c shape flossing technique. This video demonstrates the progression of periodontal disease, including and periodontitis. c shape flossing technique

 
 This video demonstrates the progression of periodontal disease, including and periodontitisc shape flossing technique  You'll now have them glide the floss between their teeth holding the "C" shape

K I’ve googled C-shape flossing, have seen multiple videos but still wonder, can I not do that same exact thing with a floss pick. never ____ the floss between teeth. Floss picks/flossette – floss holder with a pick on the other end. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for keeping gums healthy. How to Floss. Next, wrap the floss around the other tooth and repeat. Form a “C” shape: Once the floss is inserted, create a “C” shape by curving the floss around the side of the implant. So which areas are these? Again, assuming that you're using the proper flossing technique then. Teach your child about how much pressure. 5% floss a few times a year. Hold about two inches between your fingers. ” In fact, flossing too hard could be damaging. e. In this article, we will outline the proper. . Be careful not to let the floss snap or “pop” between teeth. Move the toothbrush in a back and forth motion, and repeat for each tooth. Don't forget the backs of your last molars. • Rub the floss gently up and down, keeping it pressed against the tooth. I could make that c-shape against the gum with a pick no? I just find string floss kinda hard since my hand struggles a lot to fit in my mouth lolFlossing. Once between the teeth, curve the floss into a C-shape, pressed tight against one tooth. The interdental brush is more helpful in areas where the gums have receded in between the. Move floss up and down on mesial of tooth three to four times, then move above papilla, wrap in C-shape around distal of adjacent tooth. A dental floss holder is a dental stick but shaped like a Y. Suite 101 Burleson, Texas 76028. Suitable for users with limited dexterity. Gently. Most people think they're flossing correctly, but they've been doing it wrong their whole life. Go to a clean section of floss and repeat this technique on the rest of your teeth. Pull a 1 in (2. Flossing teeth should start when your child has two teeth that touch. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. But not flossing could make the situation far worse. Use your thumbs and index fingers to hold the floss tight. The patient identified for this report was chosen based on the severity of the indicating factors for periodontal disease. Work the floss gently between the teeth until it reaches the gumline. Best Flossing Techniques. Contour floss around the side of the tooth, making a C shape with the. Floss Types and Proper Technique . Abstract. Flossing is also a practice that is technique-sensitive. Flossing Technique: The C-Shape allows you to safely slide the floss down the sides of the tooth, cleaning the inside and corner edges, without causing trauma to gum tissue. This will stop the floss springing free and hitting the gum which can be painful. Most people think they're flossing correctly, but they've been doing it wrong their whole life. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. One technique that can be used to access these areas is dental floss. Go to a new section of the floss as it wears and picks up particles. Use the “C-shape” method. Don’t jerk or snap the floss. Remove the plastic cap from the brush. A sulcabrush is a double-ended brush, with each end specifically designed for the outside surfaces and the inside (tongue side) surfaces. One way to accomplish this is by forming the flexible material into a C-shape and sliding it up and down. 3 flossing aids. Here are the signs of disease your teeth can reveal. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. dental floss, making it easy to floss in areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach. , who notes that the ideal time is at night, before brushing, to. Your tooth should feel smooth. Then carefully pull the floss upward from the gum line to the top of the tooth. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily. When the floss touches your gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. The flossing product you choose isn't as important as the act of using it. Proper Flossing Technique Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT. Gently and repeatedly move floss side to side and up and down to remove the bacterial film from the tooth's surface and around the gumline. Step 2: Move on to chewing surfaces. Floss holder/floss harp – pre cut floss is held between two arms. The biggest apparent flaw in the studies is that no matter how many times people are taught or shown correct flossing techniques, they don’t do it right. Dörwald Esthetic Dentistry Munich & Kitzbühel · October 6, 2010 · October 6, 2010 ·Study Preventative flashcards. Unwind with fresh floss as you do each tooth to keep it clean, and to avoid jamming food particles into the. “Proper flossing involves wrapping the floss in a ‘c-shape,’ and covering as much surface area of the tooth as possible. We believe that if a patient uses the "C-shape" flossing technique properly, they will not only be able to remove as much plaque from in between the teeth, but also remove plaque from those areas where the interproximal brush doesn't reach completely. Then carefully pull the floss upward from the gum line to the top of the tooth. Healthy gums are essential for maintaining oral health. Incorrect flossing technique and the etiology of grooves at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of proximal area of teeth has long been a. (: Keep up your C-shaped flossing. Next, slide the string or tape up and down against the tooth and beneath the gum line. . Remove the loop of the threader and floss normally. With this simple yet highly effective flossing technique, you can eliminate the majority of plaque from your teeth and keep your smile bright and clean! Why is the. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Materials and methods2. C-Shape Flossing Technique | Flossing is very important if you want to have fresh breath, and healthy gums. See how easy it is to place this MO filling tooth #3 using the C Shape dental instrument, which is designed to compressing and molding composite, without sti. 4. Wipe the tooth from base to tip two or three times. Sale. Curve the floss around one tooth and gently push it as far as it will go, past the gum line. The c-shape flossing method gets its name by the c shape you form with the floss. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, slightly away from the gums. Always floss under the direction of your child's dentist or primary care provider. Gently move the floss back and forward and slowly guide it towards the gum line. Break off a piece of floss equal in length to the distance from your hand to your shoulder. The proper technique involves using enough floss to clean all areas between your teeth and gently sliding it up and down against each tooth, forming a “C” shape. a patient that hasn't had a flossing technique- what is helpful. Hold about two inches between your fingers. You should cover about half the diameter of the tooth from each angle. Move the floss carefully up and down between each tooth, and make a C-shape with the floss as you reach the gum line. Creaven. Removing little bits of gunk from your teeth is super important. 4. However, this can hurt your. Guide: Keep a one- to two-inch length of floss taut between fingers. D. The second aim was to visualize the effect of the C-shape flossing technique on the dental floss before and after use. com. The floss picks get a lot of criticism. Flossing technique can be challenging! 🦷 These demos from a dentist wil…Hug the tooth with the floss in a C-shape by wrapping the floss around the tooth, flipping it. To wiggle the floss down between your teeth, use a very gentle. Contact Us Map 480-558-4331Now, pull the floss through the space and fold the ends around your index fingers. Most. 9. Flossing correctly isn't complicated, but there is more to it than meets the eye. They should be pink, firm, and free from bleeding. Start with a piece of floss from the length of your wrist to elbow. Slip the floss between your teeth (between the "contacts" where the teeth touch). 11 mai 2009. Look into "C-shaped" flossing. This should form a C shape with the floss. Step 3: Floss the backside of each toothThe benefits of flossing: Flossing removes plaque from the gum line. Gently insert the brush into the triangular-shaped space between the teeth with a gentle twist or wriggling action. "It's common that people wrap the floss on their index. Dental floss. Seesaw the floss only to get it between your teeth. I would say try flossing afterwards using the c shape technique under the gum line which I linked earlier and see if it didn’t leave anything. When you do reach the gum line in between each tooth, curve the floss at the base of the tooth and create a ‘C’ shape with the floss. Curve the floss into a C-shape as you slide it up and down along the. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth. This technique is known as the “C technique” and helps remove plaque and food debris. Request Request an Appointment Like Us Like Us on Facebook Reviews Leave a Google Review Call Give us a Call Map View our Map (254) 732-0309 5400 Crosslake Pkwy #400,As a dental office in Gilbert, AZ, we've got good advice on how to properly floss your teeth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Plackers Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks, 90 Count, Pack of 6, Green. 5% fluoride varnish for root sensitivity and caries prevention. The Teflon-floss technique involves winding PTFE tape around two pieces of knotted floss and simultaneously drawing them in from both sides of the matrix, adapting the matrix to the base of the cavity 25 (Fig. Don’t forget the back side of your last teeth (at the very back of your mouth. Popping the flossing in and out. As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind new floss from one hand and wind the used floss onto the other hand. Curve the floss to form a C shape as you're flossing towards your gum, allowing it to get to the gaps between your teeth and gums. Learn how to floss properly to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In the February 2020 “For the Patient” page, “Helping Your Child Fight Tooth Decay,” (Mark A. Use a new section of floss each time you move to a new space between teeth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. How to Floss in 4 Easy Steps. This will help ensure you clean both. Thread the floss: Gently guide the floss between the implant and the neighboring tooth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to floss around dental implants. Curve the floss into a 'C' shape against the side of the tooth," Henville said. Do you floss every day? Do you know how to floss properly? If you’re not flossing your teeth, you can be missing out on cleaning 40% of the tooth’s surface. Glide: Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Then make the C-shape around the adjacent tooth up and down to clean the. Sure you floss everyday, BUT are you doing it correctly? Watch a tutorial on the C-shape flossing technique!The most commonly used techniques, for people with healthy oral cavities, are the c-shape flossing method, and the modified Bass method of brushing. Dr. Contour floss around. Sure you floss everyday, BUT are you doing it correctly? Watch a tutorial on the C-shape flossing technique!Get 20% off your first order of Cocofloss using c. Move from tooth to tooth and repeat these steps, using a new piece of floss for each tooth. Flossing technique Start