Allowing the brush to become dry before re-use decreases fibre wear thus having two brushes is recommended. The efficacy of electric brushes in removing debris and plaque depends on the patient's method of application. Another mechanical aid is the irrigation device. These direct a 'high pressure' water jet onto the tooth or gum. They are not replacements for the toothbrush but are useful for removing loose debris from inaccessible areas such as bridges and orthodontic bands.
Major problems are often the result of the lack of cleaning the interdental spaces.
Dental flossing is one of the recommended methods of preventing the build up of plaque in these spaces. Some authorities suggest some of the wax is deposited on use from the former, others suggest the fibres of unwaxed floss are likely to cause foci for new plaque deposition. There are various devices to assist application of floss to the teeth. For some patients and in some situations they are valuable. Interdental sticks are used to massage the gum of the interdental space.