Best Interdental Brushes – A Guide To Buying & Using Them

Quick summary

In this article I provide recommendations for the best interdental brushes, based on my own hands-on testing and experience as a dentist. 

Interdental brushes are small brushes used to clean between the teeth. They are the most effective method of interdental cleaning.

Although they are made by a number of different brands, TePe brushes are almost synonymous with these cleaning aids.

However, there are options from competing brands, with more and more options becoming available.

Saying which interdental brush is best for you is not something that can be summarised in a single sentence.

But in the sections below I have tried to include both simplified and detailed recommendations.

In the first section below I explain why I recommend the best interdental brushes depending on your circumstances.

In the second section, I include a comprehensive guide to interdental brushes; what they are and how to use them.

How we chose

Our team is made up of dental professionals and experienced product testers. We specialise in oral health and abide by a strong code of ethics.

Together, we ensure our recommendations include only the very best choices. We regularly review our recommendations based on newly released products and clinical evidence.

I have tried to choose brushes that have some amount of data to support any specific claims they make or independent safety testing.

Recommendations also take into account my own personal testing, and consider feedback from consumers and industry leaders.

Other criteria include how environmentally friendly the brush or brand is. The recommendations aim to balance between the cost of the brushes and the environmental impact.

Notes and reviews from Dr. Wheeler’s testing

This section sums up my personal thoughts and experiences testing a number of different interdental brushes.

Standard interdental brushes

Brands I have personally tested:

• TePe Interdental brushes. The straight brushes come in 9 sizes, with 6 options for extra soft bristles. The angled brushes come in 6 different sizes.
• Dentek On-The-Go 3-in-1 Interdental cleaners. These have a hard plastic pick, an interdental brush, and a floss harp all in one. The brush has a minty flavouring. The pack of 12 comes in a plastic bag
• Icon Interdental brushes. These are available in packs of 8 or 25, each with their on cap. There are 8 sizes available.
• Oral Prevent Interdental brushes. These come in 9 sizes, and have a plastic handle in a large “smart grip” shape. The pack of 6 comes in a plastic bag, with one cap between all the brushes.
• Piksters Interdental brushes. These are available in 11 different sizes. They have a narrow straight plastic handle, and come in a plastic box of 40, each with individual caps, and with one extension handle.
• Razoko Interdental brush. These come in two boxes of 72. There are 4 sizes, and every brush comes with its own cap.
• Wisdom re:new interdental brushes. These come in a paper box of 30 brushes, made using recycled plastic for the handle and bio-based plastic (castor oil) filaments

I like TePe, I find them comfortable enough to use, but I do find the smaller sizes are prone to bending. The brand is synonymous with interdental brushes, and generally there is nothing wrong with them — they have even made changes to ensure more environmentally friendly practices. 

However, there are many other options available, and they are often more affordable too. That’s why I have tested a number of different brands to be able to make recommendations.

That is where the ICON brushes step up — they are much stronger, last longer, and are cheaper to buy too. Sadly they aren’t easy to find outside of the UK, and also don’t have any clear environmentally friendly policies.

I like the Piksters interdental brushes. They have a wide range of sizes, and the brand also offers a range of handle extenders too. I’m a big fan of the fact that they come in large boxes of 40, which keeps packaging to a minimum (as long as you know which size you need!). The smallest size is particularly good for small gaps, and is smaller than the TePe equivalent. 

Wisdom is a british brand offering a number of options for interdental brushes. I tested the re:new brushes as a more environmentally friendly option. These are a good alternative to bamboo brushes if you are in the UK, but are more difficult to get hold of elsewhere. There is also only a small range of sizes: 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm. They are good quality brushes, and comfortable to use, so there is no reason why you couldn’t choose these over the other options so long as the size works for you. They also come in larger pack sizes (30) and have no covers, meaning there is no unnecessary waste.

The Oral Prevent brushes are made in Germany, and are fairly standard in terms of use. But they are easier to grip than TePe and other brands due to the “smart grip” handle being slightly larger.

I tested Razoko, an unknown brand which frequently popped up on an online retailer. They are a budget option, made in China, and I do not recommend them. The four sizes offered don’t have much variation. I also found them uncomfortable to use and they buckled very easily.

