Interdental cleaning — removing plaque and food between your teeth — helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Flossing is effective, but alternatives like interdental brushes and water flossers can work just as well or better for some people.
Because brushing alone doesn’t reach between teeth, adding an interdental cleaning method to your routine is essential for complete oral care. The right tool depends on your teeth spacing, dexterity, and comfort.
Why Interdental Cleaning Matters
Every day, food particles and plaque build up between your teeth. If left untouched, this buildup can lead to:
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
- Staining between teeth
Interdental cleaning removes plaque and debris from these hard-to-reach spaces, reducing bacteria and preventing inflammation of the gums.
The Health Benefits of Cleaning Between Your Teeth
1. Prevents Gum Disease
Flossing or using interdental brushes helps remove plaque along the gumline, reducing the risk of swollen, bleeding gums and gum recession.
2. Reduces the Risk of Cavities
Food trapped between teeth can feed decay-causing bacteria. Regular interdental cleaning reduces the chance of forming cavities between your teeth (called interproximal caries).
3. Improves Overall Health
Studies have linked gum disease with systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your gums healthy through interdental cleaning supports your whole-body health.
4. Fresher Breath
Bad breath often starts between the teeth. Removing trapped food and bacteria keeps your mouth feeling clean and smelling fresh.
Flossing and Its Alternatives
Not everyone finds flossing easy or comfortable — and that’s okay. There are several effective alternatives to suit different needs and preferences.
Traditional Dental Floss
A thin thread used to scrape plaque from between teeth. Ideal for:
- Tight spaces
- People with good dexterity
- Daily use after brushing
Interdental Brushes
Small bristle brushes designed to fit between the teeth. Ideal for:
- Larger gaps or dental work like crowns or bridges
- People who struggle with floss
- Quick and easy cleaning
Soft Picks and Dental Picks
Flexible plastic picks with rubber tips or soft bristles. Ideal for:
- Beginners
- On-the-go cleaning
- Sensitive gums
Water Flossers (Oral Irrigators)
Devices that use a stream of water to clean between teeth. Ideal for:
- People with braces, implants, or sensitive gums
- Those who prefer a gentler method
- Individuals with arthritis or limited hand movement
How to Choose the Right Method
The best interdental cleaning method is the one you’ll use consistently. If flossing is difficult, try an interdental brush or a water flosser.
If you have dental work, your dentist can recommend the safest and most effective option for your needs.
Let Every Smile Help You Stay Floss-Confident
At Every Smile Dentistry, we’ll show you how to keep every corner of your mouth clean and healthy.
Our team can demonstrate the right technique and help you choose the best interdental tools based on your dental condition.
