Being aware of the benefits of interdental, or interproximal, hygiene and, above all, of the eventual repercussions if it is not done daily, is very important. 

You can offer recommendations at the pharmacy that will help people increase the frequency and effectiveness of interproximal hygiene. According to figures from the latest oral health survey⁽¹⁾, we make the grade in brushing, as 80% of the population brushes at least twice a day, although we do not know whether it is done properly. We fail however when it comes to daily interdental hygiene, since only 34% use dental floss or tape; 18% use interproximal brushes, and 1% use oral irrigators. 

These figures show that very few people actually perform interdental hygiene on a daily basis, which explains the high prevalence of oral disease due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque between the teeth. 

* 77.5% of decay in young people originates between the teeth⁽²⁾. 

* 94% of the Spanish population has gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)⁽³⁾. 

In addition, 60% of cases of oral halitosis originate from biofilm build-up between the teeth⁽⁴⁾. 

Given these figures on interproximal hygiene practice, we should ask ourselves why they are so low. The reasons why it is not done are varied, but they can mostly be summed up by a lack of motivation, of being unaware of the problems that non-performance can cause, the difficulty involved, and the fear of pain. 

HOW TO IMPROVE INTERDENTAL HYGIENE? 

On the one hand, it is very important to be aware of the benefits of interdental hygiene and, above all, the possible repercussions that can occur if it is not done on a daily basis. 

There are little tricks that can help increase the frequency and effectiveness of interdental hygiene: 

1. Don’t let too much time go between meals (especially dinner) and oral hygiene. The longer you take, the more likely you are to “forget” to do it. 

2. Use dental floss/tape and interproximal brushes before brushing. Since the brushing habit is already instilled, if you leave interdental hygiene for after brushing, you may forget or skip it. On the other hand, if you do your interdental hygiene before brushing, you are more likely to do it along with brushing because you are in the habit of doing so. In any case, it is just as effective when performed before or after brushing. 

3. Take dental floss or an interproximal brush with you in a pouch so eating out doesn’t keep you from performing interdental hygiene. 

4. Use a plaque discloser: this shows where the plaque is located. If the amount of interdental plaque present in the mouth can be seen, you will be more aware of it, and in addition, this will make your interproximal hygiene more effective. 

REMEMBER... 

The most difficult thing is to pick up the habit. If we get our customers to acquire it, we will be improving both their oral and general health. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AT WWW.ENTREDIENTES.ES