Silicone based interdental brushes

Brands I have personally tested:

• Sunstar GUM Soft Picks Advanced. These come in three available sizes, and have a curved shape with a rubber grip on the handles. They come in packs of 30 with a travel case included.
• Sunstar GUM Soft Picks Original. These come in three sizes, as a pack of 80 sticks and with a travel case. These are a straight version of the advanced brushes.
• TePe EasyPicks. These come in three sizes, as a pack of 36 and with a travel case. They are straight shaped with rubber on the grip area too.
• Wisdom Clean Between Brushes. These come in three sizes as a pack of 20, but with no travel case. Straight shaped.
• Wisdom Clean Between Pro. These have three available sizes, and have a curved shape with rubber grip on the handles. They come in packs of 30 with a travel case included.

My personal favourites for silicone brushes by far are the Sunstar GUM Soft Picks Advanced. The curve on them made them easier to use, whilst the choice of sizes is also good. The rubber on the grip also made them easier to hold, which is why I picked these over the original version. The Wisdom Clean Between Pro is pretty much identical in style and quality.

The Wisdom Clean Between brushes are almost identical to the GUM Original brushes, with colour being the only difference. The quality is similar, and both can be reused. Wisdom is recommended where GUM branded products are more difficult to find and where the cost is excessive.

TePe Easypicks are one of the most widely known versions of these brushes but didn’t make it to the top of my list because I find the rubber bristles wear much more quickly than the other brands available. There is no reason why you can’t reuse rubber based interdental brushes, but this isn’t even an option with TePe due to the quality.

Angled, long handle, and replaceable handle interdental brushes

Brands I have tested:

• Curaprox Prime interdental brushes
• Bamboo Piksters angled interdental brush
• TePe Angle interdental brush
• Wingbrush
• Wisdom interProximal brushes

The TePe angled brushes use the same sizing and bristles as their regular brushes, the only difference is the long handle and that the bristles are at an angle to the handle. There are fewer sizes offered compared to their regular range. Generally there is nothing wrong with these brushes, but in my opinion there are better options available.

The Bamboo Piksters angled brushes are a reasonable quality. Although the handles are made of bamboo and sound more environmentally friendly than a plastic option, there is conflicting evidence about this. I discuss issues with bamboo in my articles on the bamboo electric toothbrushes and the most eco-friendly manual toothbrushes. Essentially though, don’t feel that these are automatically better than the TePe Angle brushes, just because they are made of bamboo. 

I strongly recommend the use of reusable handle and replaceable brush options. They produce less waste as only small parts of the brush need to be replaced. Another advantage is that it takes up less space if multiple sizes are needed (as is the case for most people) — with one handle you can use a number of different sizes.

In terms of quality, Curaprox is so far the best I have come across. They come in better pack sizes than other options at present and also have a very wide range of sizes available.

A closer look at our recommended products

In the sections below I have included some extra details about the products that I have found to be good in my testing.

I have also included buying links. Often I have linked to a pack with mixed sizes, but most retailers do offer packs for individual sizes too.

Note that different size packets may be available and there may be some small regional differences.

The images included are for reference only. They do not show precisely what is included from the links I have used, so please check the product description before purchasing.

Interdental brushes buyer’s guide

Cleaning between the teeth is just as important as toothbrushing.

Cleaning between the teeth, however you do it, aims to remove the bacteria and food debris that builds up during the day, and which ultimately leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Few of us really like the idea of flossing.  It can be awkward, time-consuming and messy.

Interdental brushes are an alternative to flossing. In fact, they are more effective than flossing, and most people say they are easier to use too.

In the following guide, I will explain in detail what to know if you are planning to buy and use them. I will also answer questions I commonly encounter as a dentist.

I have put together a separate post that explains how to use interdental brushes.

If there is anything further you would like to know, please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.

How To Use Interdental Brushes

What is an interdental brush?

An interdental brush is a small brush specially designed for cleaning between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush is not able to reach.

They are made up of 3 parts:

• Handle – made of plastic, bamboo, or other hard material
• Metal wire – with or without plastic coating
• Bristles – made of nylon or other flexible plastic

Interdental brushes are available in a variety of sizes and styles, you will find the right ones for you.

Are interdental brushes any good?

Yes, they really are.

