Interdental brushes are specialized tools designed to clean the surfaces between teeth, areas a standard toothbrush cannot reach. These spaces account for up to 40% of the entire tooth surface area. The primary function of these brushes is to mechanically remove plaque that accumulates in these narrow gaps and along the gumline. Regular use is highly effective for preventing common oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
Defining Interdental Brushes and Their Structure
The structure of an interdental brush resembles a miniature bottle brush, featuring a central wire core wrapped with fine bristles. This core is typically plastic-coated metal, providing flexibility and strength to navigate the interdental space without scratching the tooth or gum surfaces. The bristles are usually soft nylon filaments arranged either cylindrically or conically around the wire.
Handle designs vary, ranging from small, straight handles to longer, pre-angled handles for easier access to the back teeth. Unlike flat dental floss, the cylindrical or tapered shape allows the bristles to fan out. This “umbrella effect” enables the brush to effectively clean the concave contours and irregular surfaces of the tooth roots.
Selecting the Correct Size
Choosing the appropriate brush size is paramount for both effectiveness and safety, as a single size rarely fits all spaces in one mouth. The brush must fit snugly between the teeth so the bristles make contact with the tooth surfaces and gum tissue. This ensures the mechanical removal of plaque from the entire width of the space.
The brush must be inserted without being forced, as excessive pressure can damage the gums or tooth structure. If the wire core touches the sides of the teeth, the brush is too large. Conversely, if the brush feels loose and the bristles do not engage the surfaces, it is too small and will not clean efficiently. Dental professionals often recommend using a mix of two or three different sizes to accommodate the varying interdental spaces throughout the mouth.
Proper Technique for Effective Cleaning
To use the brush, gently insert it into the space between your teeth at the gumline, using a straight approach or a slight angle toward the chewing surface. Once inserted, move the brush fully back and forth two or three times. This motion works the bristles against the plaque accumulation on both adjacent tooth surfaces.
The brush should be rinsed under running water after cleaning each space to wash away removed plaque and debris. For the back molars, slightly bending the wire or using a brush with a pre-angled neck can improve access and control. The brush should be replaced once the bristles begin to look frayed or bent, which generally occurs after one to two weeks of daily use.
Specialized Applications Beyond Flossing
Interdental brushes are advantageous when spaces between teeth are wider. They are particularly effective for individuals with periodontal disease, where bone loss has created larger, triangular spaces between the roots. These brushes can fill and clean these spaces more completely than a thin strand of floss.
The brushes are also excellent for cleaning around fixed dental appliances, such as bridges and dental implants. The bristles can be guided underneath the fixed prosthesis or around the implant post to remove plaque that contributes to conditions like peri-implantitis. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment also benefit, as the brushes can clean beneath the wires and around the brackets of braces, areas traditional flossing cannot easily access.