Interdental Brushes: The Missing Step in Your Oral Care Routine

You brush twice a day. You floss. You rinse. And yet your dentist still finds plaque between your teeth. The culprit? The spaces between your teeth — and the fact that neither a toothbrush nor string floss can fully reach them. Enter the interdental brush: small, simple, and surprisingly powerful.

What Are Interdental Brushes?

Interdental brushes (also called interproximal brushes or proxy brushes) are tiny, cone- or cylinder-shaped brushes designed to clean the spaces between teeth. They come in a range of sizes — from ultra-fine for tight contacts to wider sizes for larger gaps — and are used by inserting them gently between teeth and moving them back and forth.

Why They Outperform String Floss in Many Cases

A landmark 2019 Cochrane Review found that interdental brushes may be more effective than string floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis. Here's why:

• More surface contact: The brush head physically scrubs all sides of the interdental space, while floss only contacts two surfaces
• Easier to use correctly: Many people use string floss incorrectly; interdental brushes are more intuitive
• Better for wider gaps: In spaces where teeth have shifted or gum recession has occurred, interdental brushes clean far more effectively than floss
• Ideal for braces and implants: They navigate around brackets, wires, and implant abutments with ease

How to Choose the Right Size

Size matters — a lot. Using a brush that's too small won't clean effectively; one that's too large can damage your gums. The right size should fit snugly between your teeth with gentle resistance, but should never require force to insert.

• Start with a small size (e.g., ISO size 1 or 2) and work up if needed
• Different gaps in your mouth may require different sizes
• Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend the right sizes for your specific anatomy

How to Use Interdental Brushes Correctly

1. Choose the correct size for each gap
2. Gently insert the brush between teeth at a slight angle — don't force it
3. Move the brush back and forth 2–3 times
4. Rinse the brush under water between teeth
5. Replace when bristles are worn or frayed (typically every 1–2 weeks)

When to Use Them

Use interdental brushes once daily, ideally in the evening before brushing. You can use them before or after flossing — or as a replacement for floss if you find them easier to use consistently. Consistency matters far more than the specific tool you choose.

Who Benefits Most

• People with braces, bridges, or implants
• Those with gum recession or wider interdental spaces
• Anyone who struggles with string floss technique or dexterity
• Patients with a history of gum disease or frequent cavities between teeth

Our Interdental Replacement Toothbrush Heads for Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes — Ortho & Power Tip are engineered for deep interproximal cleaning, featuring DuPont bristles that reach between brackets and along the gumline. Perfect for braces wearers and anyone who wants a more thorough clean between teeth.