Jan 30, 2025 - minute readminutes read

How to Clean Between your Teeth for Better Health

Did you know that each of your teeth has five surfaces that need cleaning? And that up to 40% of that surface is located between your teeth?

The surfaces between your teeth are among the hardest to reach, making them especially prone to plaque buildup. That’s why we’ve created this guide to interdental cleaning.

Woman is cleaning between her teeth with the GUM-SOFT-PICKS Comfort Flex Mint

Why interdental cleaning is crucial for plaque removal

Although a toothbrush can remove plaque from most surfaces, it cannot reach between your teeth where food debris and plaque accumulate. This is why interdental cleaning after toothbrushing is so important – it’s the only way to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces.

Gingivitis and periodontitis - or gum diseases - affect up to 90% of the world’s population and is mainly caused by plaque build-up. If left to accumulate, plaque can cause inflammation, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity and decay, damaging your gums and teeth, and potentially leading to general health issues.

Wondering how best to clean between your teeth? Watch our video:

Want to master interdental cleaning and care for your oral and general health? Watch our video to perfect your technique and follow our tips for a healthy mouth, smile and body.

Make interdental cleaning part of your daily oral care ritual

In-context-GUM-SOFT-PICKS-PRO-Close-Up-with-Smiling-Woman-Cleans-between-teeth-in-the-bathroom.jpg

Incorporating interdental cleaning into your daily oral care routine is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent long-term dental issues.

To establish a consistent interdental cleaning habit, it’s important to find a method that works for your specific oral health needs and lifestyle. Whether you prefer the effectiveness of interdental brushes, the precision of flossing, or the easy of use and gentleness of rubber picks, the key is making a regular part of your day.

discover the best oral care routine

We can all benefit from following the basics of oral care, but we also have different needs that require professional care. This is why you should visit your oral health practitioner twice a year for personalised care and a professional clean.

Best practices for interdental cleaning

Cleaning between your teeth at least once daily, either in the morning or before bed, helps to remove plaque buildup, prevent gum disease, and improve overall oral hygiene.
Select the interdental cleaning tools and sizes that best suit your individual needs to ensure effective plaque removal and optimal oral hygiene.
Be sure to clean gently to avoid irritating your gums, as aggressive cleaning can lead to discomfort and potential gum issues.
After use, allow your interdental cleaning brush to dry in a vertical position to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain their effectiveness.
To give your teeth some additional protection against cavities, use a fluoride mouthwash after interdental cleaning.

The best would be to wait a while before rinsing, so your fluoride toothpaste can do its job first. If your situation asks for enhanced plaque control, consider using a mouthwash with active ingredients for a while, such as CPC or chlorhexidine. However, always consult with your oral care professional first.

Consistency is essential. Even if you experience mild discomfort or bleeding initially, this usually subsides as your gums become healthier.
Remember, proper interdental cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on your dental structure and oral health, you may need to experiment with different tools or sizes to find what works best for you.

Interdental cleaning tools: An overview

Interdental cleaning tools are essential for removing plaque and debris from the spaces between your teeth that regular brushing can’t reach. In this overview, we’ll explore the most effective tools – interdental brushes and floss – and how they can improve your oral health.

Interdental brushes: The ultimate tool for cleaning between teeth

Interdental brushes are small, specially designed brushes that fit between your teeth, reaching areas that regular toothbrushes can’t access. They are usually considered as the most effective tools for removing plaque and food debris from the spaces between teeth, helping to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Due to their ease of use and versatility, interdental brushes are recommended for a wide range of dental needs, including those with braces, implants, or wider gaps between teeth.

Not sure how to get started with interdental brushes? Check out our step-by-step guide.

Interdentals are available in multiple sizes. You may need more than one depending on your interdental spaces.

To clean properly, the interdental should slide in with light resistance and fit comfortably, but snuggly, between your teeth. You shouldn’t have to push! Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean the entire interdental space.

Don’t forget to clean your back teeth. Some interdentals bend at the neck making it easier to reach back there. Prefer to try an interdental pick? You can follow the same technique.

discover GUM® soft-picks® pro

Floss: A great alternative for tight spaces

Flossing is one of the most traditional and widely used methods for cleaning between teeth. It involves using a thin strand of dental floss to remove plaque and food particles that accumulate in the tight spaces between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Flossing is particularly effective for people with closely spaced teeth, as the floss can glide into narrow gaps to clean areas that are otherwise inaccessible.

discover the many benefits of flossing

A FEW THINGS you may be wondering about:

Rubber interdental brushes are softer and more flexible, making them ideal for people with sensitive gums. Wire brushes with filament bristles, on the other hand, are more durable and effective for removing plaque in larger gaps or those with braces. Choosing between them depends on your comfort level and cleaning requirements.

Yes, interdental brushes are especially useful for cleaning around dental work like implants, crowns, or bridges where plaque can easily build up. Just ensure you choose the correct size to avoid damaging your dental work. Always consult with your dentist to confirm the best cleaning tool for your specific needs.

This depends on your interdental spaces, the sensitivity of your gums and teeth as well as personal preference. Do you have tight teeth, sensitive teeth, or do you wear braces? Find out which interdental cleaner is best for you.

This depends on the tightness of your teeth. If they are very tight use floss or an interdental pick with a very small head. If this isn’t the case, then it is mostly trial and error - look out for sample packs or ask your dentist or dental hygienist. You may need more than one size depending on your interdental spaces. The head should fit comfortably, but snuggly, between your teeth as this will ensure maximum plaque removal. Never force the interdental in, go down a size instead.

You should clean between your teeth at least once a day, morning or evening. Most people prefer the evening, before going to bed.

If you look after your brushes properly, they can be used for up to one week. Make sure you always let them air dry standing upright to prevent the growth of bacteria. Rubber interdental picks, however, are single use.

There is no need to clean them, just make sure you rinse after use and let them air dry standing upright to prevent the growth of bacteria. Remember, interdental brushes can be used for up to one week while interdental picks are single use.

Light bleeding and/or discomfort can be quite common if you don’t clean between your teeth very often. It doesn’t mean that your mouth is unhealthy, just that you need to remove the plaque that is irritating your gums! Make sure you get into the habit of daily interdental cleaning. If the bleeding and pain don’t subside you should consider making an appointment with your oral health practitioner.

Interdental papilla is the gum between your teeth. It protects the roots of your teeth and prevents food from getting stuck between your teeth. These small sections of gum tissue are the ones that benefit most from interdental cleaning as they are the most susceptible to gingivitis and recession.