More about Interdental Brushes

How to use Interdental Brushes?

Use a straight interdental brush between the front teeth. Insert the brush gently between your teeth. Do not force the brush into a space; work it in gently or choose a smaller size. Using a brush that is the right size for your teeth, gently work the brush into the gaps between your teeth and brush it back and forth to remove plaque.

How many times can you use an Interdental Brush?

Use your interdental brushes once or twice a day to clean between your teeth, remembering to use these brushes at the same time that you usually brush your teeth. 

Should we use Interdental Brushes before or after brushing?

Research has shown interdental cleaning before brushing is the best way to clean our teeth effectively. The study found that flossing loosens bacteria and food debris from between the teeth, which allows brushing to be much more successful at removing plaque.

Can Interdental Brushes damage teeth?

Dentists point to the fact that floss can sometimes cut into gums and damage them, while the interdental brush doesn't do that. However, some places will only allow access by floss, and your dentist will indicate this if needed. 

Are Interdental Brushes as good as floss?

Interdental brushes serve as an alternative to flossing; they can be used daily and can be more effective for inter-proximal plaque removal than floss as suggested by a number of studies.

How do I know what size Interdental Brush I need?

Choose the brush size according to the size of the gaps between your teeth. If you choose an interdental brush that does not fit between your teeth, do not try to force it in, but try a smaller size.

Can you reuse Interdental Brushes?

You can reuse interdental brushes but discard the brush when the bristles are becoming bent or worn.

Tips on using Interdental Brushes:

• Gum tissue responds to care, so give them lots of attention.
• Never push! Try a smaller sized brush instead.
• To clean thoroughly, you will most likely need to use a few different sizes.
• Once through the gap, move the brush horizontally.
• Use floss between the very close planes of your teeth.
• Interdental brushes work best when used as often as a regular brush.
• For the back teeth bend the wire gently – be careful, or it may snap!