How to Use an Interdental Brush Effectively

Proper oral hygiene requires more than just brushing your teeth, as even the best toothbrush cannot reach every corner of the mouth. Food particles and bacterial plaque tend to accumulate in interdental spaces, making them difficult to clean with a conventional toothbrush. If not properly removed, residues can contribute to cavities and gum disease.

Interdental brushes offer an effective and easy-to-use solution for cleaning these hard-to-reach areas. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with braces, dental bridges, wide gaps between teeth, or dental implants.  

In this guide, we’ll explore interdental brushes, their benefits, and how to use one correctly to maintain optimal oral health.

What is an interdental brush?

An interdental brush is a small brush designed to clean the spaces between your teeth where a regular toothbrush can’t reach. It helps remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Unlike traditional dental floss, interdental brushes are especially useful for people with wider gaps between their teeth, receding gums, or dental work like braces, bridges, or implants. They come in different sizes to fit various spaces, making them a versatile tool for maintaining oral hygiene.

A brief history of interdental brushes

The idea of cleaning between teeth isn’t new; in fact, it dates back centuries! However, the modern interdental brush was introduced in Sweden in the 1960s and has since become a globally recommended tool for oral care. Dentists around the world recognize its effectiveness in preventing gum disease and cavities.

How interdental brushes improve oral health

Did you know that your toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your teeth’s surfaces? It reaches the front, back, and biting areas; but what about the spaces between your teeth and along the gumline? That’s where interdental brushes come in!

These small brushes are designed to clean those hard-to-reach gaps, removing plaque, bacteria, and food particles that a regular toothbrush misses.

Benefits of interdental brushing

Using an interdental brush regularly can make a big difference in your oral health:

• Reduces plaque buildup: cleans areas your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing plaque accumulation.
• Prevents gum disease: helps remove bacteria near the gumline, reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Fights bad breath: eliminates trapped food particles that contribute to unpleasant odors.
• Ideal for braces and dental work: more effective than floss for cleaning around braces, implants, and bridges.

Who should use an interdental brush?

While interdental brushes are beneficial for everyone, they are especially helpful for:

• People with braces: helps remove food and plaque stuck in brackets and wires.
• People with gum disease: cleans deep pockets where bacteria accumulate.
• People with dental implants or bridges: ensures thorough cleaning around artificial teeth.
• People with wider gaps between teeth: more effective than floss for cleaning larger spaces.

While flossing is effective for cleaning tight spaces between teeth, interdental brushes are better for larger gaps, braces, or gum recession. Many dentists recommend using both tools to conduct the best oral hygiene routine.

How to use an interdental brush (step-by-step guide)

Using an interdental brush is simple, but doing it correctly ensures a thorough clean while protecting your gums. Follow these steps to get the best results:

• Choose the right size: Interdental brushes come in different sizes. Selecting the correct size ensures effective cleaning without damaging your gums. If the brush is too small, it won’t clean effectively; if it’s too large, it may cause discomfort or irritation.

• Insert the brush gently: Hold the brush at a slight angle and carefully insert it between your teeth. Never force it in; if it doesn’t fit easily, adjust the angle or switch to a smaller size.

• Move the brush back and forth: Gently move the brush in and out a few times without twisting. This motion helps remove plaque and food debris. Be careful not to push too hard to avoid irritating your gums.

• Rinse the brush after each use: After cleaning each gap, rinse the brush under running water to remove any trapped debris and bacteria. If your brush comes with a cap, use it to keep it clean between uses.

If your gums bleed slightly when you start using an interdental brush, don’t worry; it’s a normal reaction to inflammation caused by plaque buildup. This should improve after a few days of regular use. However, if bleeding persists, consult your dentist.

Tips for safe and effective brushing

Following the step-by-step guide is essential for proper interdental cleaning, but if you want to maximize its effectiveness, consider these additional tips:

• Find the right angle: Tilting the brush slightly before inserting can make cleaning easier and more comfortable.
• Be gentle: Avoid excessive force to prevent gum damage. One or two back-and-forth movements are usually enough.
• Combine with flossing: If your gums feel sensitive, alternate between interdental brushes and floss until they get used to it.
• Don’t forget the back teeth: Plaque builds up there too, so make sure to clean every gap.
• Replace your brush regularly: Change it every one to two weeks or when the bristles wear out to maintain effectiveness.
• Check with your dentist: If you’re unsure about the right technique or if bleeding persists, ask your dentist for advice.

By adding interdental brushing to your daily routine, you can significantly improve your oral health, keeping your teeth and gums clean, fresh, and healthy! 

Tips for choosing the right interdental brush

Choosing the right interdental brush is key to ensuring a comfortable and effective cleaning experience. With different sizes, shapes, and features available, it’s important to select one that suits your needs. Here’s what to look for:

• Find the right size: Interdental brushes range from 0.6 mm to 6 mm in diameter. A brush that’s too small won’t clean effectively, while one that’s too big can irritate your gums or feel uncomfortable. If you’re unsure, start with a thinner brush and adjust as needed. Your dentist can also measure the spaces between your teeth to help you choose the best size.
• Choose the right bristle type
  • • Conical bristles: ideal for people with implants or braces since they adapt better to different spaces.
    • Cylindrical bristles: great for cleaning between molars and wider gaps.
    • Thin or ultra-thin bristles: best for smaller spaces between teeth.
• Look for flexibility and comfort: Some brushes have bendable necks or flexible handles that make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas, especially for people with sensitive gums or dental work like bridges or braces.
• Consider the handle design: A comfortable grip makes a big difference! Ergonomic handles provide better control, helping you clean more effectively without slipping.
• Decide between reusable or disposable brushes
  • • Reusable brushes: last longer and are more eco-friendly, but require regular cleaning.
    • Disposable brushes: convenient and hygienic, ideal for travel or people with gum sensitivity.
• Extra features (optional, but helpful!): Some interdental brushes offer additional features, such as:
  • • Antibacterial bristles: Help reduce bacteria buildup.
    • Color-coded bristles: Make plaque more visible, so you know when your teeth are clean.
    • Tilting heads: Allow better access to difficult areas.

Best interdental brushes available on the market

Here are some of the top dentist-recommended interdental brushes known for their effectiveness, quality, and ease of use:

• TePe interdental brushes: These brushes come in various sizes to fit different spaces between teeth. They are gentle on sensitive gums and have soft plastic-coated filaments to prevent irritation. They are a great choice for general use.
• GUM proxabrush go-betweens: Specifically designed for people with braces, bridges or dental implants, these brushes have a coated wire that avoids damaging dental work while effectively cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
• Oral-B interdental brush: Known for their durability and ergonomic design, these brushes have a comfortable grip and firm bristles that provide thorough cleaning without bending easily. They work well for both narrow and wide spaces.
• DenTek easy brush: These brushes feature a flexible handle that bends to allow better access to the back teeth. They are ideal for people with limited dexterity and for those looking for an easy-to-use interdental brush.

Learning to use an interdental brush should greatly improve your oral hygiene by reaching areas that a regular toothbrush cannot. By incorporating interdental brushing into your daily routine, you can prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, leading to healthier teeth and gums.

Whether you have braces, implants, or larger gaps between teeth, choosing the right brush size and using the proper technique will ensure the best results. For optimal oral care, combine interdental brushing with flossing, regular toothbrushing, and fluoride toothpaste.

With the wide variety of interdental brushes available, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Make interdental brushing a habit today and enjoy a healthier smile for years to come!