A toothbrush reaches the outer, inner and biting surfaces of a tooth. It does not reach between the teeth — and that is where most decay and gum inflammation begins. In total, brushing alone leaves around 40% of the tooth surface uncleaned.
The interdental brush
Studies show that where the space is wide enough, an interdental brush cleans better than floss. It is also easier to use — most people give up on floss precisely because it is fiddly.
- Suits you if the spaces are visible, gums have receded, or you have bridges, implants or orthodontic appliances.
- Size is critical: the brush should go in easily, with slight resistance. Too small and it does not clean; too large and it damages the gum.
- Different spaces often need different sizes — two or three sizes is normal.
- Insert straight, without force, and move back and forth a couple of times.
Dental floss
Needed where the spaces are tight and an interdental brush will not fit — most often in younger people with closely spaced, healthy teeth.
- Take about 40 cm of floss and wind it around your fingers.
- Slide it through the contact point with a sawing motion — do not push it straight into the gum.
- Curve the floss around the tooth in a C shape and move up and down, then repeat on the neighbouring tooth’s side.
- A clean section of floss for each space.
Where a water flosser fits in
A water flosser is an excellent addition, particularly with implants, bridges and braces, but it does not replace mechanical cleaning. Water flushes out food debris but does not remove the sticky biofilm from the tooth surface. Use it alongside floss or an interdental brush, not instead of them.
Order and frequency
Once a day is enough, most sensibly in the evening before brushing. Bacterial film re-forms in about 24 hours, so daily consistency matters more than being thorough twice a week.
Clean between the teeth first, then brush — that way the fluoride in the toothpaste reaches the spaces you have opened up.
If it bleeds
When you start, gums may bleed for one to two weeks. That does not mean you are doing it wrong — it means there was inflammation. Keep going gently every day and the bleeding will stop. If it lasts more than two weeks, you need a professional cleaning.
Common mistakes
- Forcing floss straight into the gum — it creates a wound.
- Using the same section of floss in every space.
- Too small an interdental brush that slides through without touching the sides.
- Skipping the back teeth — where most problems start.
A hygienist can show you which tool and size your teeth need in a single visit. Oral hygiene instruction at Unidenta costs €10.