There is plenty of evidence to support interdental brushes as the most effective form of interdental cleaning:

• Richards
• Ng and Lim
• Graziani et al
• Sälzer et al
• European Federation of Periodontology 2020 Guidelines

Interdental brushes also come very widely recommended by dental professionals.

What are the benefits of cleaning between the teeth?

Interdental cleaning has direct benefits for your oral health, and indirectly has positive effects on general health too.

The interproximal area is the gap that exists between teeth, and the gap is normally filled by a triangle of gum. This is a hard to access area, where a regular toothbrush and daily brushing does not reach.

Using interdental cleaners between the teeth helps reaches the 40% of tooth surface missed when cleaning with a toothbrush. 

Cleaning between the teeth removes food debris and plaque, the direct causes for both tooth decay and gum disease. 

Removing plaque build up is important to keep your mouth clean, and interdental cleaning removes more plaque than only using a brush.

Summaries of the research (by Marchesan et al, Ng and Lim, and  Worthington et al) have proven that interdental cleaning

• stops your gums bleeding.
• prevents gum disease.
• slows down advanced gum disease.
• prevents tooth decay.

Interdental cleaning is also known to prevent tooth loss. Studies show that people who use interdental cleaning aids have more natural teeth than those who rely on brushing alone.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is also caused by poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease.

Interdental cleaning prevents bad breath by:

• Removing plaque and food debris which cause bad smells in the mouth.
• Removing the food for the bacteria which release compounds that cause bad breath.
• Managing the gum disease and dental decay that contribute bad breath.

But it’s not just good for your mouth, flossing also has surprising benefits for your overall health, such as helping to manage blood glucose levels for people living with diabetes.

How to start cleaning between your teeth (and stick to it) 

If you are new to interdental cleaning, it can seem like a daunting task. Before you start, you may find it useful to watch the following video:

Flossing: A Quick Guide To Getting Started

We also have an entire hub page on how to floss.

In particular, I recommend doing the following:

• Read my guide on common flossing mistakes.
• Prepare yourself by picking the right tool for the job. You can read about the differences between floss, water flossers and interdental brushes here.
• And see my guide on creating a good flossing habit.

It’s normal to find the technique difficult. This is because it requires some skill. Keep practising and you will get there.

That said, there are some problems that happen during and after cleaning between your teeth. Although the titles say “flossing”, they are all equally relevant to interdental brushes as they apply to all types of interdental cleaning. See the Electric Teeth Guides for:

• Why do gums bleed during or after flossing? 
• Why do your teeth and gums hurt after flossing?
• What to do if your floss smells bad.

Types of interdental brushes

The basic structure of interdental brushes remains the same. The biggest differences are the materials used and length of the handles.

In the sections below I have listed examples of each type of interdental brush and linked to them on the manufacturer’s website.

Availability of these in different countries will vary. There are also many own brand options available in local shops.

Regular interdental brushes

These are the type that have a plastic handle with the wire and bristle brush part.  They are the most common type of interdental brush and are seen pretty much anywhere you can buy a toothbrush (although some brands may only be available online).

Options available include:

• TePe (bio-based plastic handle)
• Dentek Easy Brush (regular and soft bristled options available)
• Wisdom re:new interdental brushes (recycled plastic)
• Wisdom interdental brushes
• Wisdom pro flex interdental brushes
• Paro 3star Interdental Brush system
• Paro Flexi Grip
• Oral Prevent Interdental Brushes (bio-based plastic) available in two different grip styles – “smart grip” and “classic”
• Tandex Flexi (regular and an extra soft option is also available)
• Dental Pro I-Shaped Interdental Brush
• ICON Interdental Brushes
• GUM® Proxabrush Go-Betweens
• Piksters Regular – straight handles, kink handles
• Oral B Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes with wooden handles

Instead of plastic handles, some makers use wood as the handle for their interdental brushes. This is seen as more environmentally friendly than the traditional plastic options. 

We discuss the environmental impact of interdental cleaning methods in our article on the best sustainable interdental cleaning options, but to summarise, these may be a better option if you have composting facilities.

Brands making wood handled interdental brushes include (not all options available in all countries)

• Tandex Woodi 
• Hydrophil Interdental Brushes 
• Bamboo Piksters 
• The Humble Co Interdental Bamboo Brush
• Brushd Bamboo Interdental Brush 
• Woobamboo Bamboo Interdental Brushes
• Dentek Birch Wood Interdental Brushes

Long handle interdental brushes

Long handled, or angled interdental brushes, are now available. They will help reach the back teeth if you struggle with a traditional interdental brush. With these brushes, the wire and bristle portion is at an angle to the handle, so there is no need to bend the wire to fit between the back teeth.

