Interdental cleaning is a necessary daily practice to remove plaque from surfaces a toothbrush cannot reach. The tight spaces between teeth and just beneath the gumline are prone to plaque accumulation, which can lead to gum inflammation and eventual decay. While traditional spool floss is a highly effective mechanical tool, many people find it difficult to manipulate, uncomfortable, or impractical, especially with existing dental work. Several alternative devices now offer easier or more specialized ways to maintain a healthy interdental space.
Powered Devices: Water and Air Flossing Systems
Devices that use fluid dynamics clean between teeth using a fluid stream rather than a scraping action. The water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, utilizes a pressurized, pulsating stream of water to dislodge food debris and plaque biofilm. This rapid, targeted water jet cleans deep into pockets and around the contours of the teeth and gums, reaching areas that string floss may miss. The continuous flow of water also massages the gums, which helps reduce inflammation and bleeding.
Water flossing is particularly beneficial for individuals with complex dental situations, such as those wearing fixed orthodontic braces, who have implants, or who struggle with limited manual dexterity.
A different approach is taken by the air flosser, which uses “microburst technology” to clean with a tiny volume of liquid. This device releases rapid bursts of compressed air mixed with micro-droplets of water or mouthwash to clear the interdental space. Air flossers require a much smaller reservoir and are often faster to use than water flossers, making them a less messy and more portable option. Both powered systems offer an effective alternative to string floss.
Interdental Brushes and Soft Picks
Interdental brushes feature a small head with bristles attached to a thin wire, typically available in cylindrical or tapered shapes. These tools are inserted between the teeth and moved back and forth to mechanically remove plaque and debris. The effectiveness depends on selecting the correct size, as the bristles must lightly fill the gap without forcing the wire.
For people with larger spaces between teeth, interdental brushes can be more effective at reducing plaque and inflammation than traditional string floss. They are also highly recommended for cleaning around bridges, crowns, and implants.
Soft picks, commonly made of a flexible rubber or elastomer material, offer a gentle yet effective cleaning action. These tools usually have a tapered design with tiny, soft rubber bristles that flex to fit comfortably into the space between teeth. Soft picks are easier to use than either string floss or interdental brushes, appealing to users with sensitive gums.
Floss Holders and Threading Tools
Floss holders, or pre-strung floss picks, solve dexterity issues by holding a short segment of floss taut between two prongs on a plastic handle. This design allows for easier access to the back teeth and simplifies the process for individuals with limited hand mobility. These devices eliminate the need to wrap floss around fingers, providing better leverage and control for a more consistent cleaning motion.
For people with fixed dental work, such as bridges, permanent retainers, or orthodontic wires, a floss threader is necessary to guide the cleaning material. A floss threader is a small, rigid yet flexible plastic loop used to carry a length of standard floss. The stiff end is guided under the dental appliance, allowing the user to pull the attached floss through the space and clean the area beneath the structure.