How Do You Use Interdental Brushes?

Using Interdental Brushes allows for thorough cleaning action and suppresses the gum from growing up excessively in between your teeth. Excessive growth can cause a natural food and plaque trap which leads to a self degenerating situation. A great solution to this problem is using Piksters interdental brushes which are dentist recommended.

How to use Piksters correctly and avoid wire breakage: 

1. Choose a size that inserts without force. The correct size will fit easily. 
2. Do not bend the handle back and forth against the brush head when the brush is inserted. 
3. Back teeth. Use one finger to push the very tip of the brush head over to an angle of approximately 45o -90o . Pushing the tip will avoid a sharp bend where the plastic meets the wire and reduces stress and breakage in the metal. 
4. Insert the brush SLOWLY with a gentle twisting or wriggling action – this will ease the brush in so that the wire does not buckle. 
5. Do not straighten the brush after it has been bent more than a few times as this will stress the wire and increase chance of breakage. 
6. Front teeth. Insert the brush head straight in line with the plastic handle, using a gentle twisting or wriggling action.

How often should I use Interdental Brushes? 

Use them as frequently as you feel you need to, especially if you get food stuck between your teeth, but at least once a day when you clean your teeth in the evening. You can also apply toothpaste to the bristles before insertion for a super fresh feeling. Unlike a toothbrush you can keep an interdental brush in your pocket and use it in many situations – especially after meals where you can’t access a bathroom.

Piksters interdental brushes have the following advantages: 

• Strong, stiff, plastic coated wire – if you have used interdental brushes before you may notice a difference in the way Piksters do not buckle or bend as much as some, so you will get more uses per brush. 
• Nylon 612 filaments – this is the highest grade of nylon filament available and as a result many patients report that the brushes last longer. 
• “Twisty” handle – this allows the user to rotate the brush on insertion and assists its cleaning ability. 
• One piece design – each brush head is fixed to the handle so the difficult and fiddly task of trying to replace brush heads is eliminated. 
• Hygienic – every single brush has a cap which is open ended. This allows the bristles to dry out between uses and minimises the chance of bacterial growth due to humid conditions 
• Slim design – Piksters are small enough to be kept in a pocket, wallet or purse without causing bulkiness, it’s always handy when you need it. 
• 10 sizes – the big variety of sizes means there’s one to cover any situation. 
• Economically priced – Piksters cost less than other well-known brands and they are sold in packets containing 7 and 10 brushes or even more economical packs of 40. We understand that interdental brushing is a necessity and needs to be affordable… that is the Piksters philosophy.

How long do interdental brushes usually last? 

Usually for several days or more but it depends on how hard you work them. How do I look after them? Just like toothbrushes interdental brushes are washed out and re-used until the bristles deteriorate or the wire has been bent several times. If you prefer, they can be disposed of after a single-use.

CAUTION: If the brush head breaks and becomes caught between your teeth use one of the following methods to get it out and tilt your head forward and down so that the piece falls out of your mouth. 

1. Use another brush to push out the broken piece but insert it from the opposite direction. 
2. Use a pair of tweezers to pull the broken piece out. 
3. Use a toothpick to push out the broken piece. If you cannot remove the piece, please contact your dentist. 

Please Note: All interdental brushes, toothpicks and sticks can put pressure on the tip of the gum, especially if you force it, or use a brush that is too big for the space. This can cause a slight re-shaping of the gum over time. This is generally good for back teeth but most people like the look of the small triangle of gum growing in between their front teeth. Therefore, use the smallest size possible around your smile area.