You will likely still need straight interdental brushes in addition to these, because it can be difficult to clean the front teeth with an angled interdental brush.

Some options come pre-made and are disposed of as the brush part becomes worn. Other options have detachable heads and reusable handles, which is a better option for reducing the amount of waste you produce!

Long handled interdental brushes available include:

• Curaprox Prime – plastic or aluminium options, single or double ended available
• Paro Slider
• TePe Angle – plastic
• Tandex FlexiMax
• Tandex Proxi – metal 
• Dental Pro L-Shaped Interdental Brush
• GUM Proxabrush Angle Cleaner
• GUM Proxabrush Permanent Handle
• Piksters Extension Handle – plastic
• Bamboo Piksters Angled – bamboo
• EZ Handle Original – plastic
• Interprox Plus Interdental Brush – plastic
• Wisdom interProximal brushes – plastic

Replaceable brush and reusable handle

This list includes some of the long handled interdental brushes mentioned above. But it also includes some options for short handles with detachable interdental brush heads.

The benefit of such a brush is that you should produce less waste overall. 

With these brushes, you buy packs of refills and keep the handles. 

The handle will fit all the different width brushes offered by the brand, but you  cannot use a different brand brush head with a handle as they each have different locking mechanisms to keep the brush part in place whilst cleaning.

Examples of reusable handle interdental brushes  include:

• Wisdom interProximal brushes – long plastic handle
• Curaprox Prime – plastic or aluminium options, single or double ended available
• Wingbrush – long plastic handle
• Paro Slider – long plastic handle
• Paro Isola F – long plastic handle, a double ended option is also available
• Tandex Proxi – long metal handle
• GUM Proxabrush Permanent Handle – long plastic handle
• EZ Tote Handle – short plastic handle
• EZ Handle Original – long plastic handle

Silicone based interdental brushes

They are all-plastic brushes, and are sometimes also called toothpicks rather than interdental brushes.

They have a tapered plastic tip with rubber bristles. 

There is no metal wire, and the “brush” part is shaped from soft plastic.

These are often more comfortable to use, and are especially good for small gaps. 

A recent study has shown these to be as effective as regular interdental brushes when it comes to removing plaque and reducing bleeding. A 2022 study focussed on only patients who have more advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and found both interdental brushes and the rubber based interdental brushes to be better than toothbrushing alone or toothbrushing and flossing.  

They are also very affordable options and can bought in large multipacks.

As a newer product, there are limited options available. Brands making these types of brushes include:

• TePe – EasyPick
• Wisdom – Clean Between Regular and Pro
• Dentek – Ultimate Comfort Picks
• GUM Soft-Picks – Comfort Flex, Advanced and Original

Handle-less

In some cases, interdental brushes are available without a handle. There is less waste produced with these. However, they can be difficult to handle, depending on your manual dexterity. Examples include:

• Paro Isola Long
• Lactona Easy Dent and Interdental Cleaners
• Vision perio

Other types of interdental brush

The Paro Brush stick is similar to a silicone interdental cleaner. It has a thin plastic handle with a “velvety flocking” to clean between the teeth.

Another device available to help is the Power Pikster. This is not a brush, but is a handle which has a number of different interdental brush fittings. The vibrating handle is designed to make cleaning easier and more effective.

Other interdental cleaning options — water flossers, dental floss etc.

Interdental brushes are the gold standard for cleaning between the teeth, with lots of evidence to show that they are the most effective option for plaque removal.

Floss is the most widely known interdental cleaning aid. It is not as effective as using interdental brushes, but may be the only option for very tight gaps. You can find out more in our article about the best floss.

Water flossers are powered devices that direct water between the teeth to clean the gum line. Evidence for these is mixed, but it can be a good option for some people. See our guide to the best water flossers and best cordless water flossers for more information about these.

For information on the differences between the various interdental cleaning options, as well as the evidence behind each of them, check out our water flossing vs dental floss vs interdental brushes article.

There are also other options for cleaning between your teeth. 

