What is an interdental brush?
An interdental brush is a small brush shaped like a tiny bottle brush: a short handle with a thin, flexible wire covered in bristles, sized to clean the spaces between teeth. The Australian Dental Association describes it this way and lists interdental brushes alongside string floss, flossettes and water flossers as ways to clean between teeth (teeth.org.au).
Healthdirect likewise lists interdental brushes among tools for cleaning the spaces a toothbrush cannot reach (healthdirect). Interdental cleaning means cleaning between teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate gums and contribute to decay between contacts.
AMK Dental Clinic does not endorse brands. This page is general information only.
When might an interdental brush help?
An interdental brush may help some adults who find string floss awkward, or who have wider spaces where floss does not clean the gap well. The ADA notes they can help people with large spaces between the teeth, people who have trouble holding or using floss, people with braces, and some people with gum disease when that approach is advised (teeth.org.au).
For dental bridges, Australian sources support interdental aids under the false tooth. Healthdirect and the ADA explain that bridge crowns are joined, so ordinary floss cannot pass between them; your dental professional may show you how to clean beneath the bridge with superfloss, floss threaders or interdental brushes (healthdirect; teeth.org.au).
Better Health Channel advises talking with your oral health professional about floss or interdental brushes (Better Health Channel). Suitability depends on your contacts, restorations, braces and dexterity. An interdental brush is not better than floss for everyone.
How do you choose a size?
Choose a size that fits without forcing. The ADA says the bristles should fit firmly but comfortably between the teeth, using light pressure only — do not force the brush through a tight space (teeth.org.au). Spaces in one mouth can differ, so you may need more than one size.
If you are unsure, ask your dentist or hygienist rather than guessing from packaging. Replace the brush when the bristles look worn, or when the wire is bent or twisted (teeth.org.au).
How do you use an interdental brush?
Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the motion that fits your mouth. At a high level, the ADA describes holding the brush between thumb and index finger, guiding it into the triangle-shaped space between the teeth with a light twist, then moving it in and out through the space. Rinse the bristles with water after each space (teeth.org.au).
Use a careful in-and-out motion and light pressure. Do not force a brush that will not pass. If a space feels too tight, stop and ask about a smaller size or another tool. Technique can be reviewed at a check-up and clean.
Do you still need to brush with fluoride toothpaste?
Yes. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for about two minutes, covering the outer, inner and chewing surfaces. Healthdirect recommends fluoride toothpaste, thorough brushing twice a day, and cleaning between the teeth at least once a day (healthdirect). An interdental brush does not scrub tooth surfaces the way a toothbrush does.
See how to brush your teeth properly for soft bristles, light pressure and spit-rather-than-rinse so fluoride stays on the teeth longer.
How do interdental brushes relate to string floss and water flossers?
String floss, interdental brushes and water flossers are related options for cleaning between teeth. The ADA still presents string floss as the most common method and lists the other tools as recognised alternatives (teeth.org.au). Healthdirect likewise advises daily interdental cleaning and lists several tools (healthdirect).
For string-floss technique, read how to floss properly. For when a water device may help, see water flossers: when they help. This page does not repeat those steps.
What if gums bleed?
If gums bleed when you clean between the teeth, the ADA says you should not stop; ongoing bleeding is a reason for a check-up (teeth.org.au). Keep a careful technique. If bleeding persists, see bleeding gums: when to see a dentist.
When should you ask your dentist or hygienist?
Ask before you rely on interdental brushes as your main method — especially with tight contacts, bridges, braces, crowns, gum problems, or uncertainty about size. Your dentist or hygienist can check fit and show the motion without endorsing a brand.
Healthdirect recommends seeing your dental practitioner every six to twelve months, or as often as they recommend (healthdirect). Better Health Channel likewise stresses regular visits (Better Health Channel).
If treatment beyond home care is recommended, you receive an itemised written estimate before anything goes ahead. This page is general information only — not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan.
Booking advice in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137, serving Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
To discuss whether interdental brushes suit you, book online or call (02) 9739 6525. Opening hours are on the Contact page.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Can an interdental brush replace string floss for everyone?
No. An interdental brush is one option for cleaning between teeth, not a universal replacement for string floss or a water flosser. Healthdirect and the Australian Dental Association list several tools. What suits you depends on your contacts, restorations, braces and dexterity. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, ask your dentist or hygienist which method fits after an examination.
How do I choose the right size interdental brush?
The ADA says the bristles should fit firmly but comfortably between the teeth, using light pressure only — do not force a brush through a tight space. Spaces can differ, so you may need more than one size. If you are unsure, ask your dentist or hygienist at AMK Dental Clinic rather than guessing from packaging. AMK Dental Clinic does not endorse brands.
Do I still need to brush with fluoride toothpaste?
Yes. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for about two minutes. An interdental brush cleans between contacts; it does not scrub the outer, inner and chewing surfaces the way a toothbrush does. Healthdirect advises fluoride toothpaste and daily cleaning between the teeth. See our brushing guide, and ask at AMK Dental Clinic how to fit interdental cleaning into your routine.
What if my gums bleed when I use an interdental brush?
The ADA says you should not stop cleaning between your teeth if gums bleed. Bleeding can happen when gums are inflamed from plaque, especially if you have not cleaned between the teeth regularly. Keep a careful technique and see a dentist if bleeding continues. Our bleeding gums guide explains when to book at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake.
