Although brushing your teeth twice a day is a well-known habit, many people underestimate the importance of interdental cleaning, or cleaning in-between your teeth.

Brushing alone will not clean the sides of the teeth as the toothbrush bristles cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth where plaque and food particles can accumulate.

Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria and it is something that everyone has in their mouth around their teeth and gums. It is a soft white substance that can be removed easily when cleaning is done correctly and effectively.

However, if the plaque is not removed, it will harden and form calculus, otherwise known as tartar. Tartar cannot be removed with cleaning at home and it will require a professional hygiene clean with a dentist or hygienist or dental therapist.