TePe explains how dental professionals can communicate the importance of interdental cleaning to their patients and the right products to suggest.
Interdental cleaning is a fundamental part of good oral hygiene, and yet it remains an overlooked practice amongst patients. As dental professionals, advocating for effective interdental care improves oral health outcomes and reduces the risk of oral health issues and systemic diseases.
Why interdental cleaning matters
The spaces between teeth, known as interdental areas, are challenging to clean with simply regular toothbrushing. Plaque and food debris can accumulate in these areas, which if left, can lead to issues like gingivitis and dental caries – and even periodontitis.
Beyond oral health alone, scientific evidence increasingly links periodontal disease to systemic illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Dental professionals can play a pivotal role in emphasising the importance of interdental cleaning to patients in order to mitigate these risks. By recommending easy-to-use, effective tools and techniques, dental professionals can encourage patients to adopt healthy oral habits, which can significantly improve their long-term health.
To maximise the benefits of interdental cleaning, dental professionals can consider implementing the following strategies:
- Patient education: use visual aids, such as a TePe Communicator Kit to demonstrate proper interdental cleaning techniques
- Customised recommendations: assess each patient’s oral health needs and recommend the most suitable interdental cleaning products. TePe provides a free service, Tepe Product Recommendation Tool, which allows professionals to recommend TePe products and specific cleaning instructions to patients via an interactive email
- Regular check-up appointments: incorporate interdental cleaning checks into routine appointments to reinforce the importance to patients.
Interdental cleaning products by TePe
TePe’s product range offers a vast selection of award-winning dental products, tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients. Widely recognised for their quality and efficacy, these products make it easier for patients to adopt effective interdental cleaning into their oral hygiene routines. These products include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- TePe Interdental Brushes: available in various sizes and models to suit different interdental spaces, these brushes are designed for maximum plaque removal, whilst still being gentle on gums. Their ergonomic handle and wire-coated bristles ensure effective and comfortable cleaning. TePe’s interdental brushes are available in regular and soft brushes, as well as the Angle range – which allows for better access
- TePe EasyPick: ideal for patients seeking convenience, this silicone-coated toothpick combines flexibility with durability, making it perfect for use at home or on the go
- TePe Compact Tuft Brush: designed for precision cleaning in hard-to-reach areas, this brush is particularly useful for patients with orthodontic appliances, implants, or bridges.
As dental professionals, introducing patients to the TePe range allows for personalised care recommendations, ensuring that everyone can find a product that suits their oral hygiene needs.
Supporting systemic health through interdental cleaning
The connection between oral health and systemic conditions underscores the importance of interdental cleaning. Research indicates that reducing periodontal inflammation can decrease the systemic inflammatory response.
Poor oral health has been linked to several systemic issues, such as the following diseases:
- Cardiovascular disease: chronic inflammation in the mouth, such as periodontal disease, can contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Diabetes: there is a bi-directional relationship between diabetes and oral health. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can worsen blood sugar control
- Respiratory infections: individuals with poor oral health are at higher risk of inhaling oral bacteria into the lungs, which can cause respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis
- Pregnancy complications: pregnant women with gum disease have an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies
- Alzheimer’s disease: poor oral health can lead to inflamed gums, and bacteria traveling from the mouth to the brain can kill brain cells, potentially leading to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease
- Kidney disease: chronic kidney disease can be exacerbated by poor oral health, as systemic inflammation can affect kidney function
- Rheumatoid arthritis: there is evidence that oral bacteria can contribute to the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of these systemic health issues. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent oral diseases and their potential impact on overall health. By educating patients on how interdental cleaning is a critical component of overall health, dental professionals can provide patients with the knowledge in terms of the importance of interdental cleaning and effective oral hygiene practise.
The environmental impact of effective at-home care
Sustainability has become an important factor to consider amongst healthcare professionals. By educating patients about effective at-home oral care, dental professionals can reduce the frequency of invasive dental treatments, which thereby lowers the carbon emissions associated with clinical intervention (and travel to and from practice).
For more information regarding how you can better your sustainability in clinic, please refer to TePe’s Practical Steps for a Sustainable Dental Practice. Interdental cleaning is a vital aspect of preventive dentistry, that offers host of benefits for oral and systemic health.
By endorsing high-quality products like TePe’s interdental cleaning products, dental professionals can encourage patients to take control of their oral health beyond the clinic.
This article is sponsored by TePe.