Woodpicks are a simple straight and pointed stick made from wood. These are not recommended due to the risk of damage to the gums and risk of the wood splintering.

Gum stimulators are rubber tipped devices designed to massage the gum, but not clean between the teeth. These are of limited use as they aren’t fully removing the plaque from between the teeth.

How do interdental brushes compare to floss?

When thinking about cleaning in between the teeth, most people think about dental floss, those long reels of what looks like string.

Interdental brushes are recommended as the gold standard for cleaning between the teeth. They are more effective at removing plaque, compared to floss. Many people also find them easier to use and more comfortable too (especially silicone based brushes!).

Floss is only recommended for gaps so small that interdental brushes cannot fit.

Check out our comparison of floss and interdental brushes to learn a little more.

About the different size interdental brushes

Why do I need different sizes?

Selecting the right size interdental brush will ensure the most effective clean.

We all have different sized gaps between our teeth. Even in one mouth, the size of the gap will vary depending on the teeth.

The difference in size may be because of natural spaces (or lack of) between your teeth. Other things that may affect the size of the gap between your teeth include if you have had any teeth removed, or if you have previously had gum disease, or even orthodontic treatment (braces).

Larger gaps need a larger brush. Smaller gaps need a smaller brush. Some gaps will be so small that maybe only floss will fit.

As a general rule, you should select the largest size that fits between the teeth without damage to the brush. There should be a small amount of resistance, but not so much that the brush bends.

Sizes available

Interdental brushes are produced according to international standards. This gives it a label with an “ISO” number, which allows you to directly compare sizes.

The number is about the wire diameter.

The size of the brush is also depends on the length of the bristle fibres, and how they are arranged (for example, whether the brush is straight or tapered).

Because of this the same ISO size can feel different when made by different brands. We are currently working towards an accurate comparison table.

Not all brushes have an ISO size. They can be described in a number of different ways, but look for a wire diameter and brush diameter.

How do I choose the right size interdental brush?

The interdental brushes should slide between the teeth under gentle pressure, whilst still touching the teeth on both sides. There should be a little bit of resistance as you use the brush. 

The brush should not be so big that you have to force it through the gap and end up bending the wire.

If you have a hygiene appointment with your dentist or hygienist they can also advise which sizes are best for you as an individual.

A guide to TePe interdental brushes

Seeing as TePe is arguably the best known manufacturer of interdental brushes, I have put together a guide specifically for its products.

TePe is a Swedish company who have been manufacturing oral hygiene products since 1965.

TePe interdental brushes have evolved from a tooth stick that founder Henning Eklund designed in 1965, to a much broader range of products including toothbrushes to tongue cleaners.

They are the most widely known brand for interdental products, with the TePe brush being used interchangeably with interdental brush by many dental professionals.

They have a dedication to the product’s design and production, to their customers and to the community.

TePe’s headquarters are still based in Malmo, Sweden where the company began.  

TePe has worked to become more sustainable. What eco-friendly policies does TePe have?

• They use 100% renewable energy when making their products.
• They have set a target for all products and packaging to be carbon neutral in 2022, with independent verification with a ISCC Certificate.
• Using renewable alternatives to plastic – e.g. bio-based plastic for the handles of their interdental brushes.

They have a lot of information about their sustainability practices on their website. And have a guide to recycling all their products on this page

When it comes to their toothbrushes and interdental brushes they have chosen a bio-based plastic alternative, rather than a biodegradable plastic. 

The plastic used is bio-based plastic – a castor oil based polyethylene. This PET is easily recycled once you remove the wire and bristle part of the brush.

The TePe product range

TePe now offers a range of different interdental cleaning options. This includes:

• TePe Original Interdental Brush – a short handle and wire/nylon bristle brush.
• TePe Extra Soft Interdental Brush – the same as the original but extra soft bristles.
• TePe Angle Interdental Brush – a longer plastic handle and the attached wire and nylon bristles are at a right angle
• TePe EasyPick – a metal free design with rubbery bristles

Other TePe interdental cleaning products include dental tape, mini flosser, bridge and implant floss, interspace brushes, compact tuft brush, implant orthodontic brush, and the universal care brush.

TePe sizes

The products come in a range of colours and these colours correlate to the different sized brushes, to make it simpler for you to know and select the right ones. 

