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Knowing how to choose and use an interdental brush makes all the difference to cleaning the spaces between your teeth: the right size cleans without hurting the gums, and the right technique removes plaque where a toothbrush cannot reach. This guide explains, step by step, how to select the right diameter, adopt the right technique and care for your accessory. To compare all the solutions for cleaning the spaces between your teeth, explore our range of interdental brushes and related care products.
In general, manual or electric toothbrushes reach only 60% of the tooth surface. The spaces between the teeth are the most difficult to access. This is where dental plaque mainly builds up. To remove it, dentists recommend using interdental brushes once a day after brushing your teeth with a toothbrush. An interdental brush removes food particles deposited in the gaps. This helps prevent cavities, bad breath and gum inflammation. An interdental brush is an excellent alternative to dental floss, sticks (soft picks) and a water flosser. In short, it further improves oral hygiene.
What is an interdental brush?
An interdental brush is a small brush consisting of a handle and nylon bristles that can remove food deposits, toxins and bacteria lodged between the teeth. By getting rid of these elements, it helps prevent damage to the gums and enamel. Interdental brushes also help prevent the development of periodontal disease and cavities.
Using interdental brushes is recommended for everyone. However, they are particularly useful for people with periodontitis or loose molars, and for those wearing fixed braces. This toothbrush accessory is also suitable for people with gum recession or wide gaps between their teeth.
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Interdental brush: When should it be used?
Using an interdental brush complements toothbrushing. It is very simple. However, you must be gentle to avoid irritating the gums. After brushing your teeth with a manual or electric toothbrush, rinse your mouth. Then insert the brush between the narrowest spaces to help prevent cavities. Next, move it back and forth to clean the gaps and remove dental plaque. Finally, carefully remove the brush. After each use, clean the brush thoroughly with water and place it on the protective cap. Replace your brush after 7 to 10 days of regular use.
Furthermore, to achieve healthy teeth and fresher breath, dentists recommend using an interdental brush according to the 3F rule: Friction, without Force or Floating. Since the brush is suitable for people with prostheses or orthodontic appliances, it would be ineffective with filaments that are too thin or too wide. The key is for the bristles to create the right friction against the gum walls to ensure good oral hygiene. However, bleeding may occur during the first few uses of the brush. If it persists, stop using it.
Interdental brush: which one should you choose?
To choose the right interdental brush, you need to consider several criteria that help ensure healthy teeth. For example, choose according to the shape of the bristles (triangular, round, conical, etc.) that suits the sensitivity of your teeth and gums. Brush diameters are also an important selection criterion. They must suit your interdental spaces (narrow or wide). In addition to these basic criteria, there are also features that distinguish each model. For example, choose brushes with colored bristles or bristles impregnated with chlorhexidine (an antibacterial agent), protective caps, or angled handles that can reach the back teeth.
Curaprox CPS Prime Interdental Brushes
CPS Prime interdental brushes are excellent for healthy oral hygiene. Equipped with ultrafine, long filaments, they remove plaque from the sides of the teeth and help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. CPS Prime brushes feature handles with a “click” system for a comfortable grip.
Gum Trav-Ler Interdental Brush
The Gum interdental brush, with triangular-shaped bristles, is 25% more effective at removing plaque than one with a conical shape. The Gum Trav-Ler, with soft or medium bristles, adapts to the sensitivity of your teeth. It is also available in different sizes: 0.6 to 1.3 mm, 2 mm and 6 mm.
CPS Interdental Brushes: CPS Prime Refill Pack
The CPS refill pack stands out for its very fine bristles, which can slip into inaccessible interdental spaces. Daily use is enough to eliminate bad breath and inflammation. With the CPS Prime refill pack, you only need one cleaning motion. Insert it and then remove it. That’s all!
CPS Prime Interdental Brushes with UHS Handle
CPS Prime brushes with UHS handles are compatible with all handles thanks to their snap-fit system. Featuring high-quality surgical-grade metal wire in place of bristles, certain models (CPS 09 Prime) can reach the smallest interdental spaces.
Travel case: The best storage solution for interdental brushes
A soft travel case generally allows you to carry an electric toothbrush. However, it is also a way to store your interdental brushes so that they do not become damaged wherever they are kept. You can therefore keep them close at hand at home or at work.
What size interdental brush should you choose?
To choose the right interdental brush size, start with the smallest diameter, then gradually increase it until the brush fits with slight resistance, without forcing or bending the wire. A properly sized brush touches both sides of the neighboring teeth and removes plaque in a single pass.
Manufacturers generally offer 6 to 9 diameters, often identified by a color code (from pink, the finest, to blue or black, the widest). Each area of the mouth may require a different size: it is common to use two or three diameters depending on the spaces. If you are hesitating between two sizes, choose the smaller one to protect the gums. If you are unsure which diameter is suitable, or if you have sensitive gums or persistent bleeding, ask your dentist, who can accurately measure your interdental spaces.
How can you use an interdental brush without damaging your gums?
To use an interdental brush without hurting your gums, gently insert it at the base of the space between two teeth, then move it back and forth two to three times per space, once a day, without forcing it. The movement should remain slow and horizontal: it is the friction of the bristles against the surfaces, not pressure, that removes plaque.
For the back teeth (molars), slightly bend the brush at approximately 45° to reach the posterior spaces more easily. Rinse the brush with clean water after each use and leave it to air-dry. Slight bleeding is possible during the first few days, while inflamed gums become firmer; it generally disappears within one to two weeks. If it persists beyond that, consult a dentist.
Interdental brush or dental floss: which should you choose?
An interdental brush is especially suitable for medium to wide spaces, people with orthodontic appliances and slightly receding gums, while dental floss is better suited to very tight teeth where no brush can pass. The two tools complement each other: the brush for larger spaces, and floss for tight contacts.
For difficult areas or as a complement, a water flosser can also help rinse away debris. At Y-Brush, you can complement your routine with handled dental floss for tight teeth and a Hydro-One water flosser for targeted rinsing of the spaces between your teeth. The important thing is to clean these spaces every day, whatever tool you choose.
How often should you use an interdental brush?
Once a day is enough, preferably in the evening after brushing, to remove plaque accumulated in the spaces between the teeth. Regular daily cleaning is more effective than occasional intensive cleaning.
How do I know if my interdental brush is the right size?
The brush is correctly sized when it fits with slight resistance, without requiring you to force it or bend the metal wire. If it enters without any contact, it is too thin; if it does not fit, it is too wide.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed with an interdental brush?
Slight bleeding during the first few days is common and indicates inflamed gums that become firmer as plaque is removed. It usually disappears within one to two weeks; if it persists, consult a dentist.
When should an interdental brush be replaced?
Replace your brush every 7 to 10 days of regular use, or as soon as the bristles become crushed or the wire bends. A worn brush cleans less effectively and can hurt the gums.
Interdental brush or dental floss: which is more effective?
An interdental brush is more effective for medium to wide spaces, while dental floss remains preferable for very tight teeth. The two tools complement each other depending on the width of your interdental spaces.
Can you use an interdental brush with orthodontic appliances?
An interdental brush is particularly suitable for people with braces: it cleans around the brackets and under the wires where a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Choose a fine diameter and proceed gently.
In summary
Choosing and using an interdental brush correctly comes down to three habits: selecting the right diameter (the finest one that fits without forcing), using a gentle back-and-forth motion once a day, and replacing the brush each week. Combined with thorough brushing and, if needed, dental floss or a water flosser, it provides lasting protection for your gums and the spaces between your teeth.
