Interdental Cleaning Devices

Twice a year when you visit your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning, you are probably given instructions on proper oral hygiene. This will include brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, using a toothpaste containing fluoride, and using a soft bristled toothbrush. Toothbrushes can’t reach every area of your mouth, which is why floss is such an important tool to reach all the nooks and crannies in and around each tooth. It’s important to remove the food particles and residue to prevent tooth decay and gum disease from developing. There are other tools that you can add to your oral hygiene routine, such as interdental cleaning devices.

Interdental Brushes

Some patients don’t like flossing, have difficulty flossing correctly, or don’t floss enough. Interdental brushes are a great alternative to removing extra debris between your teeth, especially near the molars where it may be harder to reach with floss. These brushes look similar in shape to a pencil, with a metal wire core and soft nylon filaments twisted around the brush head. They are easy to use and even improve the amount of tooth surface area they can clean. If you’re suffering from gum disease, interdental brushes are a more gentle approach to flossing. With minimal bleeding of the gums, and ultimately minimal damage, interdental brushes can help to halt the progression of gum disease.

There are different types and sizes of interdental brushes, so choosing one that works uniquely for your teeth may be a hard choice. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing your interdental brush:

  • The correct size of brush depends on the amount of spacing between your teeth.
  • If you have dental crowns or fillings, consider choosing a brush that has a coating on the inner wire.
  • Decide which type of handle works best for you, a straight handle or a curved handle. Typically, a straight-handled brush works better.
  • If you have sensitive teeth or roots, consider choosing an interdental brush made of rubber instead of nylon.

Oral Irrigation Devices

Also known as a water pick or water jet, an oral irrigation device is another alternative to flossing. It uses a stream of pressurized, pulsating water to clean in between the teeth and around the gum line. This type of device is recommended for people who are unable to tolerate flossing every day. If you have sensitive gums, orthodontic appliances, diabetes, or dental implants, an oral irrigation device might be a better option compared to traditional flossing. Oral irrigation devices are less irritating, easier to maneuver, and can remove more plaque than traditional flossing or for those who only brush.

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Dr. Katz is attentive to his patients' needs, always careful to ensure the patient's comfort...It's a friendly office with impeccable service. They will take good care of you!
    Over the years, Dr. Katz and his team have provided me with an extremely high level of care and personal sensitivity. He has earned my trust."
    Jim Velleco - Marblehead, MA
  • "I have had a lot of dental work done during my life--orthodontia, fillings, crowns, implants, root canals, a bridge--and Dr. Katz is by far the best dentist I've ever seen. In addition to being a superior craftsman with a lot of experience, Dr. Katz is attentive to his patients' needs, always careful to ensure the patient's comfort. His staff, several of whom have been working with him for decades, is likewise excellent. It's a friendly office with impeccable service. They will take good care of you!"
    Sandra Doherty
  • "Awesome Doctor and team - have been going to Dr. Katz's practice for over 20 years and the professionalism, care and attention are superb. They are warm, welcoming, caring and a pleasure to go to. Highly recommend them - with a warm smile!!!
    The professionalism, care and attention are superb. They are warm, welcoming, caring and a pleasure to go to."
    Paul Romano
  • "I travel from Woburn to Salem for my dental needs because there is no other dentist that I trust more than Dr. Katz. I am impressed with his professionalism and drive to stay on top of the best dental techniques. He and his team treat my wife and me like family. I highly recommend Dr. Katz!
    There is no other dentist that I trust more than Dr. Katz. I am impressed with his professionalism and drive to stay on top of the best dental techniques. He and his team treat my wife and me like family."
    Rob Dealy
  • "It’s not “Cheers” and they don’t serve beer, but it is a place “where everybody knows your name.” They know your family, too. And you know theirs. After 25 years here, for me it’s not just about having clean teeth. It’s about catching up with old friends, sharing what’s going on and caring about each other."
    Eugenia Fountain - Salem, ma
  • "They are thorough, careful and up to date on new techniques. One never feels like a "number" because there is very little staff turnover...We recommend them without hesitation.
    If you're looking for top-notch customer service, a welcoming staff, and valuable take-home knowledge, make an appointment with Dr. Katz. My mouth and I have had nothing but positive experiences in his care."
    Mike Briddon - Swampscott, MA
  • "Dr. Katz makes me feel like I'm the most important patient he has. He is calm, relaxed, informative, patient and gentle...I have heard nothing but positive feedback from the people I've sent
    Thank you for over 20 years of compassionate and technically excellent dental care."
    Christine Kowal - Swampscott, MA
  • "We come from Wakefield to see Dr. Katz. He has been our family dentist for the last 10 years and my husbands dentist since he was a kid. Today my very anxious 7 year old had to have a tooth pulled and Dr. Katz did a wonderful job at making him comfortable. My son got through the experience with flying colors and no tantrums. We would highly recommend him as a dentist!"
    Nicole Jennings
  • "My husband and I are long term patients of this practice because of the trust it has earned with us over time. They are thorough, careful and up to date on new techniques. One never feels like a "number" because there is very little staff turnover .....clearly a plus. We recommend them without hesitation!"
    Michelle Genereux

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Hours of Operation

Hours below do not reflect our 'temporary' modified schedule. Please call the office for details.

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

12:00 pm-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed