Struggling to clean back teeth with interdental brushes and TMJ

[PhoebeBuffay1234]

Hi,

I was recently advised by my dentist to use interdental brushes after I had two teeth/gums showing as a ‘3’ on the examination they do.

However, I am really, really struggling to get the brushes between the two teeth affected because they’re right at the back (between my wisdom teeth and the tooth next to them). I also have TMJ disorder so can’t open too wide either. This is probably the reason they’re affected when others weren’t as I use floss harps a lot as I can’t stand the feeling of anything between my teeth.

I have tried the interdental brushes both with long handles and the shorter ones and I’ve also used the silicone TePe EasyPicks to see if any of them work better but they don’t. I use the floss harps as I also struggle with tape at the back too.

Can anyone offer any advice please? I really want them to get better and I’m stumped!

Just bumping. Anyone?😬😁

Try a water flosser
i went from a 4 in some places to a 1/2 after changing to an electric toothbrush (OralB io series) and a water flosser (not the water pick, just an Amazon one).
The nozzle is quite long so you might be ok not opening mouth too wide, just keep it open so the water flows out
Also, get an egg timer so you know you’re spending enough time cleaning.

I have the same problem , my mouth is too small and I can’t get the IB’s between my back teeth so I basically have gone back to floss . I go to the hygienist every 4 mths though which does seem excessive but that’s what they’ve recommended so that’s what I do .

Thank you both. I’ll give the water flosser a try - annoyingly I have just throw one out!

I think I may also do more regular hygienist visits as well..I imagine it will be worth the cost if it stops things getting worse overall.

Have you tried going in from the inside? So the side closest to your tongue

I can’t get tape through my teeth but a water flosser is brilliant.

Yep, I’ve tried that as well. And bending the brushes at different angles! I just stab myself.🙈

Thank you for the suggestion though.

Also second a water flosser. My hygienist score improved dramatically after 6 months of using one (plus interdental brushes where I can). I’d recommend the ordo one.