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STRONGER
STIFFER WIRE - more resistant to bending and buckling – even
in the smaller sizes. Good quality materials including durable nylon filaments which deliver superior
cleaning ability and extended brush life.
TWISTY
HANDLE
- the slim, round handle, which is a unique
feature, enables the user to rotate the brush.
This makes insertion easier and also improves
the cleaning ability.
BRILLIANT
IN FURCAS - the bristles compress on insertion and spring
open on withdrawal - excellent cleaning in
the difficult areas where it matters most, molars & premolars.
CONVENIENT -
No fiddly brush heads to replace (patient
compliance is directly related to ease of use). Each brush has its own
cap.
HYGENIC -
Each brush has its own
cap.
BEST VALUE -
10 brushes per pack and less than 1/2 the price (per brush) of many other interdental brushes. Compare with the brushes you currently use.
10 packs
Contains 10 brushes of one size (available in 8 different sizes, 0 to 7) |
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Variety Pack
Contains 8 brushes. One of each size (0 to 7). |
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40 packs
A plastic case contains 40 loose brushes of the same size in a plastic case with a resealable lid.
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Professional Pack
The Professional pack contains 200 brushes in a mix of all the sizes. This pack has been designed specifically for use by dentists and hygienists. The intention is to provide dental professionals with an economical "sample" pack. The pack can be used to demonstrate to the patient the correct way to use the brush and identify which sizes they will need to purchase.
This is a very cost effective way to introduce your patients to interdental brushes.
Piksters™ |
Size |
JIS |
Head shape |
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0 |
max 0.6mm |
Straight |
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1 |
max 0.7mm |
Straight |
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2 |
max 0.8mm |
Straight |
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3 |
0.8 ~ 1.0mm |
Taper |
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4 |
1.0 ~ 1.2mm |
Taper |
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5 |
1.2 ~ 1.4mm |
Taper |
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6 |
1.4 ~ 1.6mm |
Taper |
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7 |
1.6 ~ 1.8mm |
Taper |
How and Why you should use Interdental Brushes
What are interdental brushes and where are they used?
Interdental brushes are small circular toothbrushes that you insert into the spaces between your teeth to clean the difficult to reach areas. Like floss only easier. They can also be used around orthodontic braces or splints and anywhere a toothbrush cannot reach.
But I brush my teeth...why do I need to clean the space between my teeth?
The space or gap between your teeth conceals about 40% of the tooth surface but it accounts for about 80% of the problems. By cleaning the gap you get a huge advantage in preventing decay and gum disease. The reason most X-rays are taken is to check for decay in the gap areas and to catch it early. By cleaning in the gap, you not only reduce your chance of decay, root canal treatments and crowns, but you substantially reduce your chance of serious gum and bone disease around the chewing teeth.
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 or use a conventional toothbrush.
What about floss? How does it compare to interdental brushes?
Most people don’t floss because they complain it’s awkward and time consuming. Interdental brushes can be used with one hand, which is easier and if food is caught between teeth, it can be done discretely (like using a toothpick). The bristles of interdental brushes spring out sideways to clean the hollows between teeth and into “furcations” or roots, but floss forms a straight line between the teeth and can miss some areas. However floss is an excellent way to clean the gaps in the front teeth which are often tighter.
Unfortunately disease and decay between the back teeth is a bigger problem than in the front teeth and Interdental brushes address this and make effective cleaning easier.
What happens if my gums bleed when I start using interdental brushes?
Do not be concerned. It will stop in a week or two. It is usually due to pre-existing inflammation in the gums which causes weakening of the blood vessels. The primary cause of this bleeding is insufficient ‘plaque’ removal which is due to ineffective brushing. Once you remove the plaque the source of the problem is removed, the gum will heal, toughen up and won’t bleed when gently rubbed. Please speak to your dentist or hygienist if any bleeding continues as you may need professional guidance or assistance to correct the problem.
You also need to brush your teeth effectively. When you clean your teeth it is not the intention to simply make them look good. ‘Cleaning’ is an ineffective description of what you are trying to do. A more accurate expression is “the removal of toxic bacteria and congealed acidic material’ because this is what plaque is. You may need to ask your dentist or hygienist to show you if you are really cleaning effectively. They can reveal the areas of plaque you may not know you have.
What is plaque and why is it so important to remove it?
Plaque is nearly invisible, sticky white paste that forms on the teeth and gums every day. Plaque harbours bacteria and when it is present for long periods, it has the ability to “eat” holes into teeth and severely irritate the gum, turning it from pale pink to a reddish colour.
If the plaque is not removed it hardens and becomes Calculus which cannot be dislodged with a toothbrush or interdental brush and requires help from your dentist or hygienist who will use specialised equipment to remove it. If you ignore the Calculus, Periodontal disease will follow.
What is periodontal disease?
This is a condition in which the body sends in repair cells and “bacteria attacking” cells to try and heal the inflamed and infected area. Unfortunately these cells attack everything, including the bone which supports the teeth....and this leads to even bigger problems which eventually cause the tooth to fall out.
Many people do not know they have “gum disease” because the gum on the outside may look the same but underneath and around the tooth an invisible space is created where more plaque and dangerous bacteria can be sheltered from the cleaning action of your normal toothbrush. These areas are called periodontal pockets. The deeper the pocket, the harder it is to stop it getting worse. A hygienist or dentist can measure the depth of these pockets and give you advice and specific cleaning procedures to help reduce them and they can monitor your progress. Corrective procedures may be advised by your dentist or hygienist and dependant on the severity of the condition the treatment will vary. The dentist may even suggest a “gingivectomy” which involves cutting away part of the gum to give you better access into the infected area. By using interdental brushes as part of your every day cleaning regime periodontal disease can be controlled or avoided as this condition is often irreversible.
Should everyone use interdental brushes or are they only for unhealthy or inflamed gums?
Interdental brushes should be used for daily plaque control on healthy teeth in conjunction with your normal toothbrush. They are also an excellent cleaning aid for those who wear braces or teeth that are splinted (wired together) e.g. orthodontic retention or periodontal support because they clean between the teeth and under the wires where it is hard to get floss. Implants also need special care, as do bridges. Plastic coated interdental brushes are very good for these areas as they can clean around the artificial teeth without damaging them and are quick and easy to use. Smokers and medically compromised persons should use interdental brushes every day as they are more prone to risk.
What size should I use?
Ask your dentist or hygienist what size/s they would recommend or buy a variety pack containing one brush of each size so you can experiment to see what size/s fits best.
Insert the smallest size first and keep using a bigger size until the brush fits snugly between the teeth without forcing it.
This allows for a 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. (Most leading pharmacies stock interdental brushes, or visit www.piksters.com to view a list of stockists near you).
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 .
How long do interdental brushes last?
Generally in a range of three days to two weeks, depending on how hard you work them.
How do I look after them?
Like toothbrushes they 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.
Piksters interdental brushes have the following advantages:
- Strong, stiff, plastic coated wire (except size 0) – 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 and 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 minimizes 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.
- 8 sizes – the big variety of sizes means there’s one to cover any situation.
- Economically priced – Piksters cost about half the price of many other well known brands and they are sold in packets containing 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.
To find your nearest stockist of Piksters, log onto: www.piksters.com |