Interdental Brushes: Benefits and How to Use Them

Interdental brushes are small brushes made to clean the spaces a standard toothbrush misses. They are especially useful when those spaces are larger than normal or harder to reach because of braces, bridges, implants, or gum recession.^1,2

We asked Dr. Jennifer Silver about where interdental brushes fit into a daily routine. Her practical takeaway matches what most dentists tell patients: they work best when the brush size fits the space and slides in gently instead of being forced.

What Interdental Brushes Are

An interdental brush is a narrow brush with a short head and a thin wire or flexible core. You guide it between teeth to remove plaque and food debris from the sides of the teeth and near the gumline.

They come in several diameters because the spaces between teeth are not all the same. A brush that is too small will not clean well. A brush that is too large can irritate your gums.

Who Benefits Most

Interdental brushes are most helpful for people who have:

• Wider spaces between teeth
• Braces or fixed retainers
• Bridges, implants, or other dental work
• Gum recession that exposes more of the tooth
• Difficulty using string floss

If your teeth are very tight together, traditional floss is often still the better tool.

Are Interdental Brushes Better Than Floss?

Interdental brushes are often easier and more effective than floss in larger spaces. They can also feel more intuitive for people who struggle to wrap floss around each tooth correctly.

That does not make them a universal replacement. Floss still does a better job in very tight contacts where even the smallest brush cannot slide through comfortably.

For many people, the best answer is not “brush or floss.” It is using the tool that actually fits your mouth and helps you clean consistently.

How to Use Them Correctly

Good technique matters more than brand.

1. Choose the smallest size that fills the space without force.
2. Insert the brush gently between two teeth near the gumline.
3. Move it in and out a few times without snapping it.
4. Rinse the brush and move to the next space.
5. Replace the brush when the bristles splay or the wire bends.

If the brush causes sharp pain or will not pass through, stop and try a smaller size. Bleeding can happen when gums are inflamed, but heavy bleeding or lasting soreness is a sign to check with your dentist.

How to Pick the Right Size

Start smaller than you think you need. A correctly sized brush should feel snug but not painful.

These tips help:

• Use different sizes if the spaces in your mouth vary
• Look for coated wires if you have implants or metal restorations
• Choose a longer handle if you need better reach for back teeth
• Ask your hygienist to size the spaces for you during a cleaning visit

Popular Brands to Consider

A few widely available options include:

• GUM for broad size selection and easy-to-find refills
• TePe for color-coded sizing and soft bristles
• Oral-B for simple everyday use and store availability

The best brand is the one that fits your spaces comfortably enough that you will keep using it.

When to Talk to a Dentist

Interdental brushes should make cleaning easier, not more painful.

See a dentist or hygienist if:

• Your gums bleed heavily every time you use them
• You are not sure what size to buy
• Food gets stuck around a bridge, implant, or braces
• You have persistent bad breath even with daily cleaning
• One area is always tender or hard to reach

A quick in-office demonstration usually makes a big difference. Once you know the right size and motion, interdental brushes can become one of the easiest upgrades to your routine.

Sources

1. American Dental Association. Flossing. MouthHealthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/flossing
2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/ask-the-expert
3. American Dental Association. Healthy Teeth and Gums for Adults Over 60. MouthHealthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/adults/healthy-habits-adults-over-60