Brushing your teeth sometimes is just not enough.
If you’re skipping the spaces between your teeth, you’re leaving behind a breeding ground for plaque, cavities, and even bad breath. That’s where interdental brushes fit in.
These tiny miracles are made to clean those hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush can’t reach. But, even though they’re a part of oral hygiene, they’re not being used by many.
If you’re fed up dealing with gum disease or tooth decay or just want fresher breath, interdental brushes might be the missing piece. Stick with us as we break down why these brushes are a game-changer for your smile.
What are Interdental Brushes?
Imagine a brush tiny enough to fit between your teeth—but big enough to make a difference. That’s an interdental brush. These little cone-shaped brushes are designed to clean between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t.
You can think of them as your effective tool against plaque, which can otherwise lead to cavities and gum disease. Unlike floss, which can be hard for some to get the hang of, interdental brushes are as easy as can be to use and come in a range of sizes to fit your own teeth gaps.
Whether you have braces, implants, or just naturally wide spaces, there’s an interdental brush for you. The best news? They’re gentle on your gums but tough on getting out debris. A little brush between your teeth a day could make a big difference in keeping your mouth healthier.
How to Use Interdental Brushes The Right Way?
It’s easy to use an interdental brush but to make the most of it. You must do it right.
First, choose the right size brush. Too small, and it won’t do anything; too large, and it may irritate your gums. If you’re not sure, your dentist can help you choose the right size for your space.
Once you’ve chosen the right brush, insert it between your teeth gently. You shouldn’t have to force it; if it’s difficult to insert, try a smaller one. Brush a few times back and forth to loosen the plaque. Be gentle—don’t push too hard.
It’s also a good idea to wash your interdental brush after each use. Run it under warm running water, and if you’re feeling particularly thorough, give it a quick soak in mouthwash to get it super clean.
Replace the brush occasionally, especially when the bristles start to fray. And remember, interdental brushes aren’t a replacement for brushing and flossing—just an addition to your routine. To get the best results, use them once a day, ideally before you go off to bed.
The Benefits of Interdental Brushes
No one likes going to the dentist for a cleaning, and interdental brushes can help you with that. These small brushes are like bodyguards for your gums and teeth. By cleaning plaque between your teeth, they stop cavities and gum disease.
- Plaque Removal: Plaque is the cause of most dental problems, so keeping it under control is the most important thing. With interdental brushes, you’re taking out that nasty plaque before it starts to harden into tartar, which only the dentist can remove.
- Gum Health: But plaque is not the only culprit—interdental brushes also help gums. If plaque is allowed to accumulate between your teeth, it can be painful to your gums and can cause gingivitis, which, if not treated, can further develop into more severe gum disease. Daily use of an interdental brush keeps your gums clear of harmful bacteria and inflammation, resulting in healthier, happier gums.
- Deal with Bad Breath: Fresh breath is also a bonus you receive with interdental brushes. Food and plaque between your teeth are most likely the cause of bad breath. By brushing them away, you are brushing away the source of the odor, so you have fresh breath throughout the day.
- Special Considerations: Remember—interdental brushes are even a good choice for individuals with braces, implants, or bridges. They slide past wires and brackets with no trouble at all, so you can get to those pesky areas without hurting anything.
When To Use Interdental Brushes?
You need to use interdental brushes daily to maintain your oral hygiene at its optimum. You need to brush with them once a day after you brush your teeth—most find it easiest to do in the evening. Brushing in the evening ensures that you are removing all the food particles and plaque between your teeth before bed.
If you have implants, bridges, or braces, you might need to brush your interdental brushes more often. Braces, for example, leave more areas where food can accumulate, so you must clean these areas thoroughly. The same applies to implants and bridges—interdental brushes are excellent for maintaining these areas plaque-free and avoiding complications.
People with gum disease or bleeding gums have to use interdental brushes. They are gentler on the gums than floss and equally as good.
Different Types of Interdental Brushes
There is no one-size-fits-all product when using interdental brushes. The inter-spaces between each person’s teeth are different. Interdental brushes come in small, medium, and large sizes in a bid to accommodate different spaces.
Utilize the smallest size of interdental brush that will fit easily in between teeth. If the brush is too tight, or if you are unable to fit it between all your teeth, go ahead and utilize the next size.
The brushing pressure is also significant. Sensitive gums are suitable for soft bristles, while tougher plaque is suitable for harder bristles. Most individuals prefer brushes with handles because they are convenient to hold, but you can have disposable ones if you prefer smaller ones.
If you have braces, bridges, or implants, there are interdental brushes that will fit around those appliances. There are electric ones as well, which might be useful in being able to achieve consistency and make the cleaning process simpler.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Interdental Brushes
It appears easy to use an interdental brush, but it’s easy to get it wrong. The most frequent error is using the incorrect size brush. If the brush is too small, it won’t clean properly; if it is too big, it may hurt your gums.
Another error is applying too much pressure. You don’t have to force the brush between your teeth—gentle pressure is best. Also, most individuals don’t clean their brushes after use, which causes bacteria buildup. Don’t forget to replace your interdental brush either—once the bristles begin to fray, it’s time to replace it.
Interdental Brushes vs. Dental Floss: Which Is Better?
So, interdental brushes or dental floss—your choice. Dental floss is ideal for tiny spaces between your teeth, especially if your teeth are close together. It’s a thin, flexible string, so it’s ideal for slipping into those tight spaces. However, interdental brushes are best when there are wider gaps or braces. They’re easier to use and provide a better clean in these situations.
Flossing is difficult for those with mobility issues or those wearing braces, but interdental brushes are a lot more forgiving. Interdental brushes tend to be better for those with bridges or implants because they won’t damage them when used around them.
So, it all depends on individual circumstances. For some of you, flossing might be better, while for others, interdental brushes can do the job better. In either case, the goal is to keep your smile fresh and healthy.
Interdental Brushes for People with Braces or Implants
If you have braces or implants, interdental brushes are a necessity. The spaces between the brackets and wires from braces are where food gets stuck with ease.
Dental floss is great for tiny spaces, but you can’t exactly move it around braces. Interdental brushes slide very easily between the brackets and wires, and you can easily clean out those tricky areas without damaging your braces.
The same is true of dental implants. Flossing sometimes harms the delicate gum tissue that surrounds implants, but interdental brushes clean around these spaces gently but effectively.
Whether you have braces, implants, or bridges, brushing regularly with an interdental brush will prevent plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and tooth decay in hard-to-reach places.
Conclusion
Interdental brushes are a game-changer for oral health. They reach in between your teeth to remove plaque, decrease the risk of gum disease, and leave your mouth feeling fresh. Brushing with them daily, along with regular brushing and flossing, will result in a cleaner, healthier smile.
FAQs
Are interdental brushes superior to dental floss?
No, not exactly. However, interdental brushes do offer a greater range of benefits, especially for people with bigger spaces, braces, or implants. They are easier to use and more effective at cleaning thoroughly.
How often should I use interdental brushes?
Ideally, once a day after brushing your teeth, but you can use them more frequently if you have implants or braces.
Do interdental brushes treat gum disease?
Yes, they remove plaque from between your teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and promoting healthier gums.
How do I establish what size of interdental brush to have?
Choose the one that’s comfortable between the teeth without necessarily pushing it in. Your dentist can help guide you to find the right one.
Are interdental brushes safe to use when wearing braces?
Yes! Interdental brushes are ideal for interbracket and interwire cleaning, making sure food and plaque are eliminated between the wires and brackets.
