Brushing only cleans 60% of tooth surfaces – the 40% between teeth is where plaque builds up, gum disease begins, and whole-body health risks increase.
September is National Oral Health Month, and increasing evidence shows that oral health involves much more than just teeth, and what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay there. Gum disease is now linked to over 50 systemic conditions, from heart disease and diabetes to poor pregnancy outcomes, pancreatic cancer, and even depression.
A small habit with a big health impact
Brushing only cleans about 60% to 70% of tooth surfaces. The rest – mainly the tight spaces between teeth – is often neglected, allowing plaque to accumulate. As a result, this is where cavities and gum disease usually begin, with serious consequences for your mouth and your body.
To encourage South Africans to tackle these tiny spaces, GUM and Ivohealth are working with dental professionals across the country to highlight the power of a small but important habit – cleaning between the teeth every day.
“Cleaning in-between remains one of the hardest things for patients to do – yet it is one of the most important,” says Dirna Grobbelaar, Oral Hygiene Advisor at Ivohealth.
“New plaque is soft and easier to remove. Leave it for a day or two, and it matures into biofilm – a sticky layer that’s much harder to shift. That’s why a small daily habit can have a big impact – it only takes 30 to 60 seconds.”
How to get started
Grobbelaar says if you’re new to interdental cleaning, it’s easy to become discouraged. “You’ve got to do it, so make it easy for yourself. The right tool is different for everyone, but once you find what works, you’re far more likely to stick with it.”
● Tight gaps: GUM Expanding Floss – ultra-thin on insertion, expands for greater cleaning.
● Dexterity issues (e.g., arthritis): GUM Bi-Direction interdental brush – long handle and bendable head for easy reach.
● Braces, bridges or implants: GUM Ortho/Access Floss or GUM Trav-Ler interdental brushes.
● Food traps: Interdental brushes or GUM Soft-Picks to dislodge debris and plaque comfortably.
If you’re unsure what to use or how to do it, ask your oral hygienist. They are prevention specialists and passionate advocates of interdental care.
Alternatively, try the online quiz – Find Your GUM Match – a quick 30-second guide created by Dirna Grobbelaar, GUM, and Ivohealth to help you find your best interdental.
Why it matters and what science says
● Brushing leaves many areas untouched and unclean: Brushing alone only removes plaque from about 60% of tooth surfaces. Interdental spaces are consistently missed. (Source: Van der Sluijs E, Slot DE, Hennequin-Hoenderdos NL, Van der Weijden GA. “A specific brushing sequence and plaque removal efficacy: a randomized split-mouth design.” Int J Dent Hyg. 2016;14(4):251-257. doi:10.1111/idh.12262)
● Most South Africans don’t do it right: Only about a third of South Africans clean in between daily, and an estimated 40% of them use an incorrect technique. (Source: Ivodent / Sunstar GUM survey of SA dental professionals, 2019)
● Healthier teeth: A 5-year Japanese study found that people who had healthy gums and flossed consistently, and people with gum disease who used an interdental brush significantly reduced their tooth loss risk. (Source: Nakao K, et al. BMC Oral Health. 2024. doi:10.1186/s12903-024-05308-0)
● Systemic links: Gum disease is associated with 50+ systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, adverse pregnancy outcomes and cognitive decline. (Source: Sunstar GUM Professional, 2023 [https://professional.sunstargum.com/en-en/news-events/links-between-periodontal-disease-and-systemic-health-issues.html)
● Oral-mental health connection: Reduced oral microbiome diversity has been linked to increased risk and severity of depression. (Source: Zheng Z, et al. J Affect Disord. 2025;379:441-447. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.018)
● Global burden: Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide, with gum disease ranking as the second most common oral condition after cavities. (Source: World Health Organization, 2022)
For a healthy mouth and body, incorporate interdental cleaning into your daily routine. Consult your oral hygienist to find the most suitable tool for you, or discover your ideal match online: Find Your GUM Match.
For further advice, visit Ivohealth’s Expert Guide to Interdental Care [https://ivohealth.co.za/interdental-cleaning/].
