Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just brushing. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, up to 40% of plaque and food debris can hide in the tight spaces between them. Left unchecked, this buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and ultimately, tooth loss. Interdental cleaning – cleaning between your teeth – is an essential step in a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. For many, traditional dental floss has been the go-to tool for interdental cleaning. However, interdental brushes offer an alternative, and in many cases, a more effective solution, particularly for individuals with larger gaps between their teeth, receding gums, or those undergoing orthodontic treatment or with dental implants.

Understanding how to select the right size and master the technique of using interdental brushes is key to unlocking their full cleaning potential.

Interdental Brushes vs. Floss: The Data Says…

Why should you consider adding interdental brushes to your routine?
The primary goal is to remove plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis (early gum disease).

Research indicates that interdental brushes can be significantly more effective than traditional string floss in achieving these goals.

Studies have shown that using interdental brushes can reduce plaque by approximately 40.43% compared to traditional floss.

Furthermore, they can reduce gingival inflammation by roughly 43.26% compared to floss. This isn’t to say floss is useless; it remains effective for very tight spaces where a brush cannot fit.

Think of it this way: a brush can sweep away debris and disrupt plaque over a larger surface area within the interdental space than a single strand of floss can simply slide past.

Choosing between interdental brushes, floss, and even water flossers often depends on your individual needs.

Floss is best for extremely tight contacts between teeth. Interdental brushes are excellent for spaces where they fit comfortably.

Water flossers can be a helpful adjunct, especially for individuals with braces or complex restorations, but they don’t physically scrape away plaque as effectively as brushes or floss.

For most people, a combination approach using brushes where they fit and floss elsewhere is recommended.

Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Guide to Interdental Brush Sizes

Selecting the correct interdental brush size is the single most crucial step in mastering their use.

Using a brush that’s too small won’t effectively clean the space, while using one that’s too large can damage your gums or the tooth surface, potentially creating larger gaps or causing discomfort.

Interdental brushes come in a variety of sizes, typically measured by the diameter of the wire or the brush itself, ranging from very fine (e.g., 0.4mm) to quite large (e.g., 6mm or more).

Many brands use a color-coding system to denote sizes, though these colors are not universally standardized across brands.

How to Find the Right Size for Each Gap:

It’s important to understand that the spaces between your teeth are often not uniform.

You will likely need several different sizes of interdental brushes to effectively clean your entire mouth.

Here’s a practical approach to finding the right size(s):

1. Start Small: Begin with a small or medium-sized brush from a multi-pack or a starter kit.
2. Gentle Insertion: Gently attempt to insert the brush straight into the space between two teeth, just above the gum line.
3. Look for Resistance: The correct size should fit snugly, providing slight resistance as you insert it.
4. Avoid Force: If you have to force the brush into the space, it’s too large. Forcing it can cause pain, damage gums, and bend the wire. [1, 5] Stop and try a smaller size or use floss for that specific spot.
5. Brush Should Fill the Space: If the brush slides in and out easily with no resistance, it’s too small and won’t clean effectively. Try the next size up. [2, 5]
6. Test All Spaces: Work your way around your mouth, testing different brushes in each interdental space (between every pair of teeth, front and back). Note which size fits where.
7. Consider Angled Brushes: Some spaces, particularly towards the back of the mouth, may be easier to reach with brushes that have an angled head or a flexible neck.

Finding the right size takes a little trial and error at first, but it’s essential for effective cleaning and preventing damage.

If you are unsure or struggling to find the correct sizes, consult your dentist or dental hygienist.

They can professionally size your interdental spaces and provide personalized recommendations, a core part of the patient-centric care offered at Smile Makers Dental Care.

Step-by-Step Technique for Superior Cleaning

Once you have the correctly sized brushes, using them effectively is straightforward.

1. Getting Started: You can use interdental brushes before or after brushing your teeth. Some find using them before helps loosen debris for brushing. Rinse your mouth with water first if desired.
2. Gentle Insertion: Insert the correct size brush into the space between your teeth at a right angle to the tooth surface (straight in). Never force the brush.
3. The Cleaning Motion: Once inserted, move the brush back and forth several times (typically 2-3 times) within the interdental space. This motion helps the bristles disrupt and remove plaque and food particles.
4. Clean All Sides: Ensure you clean each interdental space. For front teeth, you’ll typically insert from the front. For back teeth, you might insert from the cheek side or tongue side, whatever is easiest to access and allows you to keep the brush straight. Angled brushes can help with access.
5. Rinse: After cleaning each space (or a section of your mouth), rinse the brush under water to remove debris before moving to the next space.
6. Maintain Your Brush: Rinse the brush thoroughly after you’ve finished cleaning your entire mouth.

