IMPORTANCE OF INTERPROXIMALHYGIENE

DENTAID MEDICAL DEPARTMENT

Interproximal space

Contact point

WHAT IS THE INTERPROXIMAL AREA?

DEFINITION: “It is the space that is situated underneath the contact point of two adjacent teeth”

Closed interproximal space: the gum (papilla) covers the interdental area

Open interproximal space : the gum does not cover the interdental area and spaces appear (“black triangle”)

IMPORTANCE OF INTERPROXIMAL HYGIENE

In the absence of interproximal hygiene, oral biofilm and food debris accumulate.

Biofilm favours the onset of oral diseases and disorders:

Interdental Caries

Gum Disease Halitosis

WHY IS INTERPROXIMAL HYGIENE IMPORTANT?

INTERDENTAL CARIES

Absence of interproximal hygiene

Interdental biofilm build-up

Acid production Enamel Demineralisation

INTERPROXIMAL CARIES

77.5% of caries are of interproximal origin

Susceptible patient:Acidic oral environment, non-buffering saliva

GUM DISEASE

Gingivitis

Prevalence: 60-85%

“Infection, inflammation and bleeding of the gums without any destruction of support tissues”

Periodontitis

Prevalence: 35%

“Infection, inflammation and bleeding of the gums with destruction of support tissues”

Absence of interdental hygiene

Accumulation of plaque in interdental space and in the

gingival sulcus

INFLAMMATION OF THE GUM AND DEEPENING OF PLAQUE

THE SAME OCCURS IN IMPLANTS

HALITOSIS

Halitosis

Prevalence: 30%

“Set of unpleasant odours that come out of the mouth”

90% of oral origin

40% tongue

60% gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis)

Absence of interproximal

hygiene

Accumulation of plaque in interdental space and in the gingival sulcus

INFLAMMATION OF THE GUM AND DEEPENING OF BIOFILM

GROWTH OF ANAEROBIC (WITHOUT OXYGEN) BACTERIA

VSC PRODUCTION: BAD BREATH

Diet rich in sulphur-containing proteins

Unknown

Lack of motivation

Fear

Difficulty

WHY INTERDENTAL HYGIENE IS NOT PERFORMED

INTERDENTAL HYGIENE TOOLS

Closed interproximal space

Open interproximal space

Dental tape and floss

Interproximal brushes

Irrigator

Irrigator

Recommended for closed interproximal spaces

With proper technique, they can remove up to 80% of interproximal plaque

Remove subgingival plaque, as they can be inserted 2-3.5 mm under the gingival margin

Floss has a round cross section, while tape has a flat cross section

DENTAL TAPE AND FLOSS

DENTAL TAPE AND FLOSS – INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Cut approximately 50 cm of floss/tape and wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wrap the rest of the floss/tape around the same finger on your other hand. This finger can gather the floss/tape as it is used. Tighten a 2-3 cm piece of floss/tape using your thumbs and index fingers.

Insert the floss, moving it back and forth. When the floss reaches the gum line, bend it against one of your teeth and slide it gently between teeth and gums until you feel resistance (never apply forcefully). Repeat these steps on all teeth.

Floss: polyester filaments with a round, narrow cross section

For acquiring the habit: VITIS waxed dental floss

For experienced flossers: VITIS unwaxed dental floss

For sensitive gums, braces, etc.:VITIS soft dental floss with fluoride and mint

Tape: nylon filaments with a flat cross section for increased sweeping surface

For increased sweeping surface and supply of fluoride and freshness: VITIS waxed dental tape with fluoride and mint

For increased sweeping surface: VITIS waxed dental tape

DENTAL TAPE AND FLOSS

INTERPROXIMAL BRUSHES

Recommended for open interproximal spaces

•The use of an interproximal brush combined with traditional brushing significantly reduces plaque and gingivitis

•They are the interproximal hygiene tool most widely accepted by patients

INTERPROXIMAL BRUSHES – INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Insert the brush between teeth

Movement should be in and out, without turning the brush

Gently clean gingival sulcus Repeat same movement from the inner side

Quality Polyurethane coated wire

Tynex Filaments:white, to detect bleedingblack, to detect biofilm debris

Durability Plastic coated neck

Protective cap

Precision and comfort Anti-slip groove

Flexibility Flexible, handle and neck,

no memory effect

Adaptable

INTERPROX

INTERPROX PLUS AND ACCESS

The 90º angled head allows for comfortable cleaning of rear areas (premolars and molars)

Interproximal brushes with a longer handle make it easier to reach spaces in the back of the mouth and allow for better aid from caregivers, parents, etc.

INTERPROX GEL

Recommended to be used with interproximal brushes

Provides antiseptic action (contains CPC) in interdental spaces

Helps reduce bleeding and inflammation of gums

Helps to prevent tooth decay in these spaces (contains Sodium fluoride, 1450 ppm)

Non-abrasive gel

IRRIGATOR

Pressurised pulsating stream of water (or solution) applied to teeth and gums to sweep away plaque and stimulate gums

Technique to be used as a complement to brushing and to other interdental cleaning tools (never as a substitute) for open and closed interproximal spaces

Clinical effects:

Decrease in plaque indices Caries prevention Reduction of gingival bleeding and inflammation

(Improves gum health)

IRRIGATOR

Suitable for:

Those who need especially thorough hygiene

Dental implant patients

Orthodontic patients

Diabetic patients (at greater risk for periodontitis)