Tiny brush, big impact (2025)

• Written by Dr S Saberitha

Like many of us, Kirubakaran R had never heard of interdental brushes. As food constantly gets stuck in his braces, he sought a path to better oral health. The 27-year-old IT employee from Erode, Tamil Nadu, started using these small brushes after his dentist suggested them.

His first experience was not pleasant. His gums hurt a little yet he was willing to try. Though he was brushing thrice a day after meals, using this new tool took some patience. “Initially, it was difficult to use as the gums bled,” he recalls.

Care for gums

Things began to change as he got used to the technique. Using an interdental brush has become a part of his daily routine.

The bleeding stopped, and the spaces between his teeth became cleaner. Moreover, the gum pain that had been bothering him started reducing. “There are no more stains on teeth,” says Kirubakaran.

Tiny tool

Interdental brushes are smaller than a finger and are used to maintain oral hygiene. “Floss is generally suggested for people having teeth with tight contact while interdental brushes are for those with more gaps between teeth,” says Dr Deepa Natarajan, periodontist from Chennai. She adds that people wearing braces can use the tiny brush to clean around and between the brackets and wires.

Interdental brushes help remove deposits or debris between the teeth. They can also effectively clean areas where regular toothbrushes cannot reach.

According to the Indian Dental Association, there are two types of interdental brushes:

• Spiral wound brushes – These tiny brushes are more flexible on both sides of teeth (from the tongue side and cheek side)

• Tufted brushes – They help in removing the debris below the gums

Benefits

Interdental brushes reduce the formation of plaque and bacteria that can irritate the gums. “It helps prevent bleeding and inflammation of gums and reduces the progression of gum diseases,” says Dr Ra Sangavi, dentist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

She adds that cleaning the areas between teeth prone to decay reduces the risk of cavities, especially in older adults who often experience dry mouth and bad breath.

Healthy gums

A 2023 clinical study published in Cureus found that people using interdental brushes had significantly less plaque and healthier gums than those using regular floss.

“People with movement disorders can use interdental brushes instead of floss,” adds Dr Natarajan. They face challenges using their hands or fingers to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills. For example, buttoning a shirt or writing.

Plaque-free teeth

A 2022 study published in Scientific Reports states that only 42 per cent of plaque is removed while brushing, which indicates that extra tools are required to keep the teeth clean and healthy.

The researchers compared different cleaning methods and found that using interdental brushes and regular brushing reduce gum problems by 34 per cent and plaque formation by 32 per cent.

“Older adults may have weak teeth, and the food gets stuck every time. Some may use toothpicks to remove them,” says Dr Sangavi. She adds that using a toothpick can damage the gums and bones around the teeth. To prevent this, one can use interdental brushes.

Right size matters

The size may vary depending on the space between the teeth. Some people may require more than one size or a combination of interdental brushes. Choose an appropriate brush size that fits comfortably between your teeth. One should avoid forcing or bending the brush while inserting. Your dentist can help you choose the right size.

“The interdental brush should not be too tight or loose while using as it will not serve the purpose,” says Dr Natarajan.

Tips to use interdental brushes

Dr Sangavi and Dr Natarajan suggest the following guidelines for using interdental brushes.

• Start from the front teeth as they are easier to clean, then move to the back teeth.

• Gently insert the interdental brush between the teeth and move it back and forth. Avoid excessive force, as it can injure the gums.

• After use, rinse the brush with tap water to remove the debris. Store it in a storage cap to prevent germs.

• One can include an interdental brush in their daily brushing and flossing routine. It can also be used after meals to remove the food particles.

• Unlike floss, interdental brushes can be reused for a few days to weeks and require replacement only if they become worn or frayed.

Though adapting to the technique initially is difficult, it becomes easy with practice. Consistent use of interdental brushes helps improve gum health and oral hygiene.