Flossing and Interdental Brushes: Why and How to Clean Between Your Teeth

Flossing and interdental brushes remove plaque from between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach, and dentists recommend cleaning these areas once a day. A large share of each tooth's surface faces its neighbour, and when these areas are left uncleaned, decay between the teeth and gum inflammation can develop.

Plaque left between the teeth gradually hardens into tartar and can cause bleeding gums and bad breath. Interdental cleaning is therefore not an optional extra to brushing but an essential part of looking after your mouth.

Floss or interdental brushes: which is better?

The right choice depends on the size of the gaps between your teeth. Floss is easier to use where teeth sit tightly together. Where gaps are wider, for example because of gum recession, bridges, implants or braces, interdental brushes are usually more effective.

Interdental brushes come in a range of sizes, and different gaps in the same mouth may need different sizes. The brush should slide in without force yet fill the space snugly. Your dentist or hygienist can show you which sizes to use.

How to floss correctly

Good technique removes plaque without injuring the gum.

• Cut around 40 to 45 cm of floss and wind the ends around your middle fingers.
• Hold it taut between thumbs and forefingers and ease it between the teeth with a gentle sawing motion, without snapping it onto the gum.
• Curve the floss into a C shape around one tooth and slide it just below the gumline.
• Press it against the tooth and move it up and down a few times.
• Repeat on the surface of the neighbouring tooth.
• Use a fresh section of floss for each gap and remember the back of the last teeth.

How to use interdental brushes

Insert the brush gently and horizontally into the gap at gum level, then move it back and forth a few times. Never force it; if it is a struggle, switch to a smaller size.

Angled or bendable handles make the back teeth easier to reach. Rinse the brush after use and replace it once the bristles are worn or the wire bends.

Water flossers and other options

A water flosser can be a useful addition for people with braces, implants or bridges, or for those who find string floss difficult. In most cases, however, it supports rather than fully replaces floss or interdental brushes.

Toothpicks are not a suitable tool for interdental cleaning and can damage the gums. Floss holders or pre-threaded flossers are a practical alternative for people with limited dexterity.

What if your gums bleed?

Some light bleeding is common in the first days after you start cleaning between your teeth. It is usually a sign of inflamed gums and should ease within a week or two of regular cleaning.

If bleeding continues, or you notice swelling, soreness or persistent bad breath, you should be assessed for gum disease. For a professional clean and personalised advice, you can book an examination with Dr. Merve Hakan.

• Clean between your teeth once a day, ideally in the evening before brushing.
• Be gentle, as harsh movements can cut the gums.
• See your dentist if bleeding lasts longer than two weeks.