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Interdental Brush: Usage, Sizes & Benefits

An interdental brush is a small cleaning tool designed to clean the spaces between teeth. It complements toothbrushing and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

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Things worth knowing about "Interdental brush"

An interdental brush is a small cleaning tool designed to clean the spaces between teeth. It complements toothbrushing and helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

What is an Interdental Brush?

An interdental brush is a small, specially designed cleaning tool used to clean the spaces between teeth (interdental spaces). It consists of a thin wire core covered with fine bristles, resembling a miniature bottle brush. Interdental brushes are available in a range of sizes, as the gaps between teeth vary from person to person.

Why Are Interdental Brushes Important?

Conventional toothbrushes cannot adequately clean the tight areas between teeth. These areas accumulate dental plaque and food debris, which over time can lead to tooth decay (caries), gum inflammation (gingivitis), and periodontitis. Regular use of an interdental brush helps remove these deposits effectively and significantly improves oral health.

Sizes and Selection

Interdental brushes are classified by size, commonly according to the ISO standard (sizes from ISO 0 to ISO 8). The diameter of the brush should match the width of the interdental space to ensure optimal cleaning without injuring the gums. The correct size is ideally recommended by a dentist or dental hygienist.

ISO 0-1: for very narrow interdental spaces
ISO 2-3: for medium-sized interdental spaces
ISO 4-6: for wider interdental spaces
ISO 7-8: for very wide interdental spaces, e.g. after tooth loss

Correct Usage

Proper use of the interdental brush is essential for its effectiveness:

Gently insert the brush into the interdental space without twisting.
Move the brush back and forth several times to loosen plaque and food particles.
Repeat the process for each interdental space.
Rinse the brush thoroughly with water after use.
Interdental brushes should be used regularly, ideally once per day.

When Should an Interdental Brush Be Replaced?

An interdental brush should be replaced when the bristles become deformed or worn or the wire bends. With daily use, this typically occurs after about one week. Some models are reusable and can be cleaned, while others are designed as single-use products.

Interdental Brush vs. Dental Floss

Both interdental brushes and dental floss are used to clean between teeth. Studies show that interdental brushes are often more effective at removing plaque in existing interdental spaces than dental floss. However, when interdental spaces are very narrow and no brush can fit, dental floss remains the preferred method. In some cases, dental professionals recommend combining both methods for best results.

Special Areas of Application

Interdental brushes are especially recommended for:

People with dental bridges or implants
Wearers of braces or orthodontic appliances
Patients with periodontitis or enlarged interdental spaces
People with limited hand dexterity who find dental floss difficult to handle

References

Worthington HV et al. - Interdental cleaning aids for the prevention of dental diseases. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019.
Slot DE et al. - The efficacy of interdental brushes on plaque and parameters of periodontal inflammation: a systematic review. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2008.
American Dental Association (ADA) - Cleaning Between Your Teeth. ADA MouthHealthy, 2023.

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