Proxabrushes are ideal for periodontal disease care because they effectively clean larger spaces between teeth and around gum pockets where traditional floss may struggle to reach. Their bristles also gently stimulate gums, promoting healing and reducing plaque buildup.
Care for your dental implants just as well as you would care for your natural teeth. Thorough oral hygiene is necessary to prevent diseases to develop around the implants. With proper home care and regular professional maintenance, you can make your new teeth last throughout life.
Flossing around implants works best using a thicker and flexible floss. Implant floss has stiff plastic ends for easy insertion.
We like Bridge & Implant Floss made by Proxysoft (www.proxysoft.com or available on Amazon.com) for many of our patients, or if you have a very narrow area around the implants, Gum Easy Thread Floss (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPZWBR9/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_E86WAFHF5MXSRWDMN0VQ) is a great product!
Sometimes it can be hard to see where the implant is, so remember to ask your dental professional exactly where your implants are placed and which floss is best for you.
We encourage our patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can! Even while watching Netflix, if that is what works for you!
“Interdental cleansing (cleaning between the teeth) is necessary for … optimal oral health. Since most toothbrushes have limited access to proximal (in between) surfaces of teeth… interdental cleansing must be included in dental hygiene care plans. Interdental spaces are areas where bacteria can accumulate, multiply and remain undisturbed.
Undisturbed plaque biofilm can cause gingival inflammation and bleeding and increase the risk for and progression of periodontal disease.” Source: “Interdental Cleansing” by Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS
Actually, cleaning between your teeth with floss, proxabrushes, softpicks, rubber tip stimulators and watching Netflix at the same time is just fine with us. Dr. Britten and his hygiene team encourage patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can!
Dental Floss:
Tight spaces/Good for those spaces that other floss shreds easily https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste-floss/listerine-ultraclean-floss
A great, thin, unwaxed floss, POH dental floss: https://buypoh.com/oral-hygiene/
GUM expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gum+expanding+floss
Hayden expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6X77J7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9VxtFbXM2P084
Dr. Tung’s expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016790E7Q/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_V1xtFb19B30YV
Coco Floss: https://cocofloss.com
Bridge & Implant Flossers: https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/floss-threaders.html
Floss with threader attached for tight spaces: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPZWBR9/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_UKTlFbYGFPKGN
PROXYSOFT floss – 3 in 1, periodontal floss, or Bridge and Implant Floss: https://proxysoft.com/shop/product-features/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvqj34-WJ6gIVGopaBR1g3QeSEAAYASABEgJoNfD_BwE
INTERDENTAL BRUSHES AND SOFTPICKS
SOFTPICKS (Original, Advanced, or Wider Spaces): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning.html
GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html
TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!): https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original
GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-stimulator.html
Plaque Buster travel rubbertip stimulator: https://www.theplaquebuster.com/Oral B end tufted brush: https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush
TEPE compact end tufted brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft
GUM brand tongue scraper: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html
Oral B end tufted brush: https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush
TEPE compact end tufted brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft
GUM brand tongue scraper: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html
Proxysoft Bridge & Implant Floss: https://proxysoft.com/product/proxysoft-bridge-implant-cleaners/
TEPE Universal Care Brush: https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-universal-care
Thinner floss with threader attached for tight spaces: https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-easythread-floss.html
GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618): https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html
TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!): https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original
Did you know? Periodontal disease is usually more severe towards the back of the mouth and between the teeth because these areas are more difficult to keep clean and free of plaque. Just look at these very differently shaped molars!
Interdental brushes serve as an alternative or even great addition to brushing and flossing. They can be used daily and can be effective for plaque removal. Proxabrushes, or interdental brushes, are a type of interdental cleaner, meaning it is used to brush between the teeth. For many patients, they are easier to use than dental floss. There must be at least a small space between the tooth and gum for the brush to pass, so it is ideal for back teeth and/or areas where there has been bone loss, and wider spaces between the teeth. For most people with treated Periodontal Disease there is no other interdental cleaning aid that works as well as an interdental brush. A proxabrush typically wears out within two weeks when used daily. A supply of replacement brushes should be kept for ease and speed of brush renewal.
They are available on handles (similar to length of toothbrush handles) or in travel sizes. A travel proxabrush is covered by a cap that sheaths over the brush. This form of ProxaBrush is conveniently kept in ones pocket or purse, and thus is good for those individuals who want to clean between their teeth during the day, or to take to restaurants or trips.
Who Should Use Them?
- Anyone who finds flossing difficult
- People who don’t like to floss
- People with exposed roots
- Deep dental pockets
- Areas of bone loss or gum recession
- Areas where teeth are missing
- Previous gum surgery which has exposed more tooth and root anatomy
- Larger spaces between the teeth
- Grooves and concavities in teeth and roots
- People with braces – great around brackets and wires
How To Use Them
For more questions about oral hygiene and interdental care, periodontal disease of dentistry, visit www.brittenperio.com
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