National Smile Month: Focus on Interdental Cleaning

National Smile Month is a huge campaign organised by the Oral Health Foundation. The campaign started on the 14th May 2018 and runs until the 14th June. The aim of the campaign is to improve lives by reducing the harm caused by poor oral health. One focus of National Smile Month 2018 is to raise awareness of the good oral hygiene habit of interdental cleaning. 

Benefits of Interdental Cleaning

Improving the take up of interdental cleaning has been made one of the aims of National Smile Month because it is an extremely effective way of removing plaque. The bacteria that live in plaque cause gum disease – the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK.

Methods of Interdental Cleaning

Interdental cleaning involves cleaning between the teeth – removing plaque from the narrow gaps that regular and electric toothbrushes can’t get to. Our hygienists recommend adding interdental cleaning to one of your two daily brushes. These are three methods that are particularly suited to patients that have had implants fitted.

• TePe Interdental Brushes: TePes will maintain good oral hygiene between your regular teeth and any crowns or bridges that have been affixed to implants. The brushes are colour coded to indicate their size.  
  
• Interspace Interdental Brushes: Small angled brushes with a pointed tuft are especially good at accessing tricky areas that your larger toothbrush will not be able to reach. 
  
• Dental Floss: This can be tucked away in a pocket and used discretely when out and about. Special dental floss that is designed to be used around bridges and implants is available.
  

Norfolk Dental Specialists

We supply advanced treatments that may not be available from your regular dentist. Our dental specialists have at least ten years’ experience and a postgraduate qualification in their specialism. They are supported by a team of highly experienced nurses and hygienists who supply first rate care to our patients. If National Smile Month has inspired you to achieve a consistently high standard of oral hygiene in your home oral care routine, an appointment with one of our hygienists is a great starting point. They can answer your questions, recommend products and demonstrate techniques. 

To arrange an appointment with one of our hygienists, call our reception on 01603 632525.

Visit the campaign website to find out more about National Smile Month.