Interdental Cleaning — The Surfaces a Brush Cannot Reach
A tooth has five surfaces and a brush reaches only three; the remaining two face the neighbouring teeth.
Why brushing is not enough
Bristles cannot enter the narrow space between two contacting teeth, so a significant share of surfaces goes uncleaned. Interproximal decay is the most commonly missed type, gum inflammation usually starts there, and much dental odour originates in the same place.
Which tool suits whom
Floss suits tight contacts and must be curved against each tooth surface, not simply pressed down. Where recession has opened the spaces, interdental brushes are more effective; superfloss is needed under bridges, and a water flosser helps around brackets and implants without fully replacing floss.
Cleaning the tongue
The rough surface at the back of the tongue harbours bacteria whose sulphur compounds are the main source of odour. Cleaning it gently with a scraper makes a noticeable difference; start further forward if your gag reflex is sensitive.
Getting Here, Booking and Emergencies from Fener
Route, booking and emergency arrangements for patients from Fener.
Getting here from Fener
Fener lies in the Muratpaşa district of Antalya; Muratpaşa is one of the central districts, about 2 kilometres from the clinic. We also see patients from neighbouring areas that share the route from Fener, such as Doğuyaka, Güvenlik, Kışla, Memurevleri. You can ask for the location on WhatsApp when travelling from Fener.
Appointments for Fener
At this distance, splitting treatment into visits is no problem for patients from Fener, and attending reviews is easy too. As with patients from Muratpasa generally, appointments for families from Fener can be scheduled consecutively.
Emergencies from Fener
Setting out from Fener at night is quick; come without delay in an emergency, and calling as you leave means preparation is done in advance. For patients coming from Dental Clinic in Fener, the clinic is open 24/7 and in an emergency the order is set by severity rather than arrival time. For spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or toothache with fever, go to the nearest emergency department.
Preventing Dental Fear in Children
A child's relationship with the dentist is formed at home long before the first appointment. The words used and the timing of that first visit shape all the years that follow.
When the first visit should be
After the first tooth appears, or by the first birthday at the latest. No treatment is done at that visit; the child gets to know the setting, sits in the chair and sees the instruments. The aim is that the first encounter is not in a painful situation. Building a positive first impression with a child in pain is far harder.
Phrases to avoid at home
Some well-meant remarks plant fear:
- 'Do not be afraid, it will not hurt' — the child hears the word 'hurt'
- 'If you misbehave I will take you to the dentist' — framing it as punishment
- 'They will not give you an injection' — promising what cannot be promised
- Recounting your own bad experience in front of the child
- Excessive promises of reward — making it seem unusual and fearsome
The approach used at the clinic
Every step is explained in the child's own language: the mirror becomes a 'little mirror', the suction a 'water hose'. With a tell-show-do approach the child first experiences each instrument on a fingernail or hand. The first appointment is kept short and ended on a positive note; a long, demanding start loses trust that then takes months to rebuild.
