Best Interdental Cleaning Tools: A Complete Comparison
Cleaning between your teeth is non-negotiable for oral health — but the tool you use matters enormously. Different interdental cleaning tools work better for different tooth anatomies, lifestyles, and preferences. Here's a complete, honest comparison of every major interdental cleaning tool so you can choose the right one for you.
Why Interdental Cleaning Matters
Approximately 40% of each tooth's surface is between teeth — completely inaccessible to a toothbrush. Plaque that accumulates in these spaces causes interproximal cavities (the most common type) and gum disease that starts at the gumline between teeth. Daily interdental cleaning is as important as brushing — arguably more so for cavity prevention.
The Tools: Compared
1. Water Flosser ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How it works: Pressurized water stream flushes bacteria and debris from between teeth and below the gumline
Effectiveness: Studies show up to 51% more effective than string floss at reducing gingivitis
Best for: All tooth types, especially tight contacts, gum disease, braces, implants, bridges
Pros: Highly effective, easy to use, gentle on gums, reaches below gumline
Cons: Requires a power source, not as portable as string floss, initial cost
2. String Floss ⭐⭐⭐⭐
How it works: Physical contact between floss and tooth surface scrapes plaque
Effectiveness: Effective when used correctly; compliance is the main challenge
Best for: Normal spacing, people with good technique
Pros: Inexpensive, portable, no power needed, widely available
Cons: Technique-dependent, difficult for tight contacts, awkward for back teeth, low compliance
3. Floss Picks ⭐⭐⭐⭐
How it works: Pre-threaded floss on a plastic handle
Effectiveness: Similar to string floss but easier to use
Best for: On-the-go use, people who find string floss awkward
Pros: Convenient, portable, easier to reach back teeth than string floss
Cons: Single-use plastic waste, can't wrap around tooth in C-shape as effectively
4. Interdental Brushes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How it works: Small brush physically scrubs all surfaces of the interdental space
Effectiveness: Studies show superior plaque removal vs. string floss for spaces with some recession
Best for: Gum recession, wider spaces, braces, implants, bridges
Pros: Highly effective for appropriate spaces, reusable, cleans all surfaces
Cons: Won't fit tight contacts, requires correct sizing, multiple sizes needed for different spaces
5. Air Flossers ⭐⭐⭐
How it works: Bursts of air and micro-droplets of water
Effectiveness: Less effective than water flossers; some evidence of benefit
Best for: People who want a water flosser alternative with less mess
Pros: Less water, compact
Cons: Less effective than water flossers, limited evidence base
Choosing the Right Tool for You
- Tight contacts, sensitive gums: Water flosser (lowest pressure setting)
- Normal spacing, good compliance: String floss or water flosser
- Gum recession, wider spaces: Interdental brushes + water flosser
- Braces, implants, bridges: Water flosser with specialized tips + interdental brushes
- On the go: Floss picks + portable water flosser
The Bottom Line
The best interdental cleaning tool is the one you'll actually use every day. For most people, a water flosser wins on both effectiveness and compliance — it's faster, easier, and more effective than string floss, which means it actually becomes a daily habit rather than an occasional chore.
Our Portable Water Flosser — 4 pressure modes, 5 jet tips including periodontal and orthodontic tips — covers every interdental cleaning need. Pair with our Interdental Replacement Toothbrush Heads for Oral-B for precision cleaning around brackets and dental work.