with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with. 2K views 8 years ago You're Flossing Wrong. Step #4 – Restring (or rinse) your floss pick halfway through. Cut a piece of floss to around 18 inches long. I could make that c-shape against the gum with a pick no? I just find string floss kinda hard since my hand struggles a lot to fit in my mouth lolFlossing. By incorporating the right flossing techniques into your daily oral care routine, you can ensure that you are effectively cleaning those hard-to-reach areas. Learn how to floss your teeth on 3 interproximal areas with this video and article from Colgate® Professional. Step 3 Be sure to floss both sides of every tooth. You have to wrap the side surface of the tooth with the floss and use the strand as a tool to clean the entire area, not just between the teeth, Dr. Repeat the motion on the opposite tooth surface, reversing the C-shape. The floss has to be pulled into a “C” shape around the base of each tooth. This finger takes up the floss as it is used. Flossing braces is an incredibly time-consuming activity that causes frustration and fear among kids and their parents. This video demonstrates the progression of periodontal disease, including and periodontitis. Gently slide the floss up and down the surface of the tooth making sure it goes slightly below the gum line. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. • Gently, scrape the plaque off the side of the tooth and below the gum line, being careful not to cut or pinch the gums. Floss Holder. The floss picks get a lot of criticism. Don’t try to push the floss down into your gums. 24% floss a few times a week. Then, floss up and down the side of the other tooth, repeating the C-shape to get just under the gum line. This bleeding should subside after the first few times you floss; however, it’s crucial to follow the proper technique to avoid cutting your gums. Place the floss in between two teeth and glide it up and down against the teeth. Wind most of the floss around your middle fingers, leaving 1 to 2 inches in between your fingers. You’re not flossing the whole tooth. Then you ‘hug’ the back tooth creating a ‘C’ like shape and slowly shimmy the floss. 12-18 inches of floss wrap around middle fingers guide with index/ thumbs see saw to get between teeth make C shape rub on proximal surfaces. You need your pointer fingers to control and manipulate the floss. You'll now have them glide the floss between their teeth holding the "C" shape. Choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush and their regular replacement is important. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. Wrap the floss around the tooth, forming a C shape. This movement follows the natural curve of the tooth, ensuring you do not miss any spots. Floss Holder. Once between the teeth, curve the floss into a C-shape, pressed tight against one tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, and gently move it in between your teeth doing a back-and-forth motion. Repeat for the tooth on the other side. Flossing is a crucial aspect of oral hygiene as it helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth. Flossing: To get rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth, make sure to floss once a day. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. For effective flossing, wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand, leaving a section in the middle that's several inches long. What you need: One Sulcabrush. 141 NW Renfro St. Pull the floss tight against the side of your tooth. 2020;151[2]:154) there was no mention of flossing. C-shape flossing, a proper flossing technique, is challenging for children with developing manual dexterity to perform with conventional string floss. You’ll want to contour the floss around the tooth in a C shape and slide it up and down, making sure you rub the back of the tooth as well. Make a C shape with the floss as you wrap it around the tooth. The Ultimate Guide To Flossing Techniques. They should be pink, firm, and free from bleeding. The only difference between the Adult and Kids Starter Packs are the handle colors, along with the collectible trading card being included in the Kids version only. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. • Don’t forget to floss the back sides of yourGood flossing technique entails getting the floss between your teeth and then making a “c” shape by wrapping it around one side. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when inserting the floss between the child's teeth. We understand that finding the right flossing. Many individuals are noncompliant with traditional flossing techniques they do not know when traditional floss is required and its limitations. Wrap it around your middle and pinch between your thumb and index finger Slide. Children often need help with flossing until they are ages 10 to 11. Removes bacteria which cause bad smells for fresher-smelling breath. Since improper technique can damage your teeth and gums,. Following this method, the floss is gently passed between teeth and is curved into a C shape against the side of one tooth when the floss reaches the gum line24. “Anytime you floss is better than not flossing,” says Beverly Hills-based biomimetic and cosmetic dentist Matt Nejad, D. Explore Colgate. Move the toothbrush in a back and forth motion, and repeat for each tooth. When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it into a C-shape against a tooth until you feel resistance. Use Colgate's techniques and products for brushing and flossing teeth. Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with. If you are merely popping the floss in between teeth and popping it back out, you are not properly cleaning the biofilm on the surface of the tooth. Do this a few times for each space. Advanced Floss n ®Oral-B Kids 8+ Toothbrush Proper Flossing Technique • Use about 18 inches of floss, so you have a clean piece of floss to use on each tooth in the cleaning process. Early establishment of flossing as a cornerstone oral. When flossing around the gum line, be cautious not to snap the floss into the gums, as this can result in bruising. