Bacterial plaque is an important aetiological factor of periodontal diseases. Despite recent advances in oral hemo-therapeutics, mechanical removal of plaque remains the primary method for controlling supra-gingival accumulations. The most common method of mechanical plaque control is tooth brushing. Tooth brushing alone, however, does not reach the interproximal areas of the dentition, which means that part of the dentition is left unclean. The interdental areas, especially the posterior, are the least accessible. For this reason, soft and ⁄ or hard deposits accumulate in the space between teeth in almost all patients.  Periodontal and gingival lesions are predominantly observed at these sites. As the interproximal areas of the dentition are also frequently affected by caries, interproximal cleaning represents an important aspect of oral self-care. Patients should therefore resort

to additional techniques to tooth brushing. A wide variety of interdental cleaning devices are available. For the most part, the most appropriate interdental aid depends on the size and shape of the interdental space, as well as the morphology of the proximal tooth surface. Also, the level of dexterity and ability of the patient to use a hygiene aid should be taken into account. As a method to remove interproximal plaque, flossing has received the most attention. However, the difficulty in flossing probably makes this technique less than universal in its application. Dental hygienists are often the primary source for professional information on oral disease prevention for those members of the public who are able to access oral care. They are viewed as having both the appropriate knowledge base and an acute understanding of the individual needs of their clients. To address plaque-mediated oral disease, dental professionals have traditionally recommended daily mechanical plaque removal and, more specifically, tooth brushing in conjunction with flossing.

Regards
Sarah eve

Editorial Assistant

Journal of Oral Hygiene and Health