Interdental brushes are tools designed to supplement routine oral care by cleaning the areas where a standard toothbrush cannot reach. These small, handheld devices are constructed with a miniature brush head specifically for the spaces located between teeth. They are an effective method for removing plaque and food debris from these tight spots. Incorporating this tool into a daily hygiene routine helps to maintain comprehensive cleanliness beyond the visible surfaces of the teeth.
Anatomy and Design of Interdental Brushes
The physical structure of an interdental brush allows it to clean the unique contours of the spaces between teeth. At its core is a fine, thin wire, which is often coated in plastic to protect both the tooth surface and any existing dental work, such as implants. Twisted around this central wire are soft, synthetic filaments, typically nylon, which form the brush head that physically disrupts and sweeps away debris. This bristled head is attached to a handle, which can be small and straight or long and angled, providing the user with better access to the back teeth. The brushes are available in a wide range of diameters to accommodate the natural variation in interproximal space size across the mouth.
Targeted Cleaning: Why They Are Essential
A conventional toothbrush is primarily designed to clean the broad, accessible front and back surfaces of the teeth, but it misses nearly half of the tooth area. The bristles cannot effectively penetrate the concave surfaces and the contact points where two teeth meet, making these areas prone to plaque accumulation. Interdental brushes are engineered to physically enter and clean this interproximal space, removing the sticky bacterial biofilm, or plaque, that causes oral health problems. This mechanical disruption of the biofilm is the only way to properly destroy its structure.
Regular use helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which is the main contributor to both gum disease and tooth decay. By targeting these hard-to-reach areas, interdental brushes reduce the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and the more serious condition of periodontitis. They are particularly useful for individuals with specific dental features, such as larger gaps between teeth (diastema) or those with orthodontic appliances like braces, as they can maneuver around wires and brackets. People with dental bridges or implants also benefit from their design, as the brushes can clean the areas beneath or around the restorations.
Selecting the Correct Size and Proper Technique
Selecting the Correct Size
Finding the correct size brush is paramount for both effective cleaning and preventing irritation. The brush should fit snugly between the teeth, allowing the bristles to engage the tooth surfaces without the wire touching the sides of the teeth. It should slide into the space with gentle pressure, and you must never force a brush that is too large, as this can damage the gums. Since the spaces between teeth often differ across the mouth, most people require a variety pack or at least two to three different brush sizes to clean all areas thoroughly.
Proper Technique
Once the correct size is determined, the proper technique involves gently inserting the brush into the gap at a straight or slightly angled position. The cleaning action is a simple, gentle back-and-forth motion, moving the brush the full length in and out a few times to dislodge all debris. After cleaning a space, the brush should be rinsed to clear away any removed plaque before moving to the next area. For optimal results, it is recommended to use interdental brushes once a day, preferably before brushing, and to replace the brush when the bristles become worn.