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Gently slide the section of floss between your child's teeth. Step 2: Wind the floss around your thumb and index finger at each end until you have a short section of floss between your fingers to use. Flossing technique: break off 18-24 inches, wrap around fingers, glide up and down against sides of teeth. Once the floss is at the gum line turn the floss around the neck of the tooth to make a C shaped curve. Flossing with the correct technique can prevent a lot of damage, as I discussed previously in this post. Not only does it prevent damage to the structures in the mouth, but the floss will also cover more surface area and glide much easier underneath the gum tissue. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger on your opposite hand, spooling the used floss onto that finger as you clean between your teeth. 11% floss a few times a month. by forming it in a “C” shape around the tooth they should lift up a few times, in order to drive plaque up and out of the gingival sulcus. Use of an interdental cleaner (like floss) is an essential part of taking care. When done correctly, flossing removes bacteria in parts of your mouth that brushing can’t get to. Flossing teeth should start when your child has two teeth that touch. The technique that you use will depend on the type of dental floss that you and your child prefer. Look on for better oral health. (I know twice a day is recommended but so far I've only managed to develop a habit for once a day -- still working on it. Pull the floss out and continue this process for every tooth until you are done. JADA. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Place the floss near the contact area and slowly move downwards in the sulcus area, and again come up with. 3) Hold the unwound floss tightly between your index fingers and thumbs. 5). This technique is called Dental flossing and this helps in. . Gently rub the side of the. Repeat this for all the spaces between your teeth. Image 1: Use an 18-inch piece of dental floss. Slide the floss between your teeth and wipe back and forth in a “C” shape; Floss both sides of every tooth from front to back; When you first begin flossing, you might experience some bleeding. Be Gentle. Step 3: Thread the other end of the floss through the eye of the hook or lure. This dental health flossing tutorial illustrates the C-Shape flossing technique for healthy mouth, gums and teeth. Flossing is an essential step in maintaining good oral hygiene. A lot of people do not like flossing because it can hurt. com. Moving the floss up and down the tooth, maintaining the c-shape will clean approximately 35% of the tooth surface!In general, tooth flossing is best performed by cleaning each tooth in succession, including the back surface of the last tooth in each quadrant. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. > One of the most famous techniques of moving the floss thread around the tooth is C-shaped flossing where the proximal surfaces of teeth are involved, and below will be the video to explain how to floss using the C-shaped technique. Following this method, the floss is gently passed between teeth and is curved into a C shape against the side of one tooth when the floss reaches the gum line 24. Philadelphia 76ers Premier League UFC Television The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John. Remove the floss carefully, and repeat this for each tooth. Before this age, flossing is not needed. Wrap floss around your index and middle fingers, leaving about five centimetres between your hands and insert between your teeth. I love this tool, and I often give them out to my patients to use. Flossing Technique. Modified flossing technique to include use of floss wand. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss. . involves changing the shape of your gums to be more. Step 3: Once you get to the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of brush. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of removal of cement after cementation of implant crowns using an experimental circular crisscross flossing technique (CCFT) flossing technique, compared to the conventional "C"-shape flossing technique (CSFT). As the floss reaches your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C shape. The Right Way to Floss. Use the see-saw motion to remove floss through contact. Slide the floss between your teeth and wrap it into a "C" shape around the base of the tooth and gently under the gumline. In a gentle motion, slide the floss between the tooth and the gum. Don’t forget to floss the back sides of your back teeth on both the left and right of the upper and lower teeth. If you have trouble flossing, a floss holder or other cleaning device may help. While flossing, pay close attention to your gums. For effective flossing, slide the floss from between the teeth and rub the sides of your teeth. Repeat on the opposite tooth surface. Make a "C" shape with the floss around each tooth. Wrap both sides of the floss around the tooth in front, so the floss is hugging the front of the tooth in a C shape. Twenty-four patients rendered 29 experimental and 29 control crowns. 6Floss all your teeth including the ones in the back. Make sure to work slowly using a gentle hand, so as not to damage your gums. When complete, angle the floss to hug the tooth in the opposite direction and repeat this step. Wrap the floss around one tooth in a "C" shape, pull down to the deepest part between the tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue, slide up and down, and clean the. 2. