Of course, this option still involves a plastic device—plus it uses electricity—so you'll need to decide which is the lesser of two evils in your mind. But assuming you get a good few years' use out of your water flosser, it might be less environmentally damaging than going through hundreds of little plastic brushes. Read more about flossing in our guide about how to floss and the best products to use. Can interdental brushes damage gums? Truthbrush also offers a subscription service at a discounted price, so you can have new interdental brushes delivered periodically.

Interdental brushes are specially designed to clean between teeth and reach other areas that a regular toothbrush can't. Many people find that using an interdental toothbrush is easier than flossing, while others do both as part of a thorough oral hygiene routine. Interdental toothbrushes come in different sizes to fit different sized gaps between teeth. Some are disposable, whereas others consist of a longer handle and replaceable brush heads. We're going to go into more detail about these different options later on so you can figure out which is the best interdental brush for your needs. Interdental brushes vs flossingIf any pain or bleeding continues for more than a week or two, speak to your dentist. You might need a professional teeth cleaning to remove tartar buildup. Or, it may be that you need to try a smaller size or angle the brush differently. Our instructions a little further down will help you avoid damaging your gums caused by using the wrong technique. What's the difference between an interdental and interspace toothbrush? Gently press the brush into the space between two teeth, along the gum. Twisting the brush slightly as you insert it can make insertion easier and also extend the life of the brush.

Interdental brushes (also called interproximal brushes) typically have a filament held in place by a metal wire, a bit like a mini bottle brush. The wire can be angled or bent to make it easier to reach certain spots in the mouth. A handle attached to the wire lets you manoeuvre the brush to clean away plaque and food debris trapped between teeth. Do your gums hurt after using interdental brushes? It's normal for your gums to bleed a little when you first start using them. This is a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis), but your new cleaning habits will help improve your gum health. Keep up your brushing for a few days, and the bleeding should subside. If you're unsure whether to use interdental brushes or floss (or both!), it's best to ask your dentist. Their answer may depend on your current oral health and the positioning of your teeth, or they might just recommend using whatever you find easier. Yes. You only need to change your interdental brush when the bristles start to show signs of wear or the wire gives way. Each brush might last 1–2 weeks or more, depending on how much you use it. Certain manufacturers market their brushes as having better durability, so you might want to try a few and see which lasts longest for you.

Miscellaneous

Firstly, you could look for an interdental toothbrush with replaceable heads. Although still made from plastic, the amount of waste each time you need to replace the brush head is minimal. Choosing a high-quality brand like GUM (described above) means you won't need to replace your brush heads as often, either. Water flossers (oral irrigators)

Interdental brushes are available in various sizes to accommodate different tooth gaps and spaces between teeth. The sizes typically range from very small (0.4mm) to larger (1.5mm or more), with several intermediate sizes in between.Choosing the right interdental brush size is important for effective cleaning and comfort. Using a brush that is too small may not effectively remove plaque and debris, while using one that is too large can cause discomfort or potential damage to the gums. Use a brush appropriate for the size of the space between your teeth – you may need to use more than one size.When you first start using interdental brushes, your gums may be tender and bleed a little as you start to get rid of any plaque build-up. Carry on using the brushes, and the bleeding should reduce as your gums become healthier. Interdental toothbrushes come in different sizes to fit different sized gaps between teeth. Some are disposable, whereas others consist of a longer handle and replaceable brush heads. We're going to go into more detail about these different options later on so you can work out which is the best interdental brush for your needs. Interdental brushes vs floss

You should use your interdental brush to clean between teeth in this way once a day, while still brushing in the normal way twice a day. See our teeth-brushing guide for more on how to brush your teeth properly.

Swedish company TePe is one of the leading names in the specialist toothbrush market. Their wide range of interdental and interspace toothbrushes should suit pretty much every need, whether it's cleaning a tiny gap between teeth or larger spaces around implants. So, now you know how to use interdental brushes, but which is the best brand and type for you? Below we cover some of the biggest brands in the UK, as well as some lesser-known ones which offer different features. TePe interdental brushes Another thing people love about the Dentek interproximal brush is that it is flavored with mint, so your mouth feels super fresh when you're done. They have small bristled heads designed to clean between your teeth, and they come in different widths to suit the sizes of the gaps.