Interdental cleaning removes plaque and food debris from the spaces between teeth and beneath the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot effectively reach. Brushing alone cleans only about 60% of the tooth surface, leaving nearly 40% vulnerable to bacterial buildup. This sticky film, known as plaque, is the primary cause of dental decay and inflammatory gum conditions like gingivitis. Incorporating an interdental method into your daily routine is necessary for preventing cavities and maintaining overall gum health.
Mastering String Flossing Technique
Traditional string floss remains a highly effective method when the correct mechanics are consistently applied. Start with approximately 18 inches, winding most of the floss around your middle fingers and leaving a working section of one or two inches taut between your thumbs and index fingers. This length provides enough clean surface area to address every space.
Shaping the floss into a “C” around the tooth is the most effective technique once it has passed the contact point. This curve allows the material to hug the tooth’s convex surface and slide slightly beneath the gum tissue. Move the floss firmly up and down against the side of the tooth three to five times, moving from the gumline toward the biting surface.
After cleaning one side of the space, hold the “C” shape in the opposite direction to clean the adjacent tooth surface before gently removing the floss. Unwind a fresh, unused section of the floss for each new interdental space to avoid transferring bacteria and debris. Waxed floss can be helpful for individuals with very tight contacts, as the coating allows for smoother sliding.
Interdental Brushes and Picks
For individuals with larger gaps or recession, interdental brushes offer a superior cleaning mechanism compared to string floss. These small, bristled instruments physically sweep plaque from the contours of the tooth roots. Selecting the correct diameter is important, as the brush must fit snugly without being forced.
You may require two or three different brush sizes for various areas in the mouth, as the gaps are rarely uniform. The bristles should engage both the tooth surface and the gum tissue, but the central wire should not scrape against the teeth. Start with the smallest size and incrementally increase the diameter until a slight resistance is felt upon insertion.
Once inserted, gently move the brush in and out of the space two or three times to effectively scrub the sides of the teeth and remove debris. For back teeth, brushes with a longer handle or an angled head are available to improve access. Soft rubber picks are an alternative, often recommended for those with very tight spaces or who are new to interdental cleaning, as the soft rubber is gentler on sensitive gum tissue.
Using Water Flossers Effectively
Water flossers, or oral irrigators, use a pressurized stream of water to remove plaque and debris, offering a comfortable alternative to manual tools. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water, which is generally more comfortable than cold water for the gums. Start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase it only until it feels comfortable and effective.
The technique involves leaning over the sink to manage the water flow and placing the tip at a 90-degree angle to the gumline. Trace the gumline, moving from tooth to tooth, pausing briefly at each interdental space to allow the water jet to clean the area thoroughly. Ensure you clean both the tongue-side and cheek-side surfaces of every tooth.
This method is particularly advantageous for those with complex dental work, such as orthodontic braces, bridges, or implants, as the water jet easily navigates around hardware that string floss or brushes may catch on. The entire process should take approximately two minutes.
Troubleshooting and Frequency Guidelines
Interdental cleaning should be performed at least once every day to disrupt the bacterial biofilm before it hardens into calculus. Consistency is far more important than the time of day, but many find it beneficial to clean between their teeth before brushing in the evening.
Bleeding gums are common when starting an interdental routine, typically signaling gingivitis caused by inflammation, not damage from the tool. Continuing the daily cleaning routine is necessary, as this action removes the plaque causing the inflammation. Bleeding should subside within one to two weeks of consistent, correct use.
If you encounter a spot that is too tight for a brush or if string floss shreds repeatedly, do not force the tool, as this can irritate the gums. Instead, try a smaller-diameter brush or switch to a different tool, such as a soft rubber pick or waxed floss, for that specific area. Persistent bleeding or discomfort after two weeks warrants a consultation with a dental professional.