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Never snap the floss into the gums. Most just put the floss between their teeth instead of making the recommended C-shape with the floss to insure it properly contacts all surfaces of the teeth. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion. Be sure to use a new section of floss for each tooth. Continue to use the up and down sawing. (figure 3) Once you have removed plaque and food debris by gliding the floss a few times, remove the floss from in between your teeth slowly and gently. Start by wrapping the floss around your middle finger and use an up-and-down motion to gently glide it between each tooth, making sure to reach below the gum line. This is often around ages 2 to 3. 5). C-shaped Flossing. Non-Disposable Floss Sticks These flossers come in a large variety. If flossing is done incorrectly, with too much pressure, it can lacerate the gum tissue, causing clefting and gum recession. Schedule Today. Another issue with daily flossing is that many people have a difficult time doing it properly. C-shape flossing, a proper flossing technique, is challenging for children with developing manual dexterity to perform with conventional string floss. Remember that regular string floss is always going to be the ideal solution for keeping healthy gums because it allows you to hug the tooth using the C-shape Flossing technique without hurting the gums, but if you’re on the go, and want that clean feeling without getting your fingers all covered in plaque, then this is the right solution for you. Avoid snapping floss into the gum line. Run the floss threader through your dental appliance and into a gap between your teeth. Use Colgate's techniques and products for brushing and flossing teeth. Flossing Technique. As you buy and dispense floss from different containers, you'll notice it comes in multiple shapes and sizes. You have to wrap the side surface of the tooth with the floss and use the strand as a tool to clean the entire area, not just between the teeth, Dr. 3. Wrap the floss around the tooth to form a “C” shape. Not only does it prevent damage to the structures in the mouth, but the floss will also cover more surface area and glide much easier underneath the gum tissue. Plus, improper flossing can even cause gum tissue damage if done improperly. Removing plaque is crucial to your oral health, as it contributes to many dental problems if left unchecked. Use index fingers to guide floss between contacts of the lower teeth. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, starting at your back. Learn how to floss correctly with our top 5 flossing technique tips. Then pull the floss around one tooth in a C shape. Ross explains. In th. Create flashcards for FREE and quiz yourself with an interactive flipper. This is purported to result in a reduced tendency to break the dental dam seal than when using wedges, which can pick up and. Use a 18–24 in (46–61 cm) piece of dental floss and wrap it around your fingers. Children. Place the floss between your teeth and gently glide it up and down, making sure you get both sides of each tooth. Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently past the tight contact point between the teeth. Hold a short amount of floss between your thumb and fingers, and insert it between your teeth. Repeat the steps as. Break off between 12-18 inches of your favorite floss. Inflammation from bacteria causes the bleeding, but if you keep at your flossing for two weeks the bleeding will stop, reassures Le. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning each tooth. The goal with flossing is to get out everything between the teeth where the toothbrush has a hard time. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces. Then you move the floss up and down, allowing it to touch that entire side of the tooth, removing any plaque from that side of the tooth. Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Popping the flossing in and out. Repeat on the other side. “C-shape” flossing is generally considered as the proper flossing technique. Flossing Technique. Flossing reduces the risk of periodontitis. Wrap the ends of the floss around your index and middle fingers. Transform the floss into a “C” shape and place it between two teeth. Expert tip: To ensure thorough cleaning, curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth, allowing it to reach below the gumline without catching on the braces. 4) Guide the floss between your child’s teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Curve the floss into a C-shape around the tooth. 10 minutes, 10 seconds Read. Following these tips can make teaching your children proper flossing techniques easier than ever. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Tooth decay plus paste infection can develop when plaque is allowed to build move the teeth and along the chewing queue, both home between tooths removes ensure plaque that can lead to,408-226-2522. [1] Its regular use as part of oral cleaning is designed. Curve the floss into a C-shape as you slide it up and down along the side of each tooth. String is definitely better than picks. This will allow the floss to gently enter the space between your gums and each tooth. Flossing Technique. Curve the floss into a C-shape as you slide it up and down along the side of each tooth. “Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line. Wind it around your middle fingers, then take each index finger, about one inch apart, and use them to get the floss down between your teeth. Interdental brushesMake sure to slide the floss under the gumline and clean both the sides of the teeth. Proper technique is needed to be effective, I highly encourage you to YouTube the "Modified Bass" technique for brushing and the "C shaped" flossing technique. Don't forget the backs of your last molars. It helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.