Periodontal (gum) disease causes pockets around the teeth, plaque bacteria can thrive in these pockets which can cause them to deepen. A regular toothbrush cannot always access these areas and therefore a single tufted (or interspace brush) should also be used twice a day to clean along the gum line and to disrupt the plaque bacteria in the areas of pocketing. The areas where you will have pockets which require this extra attention are specific to each patient and therefore your dentist or hygienist will inform you where and how to use these single tufted brushes. Single tufted brushes should be changed as frequently as you change your toothbrush head which is between every 1-3 months. See video below demonstrating the use of a single tufted brush.