Interdental Brush or Dental Floss: Which to Use and When
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One of the most common questions asked during consultations is whether it is better to use dental floss or an interdental brush to clean between the teeth. Both are effective tools for interdental hygiene, but they are not used in the same way, nor are they suitable for the same situations.
Choosing the right method of interdental cleaning is key to preventing tooth decay, gum inflammation, bad breath and periodontal disease.
Why is interdental hygiene so important?
Brushing your teeth removes bacterial plaque from the visible surface of the teeth, but it does not reach the spaces between them properly. It is estimated that a toothbrush only cleans around 60 per cent of the tooth surface.
Plaque that builds up between the teeth and near the gums is the main cause of:
- Interproximal caries
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Persistent bad breath
That is why cleaning between the teeth should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
Dental floss: when is it the best option?
Dental floss is particularly recommended for people who have:
- Narrow interdental spaces
- Straight teeth
- Healthy gums or gums with mild inflammation
Benefits of dental floss
- It effectively cleans very narrow spaces, and using it daily helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis
- It does not damage the enamel if used correctly
- It is single-use, which reduces the build-up of bacteria
When using this floss, you should guide it gently around each C-shaped tooth. It is also a portable and economical option.
Points to bear in mind
The main drawback of dental floss is that it requires a certain amount of dexterity and consistency, and one of its disadvantages is that it is less effective when the spaces between the teeth are wide. Incorrect technique, particularly if the tension is not controlled properly when holding the floss between your fingers, can cause discomfort to the gums or result in ineffective cleaning.
For this reason, it is advisable to learn the correct technique from your dentist or dental hygienist.
There are now devices with a support or arch that make them easier to use, particularly for children, older people or patients with limited manual dexterity.
Interdental brush: when is it recommended?
An interdental brush is best suited for cases where the spaces between the teeth are wider or where the arrangement of the teeth makes cleaning difficult, as is the case with:
- Patients with periodontal disease
- People with receding gums
- People with braces, implants or dentures; it is also particularly useful for cleaning around braces
- Wide interdental spaces, bearing in mind that there are different sizes to suit each interdental space
Benefits of the interdental brush
- It cleans large areas between teeth very effectively and is particularly effective at removing plaque from wider interdental spaces
- Compared with dental floss, it is often easier for many people to use and can help promote a better oral health routine
- Allows you to choose the size to suit the space between your teeth
When used correctly, it also helps to prevent periodontal disease.
Correct use and precautions
It is essential to use the correct size and follow the professional’s instructions. The interdental brush should be inserted gently and moved from side to side, without forcing it between the teeth.
Interdental brushes should not be reused more times than recommended, as they lose their effectiveness and can harbour bacteria. Furthermore, you should not apply excessive pressure; when using the correct size, they should not be at all harsh on the gums.
Dental floss or interdental brush? The answer lies in your mouth
There is no single method that works for everyone.
The choice depends on factors such as:
- Size of the spaces between teeth
- Condition of the gums
- Presence of orthodontic treatment, implants or dentures
- Manual dexterity and the patient’s perseverance
The difference, in terms of effectiveness, is that interdental brushes are generally more effective than dental floss in wide spaces, whilst floss works better in narrow spaces.
In many cases, combining both methods may be the best solution when a single system does not cover everything within a single oral hygiene routine.
Other complementary methods of interdental cleaning
As well as dental floss and interdental brushes, there are other methods that can help in certain cases:
Dental irrigators
Particularly useful for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment or with dental implants. They help remove food debris and bacterial plaque, although they are not a substitute for dental floss or interdental brushes.
Professional cleaning services
Professional dental cleanings carried out at a dental practice are the only ones that guarantee the complete removal of bacterial plaque and accumulated tartar, even in hard-to-reach areas.
The importance of professional advice
Everyone’s mouth is different. The choice of method depends on the patient’s dental alignment and individual needs. That is why, during consultations, we teach each patient how to use dental floss or an interdental brush correctly, tailoring the technique and equipment to their specific needs, including options that offer a better grip for those with reduced manual dexterity.
Proper daily interdental hygiene, combined with regular check-ups, is key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums in the long term.
If you’re unsure which method is best for you, it’s best to consult your dentist. At Udemax Clinics, professional advice helps you avoid mistakes, improve your oral hygiene and maintain a healthy smile throughout your life.