The basic idea with all of these is a handle and a brush part. The size refers to the cleaning end of the brush, to the diameter of the twisted wire part. 

The core to the brush is a wire that the bristles connect to. This brush part flexes when in the mouth, and has a plastic coating for safety and a more gentle clean. The exception is the EasyPicks which have an all rubber coating.

TePe do not make their brush diameter size or smallest hole size widely available.

The equivalent sizes are shown in the table below:

TePe Original Interdental Brushes

The original interdental brushes from TePe are made of a plastic handle with a brush part made of wire and nylon bristles.

The regular brushes come supplied with a clear cap that fits over the brush head to protect it if required.  This is particularly useful when travelling.

The plastic lid can also be used as an extension to the handle thanks to the way in which the products have been designed.

There are nine sizes available, equivalent to ISO sizes 0-8.

• 0.4mm – Pink
• 0.45mm – Orange
• 0.5mm – Red
• 0.6mm – Blue
• 0.7mm – Yellow
• 0.8mm – Green
• 1.1mm Purple
• 1.3mm – Grey
• 1.5mm – Black

TePe Extra Soft Interdental Brushes

The basic design of these is identical to the original TePes. They have a short plastic handle with the brush attached. They also come with a lid.

The plastic handle is made from polypropylene/PP/plastic number 5 and is recyclable with most plastic recycling schemes, once the bristle part has been removed.

The difference is that these have softer bristles which may be more comfortable for some users. 

There are only 6 sizes available. They follow the same colour scheme as the original brushes, except these are a pastel version of the colours.

• 0.45mm – Orange
• 0.5mm – Red
• 0.6mm – Blue
• 0.7mm – Yellow
• 0.8mm – Green
• 1.1mm Purple

Accessories for TePe Interdental Brushes

TePe makes a small holder for storage of up to four interdental brushes in your bathroom as well as a travel case capable of holding up to 6 of the original or extra soft brushes.

This will protect your brushes if you are going on a longer trip. It is also useful for holding multiple sizes if you need more than one size TePe.

These will also hold the TePe mini flosser or TePe EasyPick. 

It is the same size as the travel case that comes with the TePe EasyPicks, but has special shaping to hold your TePes in position.

You can get the TePe Interdental Brush Travel Case here on a website called Kleen Teeth.

TePe Angle Interdental Brushes

The TePe Angle has the same wire and bristle design as the original brushes.

The difference here is that it has a longer handle. Also, the brush part is at a right angle to the handle.

You may find these easier to use if you struggle to grip the regular brushes, because of the longer handle.

The handle allows you to reach with more ease into the back of the mouth and the angled tip makes it easier to position and reach in between the teeth.

These come in six different sizes. They are equivalent to ISO 0-5. The colour scheme matches the TePe Original brushes:

• 0.4mm – Pink
• 0.45mm – Orange
• 0.5mm – Red
• 0.6mm – Blue
• 0.7mm – Yellow
• 0.8mm – Green

You can get a pack that contains all six sizes here on Amazon.

Another place to buy them is here, on the KleenTeeth website.

TePe EasyPick

TePe EasyPicks are one of the newest TePe products. The simple yet effective design achieved the RedDot award in 2016, which recognises the high design quality.

They are a comfortable and flexible alternative to regular interdental brushes.

A silicone coating to the long and flexible head cleans effectively whilst feeling comfortable on the gums. There is a non-slip grip handle to ensure you don’t lose control when in use.

This video shows how an EasyPick should be used.

They are all-plastic brushes. There is no metal wire. They have a tapered plastic tip with rubber bristles. 

These come in three different sizes: 

• Orange = extra small/small
• Blue = medium/large
• Purple = extra large

These three different size EasyPicks actually fit in most gaps, even between crowded teeth where regular TePes don’t fit. 

They come in a handy travel case, in a pack of 36. This is 6 strips of 6 TePe EasyPicks.

When you need one simply detach from the strip, and use. 

You are supposed to dispose of the EasyPick after use. But there is no reason why they cannot be reused, just be sure to rinse or gently brush after use and allow to air dry. Just throw the EasyPick away when it looks damaged.

When it comes to technique you use these in the same way you would a regular interdental brush.

It is designed to be just as effective as regular interdental brushes, and the evidence supports this. They are more than good enough for mild gum disease (gingivitis). 

