What are Interdental Brushes?

Excellent oral hygiene should be a part of everyone’s daily routine. There are plenty of standard toothbrushes available to purchase. Of course, you also have dental floss, water picks, and mouthwash you can use. However, even combining all those don’t always create the best results. This is where an interdental brush can be helpful. Today, we are going to share much of what you need to know about interdental brushes and how they can help with oral hygiene.

What are Interdental Brushes?

Interdental brushes, or interproximal brushes, are tiny toothbrushes that are designed to clean between your teeth. They are called interdental brushes, because an interdental space is the space between two teeth. Food can accumulate within these spaces easily. Regular toothbrushes do not do a good job of removing this food or any residual plaque.

An interdental brush has a filament, which is held in place by a metal wire. That wire can be bent or angled to fit in certain spots within your mouth. There is a handle attached to the wire. The handle makes it simple to move the interproximal brush around your teeth and mouth.

Who Should Use Interdental Brushes?

Basically, anyone can use one of these brushes. However, the people who should use them the most are the ones who have:

• Implants
• Diseases of the peri implant, gingivitis, and halitosis
• Open interdental spaces
• Prothesis
• Furkish areas
• Themes
• Edentulous gaps
• Orthodontic treatment

An Interdental Brush vs Floss

Most of the time, you won’t need to floss when you start using interdental brushes. However, that is dependent on your teeth and whether the brushes will fit in every interdental space. If the brush won’t fit in some areas, you will still need to floss.

Interdental Brush Shapes

Interdental brushes are available in different shapes. Conic shapes, or pine shapes, are best used for braces and implants. Straight and cylindrical brushes work well on lingual surfaces and between the teeth.

Thinner brushes can be adapted to use in small spaces, while the ultra-thins are perfect for narrow spaces.

Interdental Brush Sizes

Interdental brushes are available in multiple sizes. Those sizes are from zero to eight. The smallest size, zero, has a 0.4 mm wire. Those brushes are best used for tightly packed teeth. The largest size, eight, is 1.5 mm. Those are perfect for really large spaces or missing teeth.

How to Choose the Right Size Interdental Brush

You must choose the correct size for your interproximal brush for the best results. If you choose a brush that is too small, you may not be able to clean your teeth that well. Too large of a brush will result in damage to your teeth and possibly your gums.

We recommend choosing an interdental brush that will fit comfortably between your teeth. You should never force these brushes between your teeth. If you need to force it, you need a smaller size.

Once you know the right size, you should also consider a couple other factors. You may prefer a brush with an ergonomic design. Smaller brush heads are better options for some people too. Especially those who have smaller mouths.

Some interdental brushes have softer bristles than others. You may want to choose softer bristles if you have sensitive gums or damaged enamel.

How to Use an Interdental Brush

Using an interdental brush will take a little getting used to. We recommend standing in front of a mirror while using one until you get used to it. Basically, just like you do for flossing.

The steps for using an interdental brush are:

1. Choose the right size interproximal brush for your teeth. You can always talk to your dentist and have them tell you what size you need.
2. Press the brush gently into the space between each tooth. Make sure you press all the way until you are touching the gumline. Pro tip: Twist the brush a little as you are inserting it between your teeth. This will make it easier. It also extends the life of the brush.
3. Brush forwards and backwards multiple times.
4. Remove the brush and move onto the next tooth. It may be necessary to change interdental brush sizes for certain teeth.

Tips for Cleaning Between Teeth

Cleaning between front teeth is normally fairly simple. However, as you get to the sides and back of your mouth, you may struggle to insert the interdental brush. Here are a couple tips to help you out:

• Insert the brush from the inside of your mouth instead of the outside.
• Curve the wire a little bit around your finger to bend it to reach certain spaces.
• Bend the wire at an angle for even harder to reach spaces. — It is best to use a brush with a flexible head for this tip.
• Use a long-handled interdental brush with an angled head.

Can Interdental Brushes Be Reused?

Interdental brushes can be reused. Most of these brushes last between one and two weeks. If bristles come loose from the brush, or the wire breaks, it is time to get a new one.

It is important to note that all interdental brushes must be rinsed after every use. This will keep them clean and ready for the next time you brush.

Teeth Brushing and Interdental Brushes

Yes, you will still need to brush your teeth after using an interdental brush. Since these brushes focus on the spaces between your teeth, you still need to brush the insides and outsides of your teeth. It doesn’t matter if you brush your teeth before or after using an interdental brush. The results will still be the same.

Using an interdental brush during your oral hygiene routine can be quite beneficial. Interdental brushes can remove more food particles from in between teeth, as well as plaque. If you have been struggling with keeping your teeth as clean as possible, consider purchasing this brush today. You will be amazed at how much cleaner your teeth are the next time you visit the dentist.