Interdental Brushing for Specific Dental Needs

Interdental brushes are particularly beneficial for individuals with specific dental conditions or appliances.

• With Braces: Braces create numerous nooks and crannies where food and plaque can get trapped. Interdental brushes are excellent for cleaning around brackets and wires, and in the spaces between teeth that are now more accessible. Use a brush small enough to fit under the arch wire and between teeth, moving it gently back and forth.
• With Dental Implants: Cleaning around dental implants is crucial for their long-term success. Interdental brushes are often recommended as they can effectively clean the surfaces and spaces around the implant restoration, where traditional floss might not reach or could snag. Your dentist may recommend specific types of brushes or techniques for cleaning implants.
• With Gum Recession or Large Gaps: As gums recede, the spaces between teeth can become larger and triangular. Interdental brushes are ideal for filling and cleaning these larger areas that floss cannot effectively cover. Ensure you select a brush size that fills the space completely.
• For Sensitive Gums: While some initial sensitivity or bleeding may occur (see troubleshooting below), using the correct size brush with a gentle technique can help reduce gum inflammation over time, often leading to less sensitivity. If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist.

Avoiding Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Getting the most out of your interdental brushes means avoiding common pitfalls.

• Mistake: Using Too Much Force. Solution: The correct size brush should fit with slight resistance. If you have to push hard, stop and use a smaller size or floss.
• Mistake: Using the Wrong Size. Solution: As detailed above, finding the right size for each space is crucial. If the brush is too loose or too tight, it won’t clean effectively and could cause harm. Get sized by your dental professional if needed.
• Issue: Initial Bleeding. Explanation: It’s common to experience slight bleeding when you first start using interdental brushes, especially if you have gingivitis. This usually subsides within a week or two as your gums become healthier. If bleeding is heavy, painful, or persists for more than two weeks, consult your dentist as it could indicate more advanced gum disease or another issue.
• Issue: Brush Gets Stuck. Solution: If a brush gets stuck, do not yank it out forcefully. Try wiggling it gently back and forth, or push it through if possible. If it’s firmly stuck, you may need to cut the plastic handle and try removing the wire carefully, perhaps using floss around it. This usually happens when the brush is too large or forced into a tight space.
• Mistake: Overusing Brushes. Solution: Interdental brushes are not meant to last forever. The bristles wear down and the wire can bend or break, making them less effective and potentially harmful. Replace your brush weekly or as soon as the bristles look worn or the wire is bent out of shape.

When and How Often to Use Your Interdental Brush

For optimal results, use interdental brushes (or floss) at least once a day, ideally as part of your nighttime oral hygiene routine to remove plaque that has built up throughout the day.

Consistency is more important than the exact timing relative to brushing.

Whether you use them before or after brushing is less critical than making sure you clean between all your teeth daily.

Consult with Oral Care Experts

Incorporating interdental brushes into your daily routine is a powerful step towards achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. By effectively removing plaque from between teeth – where brushing alone cannot reach – you significantly reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. While it may take a little time to find the right sizes and perfect your technique, the benefits for your smile are immense. Remember, interdental cleaning is a personalized aspect of oral care.

If you have questions about which tools are right for you, how to size them, or if you experience persistent issues like bleeding, don’t hesitate to consult with Dr. Seema Shetty or our team at Smile Makers Dental Care.

We are here to provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know which size interdental brush to use?

A: The correct size should fit snugly between your teeth with slight resistance. If it feels too loose, it’s too small; if you have to force it, it’s too large. You will likely need multiple sizes for different spaces in your mouth. Your dental professional can help you determine the correct sizes during your visit.

Q: Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I start using interdental brushes?

A: Yes, some initial bleeding is common if you have existing gum inflammation (gingivitis). With consistent daily use of the correct size brush and gentle technique, the bleeding should subside within one to two weeks as your gum health improves. If bleeding is heavy, painful, or doesn’t stop after two weeks, consult your dentist.

Q: How often should I replace my interdental brush?

A: Replace your interdental brush when the bristles become worn or bent, or at least weekly, whichever comes first. A worn brush is less effective and can potentially harm your gums.

Q: Are interdental brushes better than floss?

A: Research suggests interdental brushes are more effective than floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis, especially in spaces where they fit comfortably. However, floss is still the best option for very tight spaces. Many dental professionals recommend using brushes where they fit and floss where they don’t.

Q: Can I use interdental brushes with braces or implants?

A: Yes, interdental brushes are often highly recommended for cleaning around braces, wires, and dental implants as they can access areas that floss may not. You’ll need to select appropriate sizes and use gentle techniques. Always follow your dentist’s specific instructions for cleaning around dental work.