That said, if you have more advanced gum disease, regular interdental brushes are recommended as the gold standard.

FAQ

Are sensitive interdental brushes any different?

Some interdental brushes offer sensitive versions. These are designed to be more gentle on the gums.

I have only had hands on with a couple of brands. They have shorter bristles and do feel softer to touch. Be aware that the difference in bristle length may make them less effective at plaque removal compared to the regular version of the same size.

Why are my gums bleeding when cleaning?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease (gingivitis).  Diseased gums can bleed very easily and regular cleaning will result in healthier gums.

If there is only a small amount of bleeding, improved cleaning is the most important thing to get rid of it. Continue to brush for a few days and the bleeding should reduce.

If the bleeding continues beyond two weeks seek advice from a dental professional.

See our post about bleeding gums when brushing teeth for more information on this.

What are the best interdental brushes for small gaps?

To find out the smallest brush sizes, it is better to look at the “smallest hole” size. Not all brands advertise this and we are working on compiling the data into one large table for you.

Generally small ISO sizes are able to fit into narrower gaps.

0.4mm is the smallest interdental brush available from TePe.  This brush has a pink coloured handle.These are particularly prone to bending and snapping.

With hands-on testing I have found the Piksters extra fine/00 (pink) and ICON white/00 to be much better for narrow gaps.

If these don’t fit try a silicone based interdental brush, which does fit better in smaller gaps.

If you cannot fit the Piksters, ICON, or a small silicone based brush, your only other option is floss or a water flosser. These are not as effective at plaque removal so should be used as a last resort.

How often should I use interdental brushes?

You should clean with interdental brushes every day.

Best practice is to use interdental brushes before you brush your teeth in the evening, in order to remove any food and plaque that has build up during the day. 

Using the brushes before toothbrushing means you do not wipe away the toothpaste in between your teeth.

We’ve looked at this topic in more detail in our how often should you floss article.

Do I still need to floss?

You should use interdental brushes wherever possible, instead of floss. Only use floss for the narrowest gaps where interdental brushes do not fit.

Do I need to use toothpaste with interdental brushes?

No, you don’t need to use toothpaste with interdental brushes.

There is no evidence to suggest you will get any benefits from using toothpaste on your interdental brushes on a daily basis.

But, if you have sore gums you can use interdental brushes to apply special gels to the gums between the teeth.

How to dispose of interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are not easily recycled.

You need to remove the wire and fibre part and dispose of this as general waste. The handle can be recycled separately.

Some TerraCycle schemes accept interdental brushes, but you need to check the individual scheme. For an explanation about these recycling schemes, see our page on recycling a manual toothbrush and other dental products.

For interdental brush handles, you could recycle them in the following ways (but always check your local schemes to confirm this is correct):

• Bamboo: compost pile or garden waste collection or general waste
• Bio-based plastic number 5/PP: regular plastic recycling
• ”Biodegradable” plastic: industrial composting or general waste
• “Recycled” plastic: check number on side. Generally accepted in regular plastic recycling.

Are interdental brushes bad for the environment?

Conventional interdental brushes are heavily reliant on plastic when making them.

This has a negative impact on the environment because of the resources needed to make the plastic, the difficulty with recycling it, and the potential for harm to the environment if it is not disposed of correctly.

Definitive evidence is lacking. But the environmental impact of using these products to clean in between your teeth is likely to have much less than the impact of if you were to need dental treatment. The best option for the environment is one that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy so that you do not need treatment.

How often do interdental brushes need replacing?

Like a toothbrush, an interdental brush will need replacing.  In fact, it needs replacing more often.

An interdental brush can be reused for about a week or when the bristles become worn, wires buckled or distorted.

You do not need to replace it after every use unless they are damaged or worn. Just rinse after use and allow to air dry.

How do I know if I am high risk/clinically vulnerable?

If you are at low risk for tooth decay and gum disease, you could consider dental floss. With correct use, this is sufficient for cleaning.

If you are at higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease, you should focus on optimum cleaning. This includes using a good quality electric toothbrush and interdental brushes. These are more effective at plaque removal, which is key to preventing dental diseases.

Your dental professional is the only person who can do this risk assessment for you, but we have some more guidance this article.

Do discuss this with your dental professional and ask them where you fall in terms of risk for dental diseases.