Health.
All You Need to Know About Interdental Brushes.
Peter Borg · Follow
Published in · 6 min read · Nov 16, 2023
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After more than a decade of working as a dentist, it still amazes me how many patients, despite my repeated emphasis on three fundamental oral hygiene rules, continue to neglect these guidelines, resulting in recurrent dental cavities and gum inflammation. The rules I prescribe are straightforward but critical:
- Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes, twice a day, ensuring thorough coverage of the entire mouth with the aid of a timer.
- Schedule professional cleanings every 6–12 months for comprehensive dental care.
- And, as you might have guessed, incorporate the use of an INTERDENTAL BRUSH into your daily routine! Make it a habit to use it at least once a day to clean the spaces between your teeth.
Check out the prices of a variety of Interdental Brushes on Amazon:
What are Interdental Brushes and Why are they Important?
Interdental brushes are thin, small, and flexible tools designed to clean the spaces between teeth, effectively removing plaque and debris for improved oral hygiene. Through this article, I hope to outline the significance of interdental brushes and why they are indispensable to your oral care regimen.
Neglecting to use an interdental brush, sometimes referred to as a TePe brush, results in failure to clean the surface between the teeth, which we dentists often refer to as the ‘proximal surface’. In the molar area, this surface is the most likely to decay, because it tends to be overlooked, leaving it vulnerable to plaque and debris buildup.
If you’d like to further explore why teeth decay, you can read the following article: https://medium.com/@pedroborges01/the-very-simple-truth-why-do-teeth-decay-1db3b5720d07
¨As an adjunct to brushing, the Interdental Brushes removes more dental plaque than brushing alone. Studies showed a positive significant difference using Interdental Brushes with respect to the plaque scores, bleeding scores and probing pocket depth¨ International Journal of Dental Hygiene.
Using interproximal brushes may not be easy at first, and this initial challenge often discourages people from using them regularly. However, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Using them day in and day out will make the process easier and quicker. It is important to select the right brush size for easier and more effective cleaning.
A mixed pack such as the one in the link below may help find the right size for you:
If the brush is too large, you’ll have difficulty fitting it between your teeth. If it’s too small, the cleaning may not be as effective. To help patients visualize the correct technique, I often recommend this video.
Tips on Selecting the Right Interdental Brush.
- Size Matters: Interdental brushes come in various sizes, typically indicated by color-coding or numbers. Select a size that comfortably fits between your teeth without force. It should clean the interdental spaces effectively without causing discomfort.
- Interdental Space Size: The size of the spaces between your teeth can vary. Choose a brush size that best matches the average space you need to clean. Smaller brushes are suitable for tight spaces, while larger brushes are better for wider gaps.
- Bristle Shape: Interdental brushes come with different bristle shapes, such as cylindrical, conical, or triangular. The choice of bristle shape may depend on the specific spaces between your teeth and your personal preference.
- Bristle Material: Look for interdental brushes with soft, flexible bristles that won’t damage your teeth or irritate your gums. The bristles should effectively remove plaque and debris without causing harm.
- Handle Design: Consider the handle design of the interdental brush. Some have longer handles for better reach, while others have angled or ergonomic handles for easier use. Choose a design that suits your needs and preferences.
- Travel-Friendly: If you plan to use interdental brushes on the go, select a design that is compact and easy to carry in your bag or pocket.
- Quality and Brand: Opt for reputable brands and high-quality interdental brushes. They are more durable and tend to provide better cleaning results.
- Consult Your Dentist: If you’re unsure about which interdental brush size or type is best for you, consult your dentist or dental hygienist. They can offer personalized recommendations based on your oral health and specific interdental spaces.
- Trial and Error: Finding the right interdental brush may involve a bit of trial and error. It’s okay to experiment with different sizes and types until you find the one that works best for you.
I prefer using brushes with longer handles, positioned at right angles to the bristles. I often recommend starting with a smaller brush size with a conically shaped bristle area and then gradually moving up to a larger size when you make your next purchase. Starting with a smaller brush is advantageous as it makes it easier to manoeuvre between the teeth.
My personal choice, the conical bristles clean various sizes of interdental spaces:
Remember, the brush should not be forcibly inserted. If it doesn’t pass between the teeth easily, the angle of insertion is likely incorrect. Forcing the interdental brush may result in bending the wire supporting the bristles, ultimately shortening the brush’s lifespan. When used correctly, an interdental brush can last for as long as two to three weeks.
Patients often complain of gum bleeding when they start using these brushes. This is a common issue, and the bleeding serves as a clear sign that the interdental area requires more regular cleaning. If you persist with daily interdental brushing, you’ll notice that over the following days, the bleeding will gradually decrease, and with effective cleaning, it will eventually cease. If you take a break from interproximal brushing for a few days, the inflammation will return, and the bleeding will reoccur when you resume brushing, only to stop again once you regain control over inflammation through consistent daily interdental brushing.
If your goal is to achieve comprehensive oral hygiene and ensure that every tiny crevice of your teeth is clean, then flossing the interdental contact points can be the finishing touch to a perfect routine. However, it is essential to note that interdental brushing holds greater importance than flossing alone, as floss may not be as effective in removing plaque in the critical zone next to the gum line between the teeth.
Another concern that often deters people from using interdental brushes is the fear of dislodging a filling or dental prosthesis, such as a bridge. Rest assured, such incidents are unlikely to occur unless the dental material is already loose. Additionally, using an interdental brush can help prevent the need for fillings and the development of decay around the margins of existing fillings.
Start considering interdental brushing as an essential component of your oral hygiene routine. I understand that you might not have been encouraged to do this when you were younger. The required dexterity and the absence of interdental spaces in deciduous teeth made it impractical, but it’s never too late to cultivate this habit. Acquire some interdental brushes, give them a try, and never look back. Your dentist is already busy enough as it is!
If you want to read more about what toothbrush to use click on the link: https://medium.com/illumination/electrictoothbrush-vs-manualtoothbrush-making-the-right-choice-bd460d7a7773
*This article contains affiliate marketing links through which the author gains commissions for purchases.
Source: European Journal of Dentistry, Cochrane Database, International Journal of Dental Hygiene, NHS,
