.

The Complementary Role of Professional Cleaning

Despite regular home care, plaque and tartar (calculus) can build up over time in areas that are difficult to reach. Because hardened tartar cannot be removed with a brush and floss, dental scaling carried out with appropriate instruments in a clinical setting is regarded as a step that complements home care. How often this procedure is performed varies according to the person's oral health condition.

Professional cleaning and home care do not replace one another; together they contribute to protecting gum health. During the examination, the dentist may also show the brushing and interdental cleaning methods suitable for the individual. The information here is intended for general information; for accurate information regarding your personal situation, consult your dentist.