Summary
Interdental brushes have become essential for maintaining a bright smile and a healthy mouth . They are in fact perfect for reaching the nooks and crannies that your classic toothbrush cannot reach. However, there are some precautions you should know to use them safely. Let's take a look at everything you need to know about interdental brushes: their benefits, their potential dangers, and the best practices for using them effectively.
What is an interdental brush?
An interdental brush is the companion you get at the end of your dental routine. This tool is designed to clean the spaces between teeth , where the toothbrush cannot reach. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes to fit every space between your teeth. Its main characteristics? A thin rod covered with soft hairs, sometimes with an ergonomic handle.
On the French market, we generally find sizes ranging from 0.4 mm to more than 1.5 mm, with cylindrical or conical sizes . To navigate between the different sizes, a color code has been designed.
Brush head size (diameter) | Color code (ISO) | Type of interdental space |
0.4 | Pink | Very narrow spaces |
0.45 | Orange | Narrow spaces |
0.6 | Blue | Medium spaces |
0.7 | YELLOW | Medium spaces |
0.8 | Green | Medium to large spaces |
1 | Purple | Wide spaces |
1.3 | Gray | Very wide spaces |
1.5 | Black | Very wide spaces |
Why use interdental brushes?
Interdental brushes offer many benefits for your oral health :
Removal of dental plaque : interdental brushes are particularly effective in removing dental plaque that accumulates between teeth. Thanks to this targeted action, you considerably reduce the risk of cavities, tartar or any other gum problem .
Prevention of pathologies : by eliminating plaque and food residue, the brushes help prevent common diseases such as cavities , gingivitis and even periodontitis . Using them regularly is therefore essential to keep your gums and teeth in great shape. 💪
- Reduction of bad breath : Small pieces of food stuck between teeth are often responsible for bad breath. Interdental brushes clean these areas and reduce bad odors .
Who can (or should) use them?
It turns out that interdental brushes are very useful for certain groups of people, including:
If you have large interdental spaces : in this case interdental brushes are perfect for deep oral cleaning . Because dental floss does not always guarantee optimal cleaning.
If you wear braces : You know how difficult it is to clean these areas of your mouth. Interdental brushes are ideal for getting under wires and around braces, ensuring impeccable hygiene .
- If you are prone to periodontal problems : sensitive gums , gingivitis or advanced periodontitis , interdental brushes can really help you. They gently clean periodontal pockets and eliminate bacteria , thus helping to prevent complications.
How to properly use an interdental brush?
Using interdental brushes correctly is important to benefit from their benefits, but above all to avoid minor pain and irritation of the gums.
Instructions for use and advice
First of all, here are the key steps to a successful cleaning: 🛀
Choose an interdental brush that is the right size for your spaces between each tooth.
Gently insert your brush between each tooth, without pressing too much so as not to irritate your gums.
Use small back and forth movements to remove any leftover food.
Rinse the interdental brush well after each use and clean it to keep it clean.
The other recommendation is, of course, to choose the right size and shape of interdental brush . For this, our table above can help you. We also advise you to seek advice from your dentist or pharmacist, who will be best able to guide you.
Then comes a common question: should you use interdental brushes before or after brushing? We recommend using them before brushing your teeth, this will help remove annoying debris and maximize the effectiveness of your toothpaste.
And as for the lifespan of an interdental brush, generally allow between 5 to 7 days , when the bristles are worn or deformed. This may seem like a lot to you, but only a brush head in good condition guarantees optimal cleaning and avoids irritation.
Comparisons with other methods
Interdental brush vs dental floss
Interdental brushes are ideal for large spaces between teeth . They are simple to use and often more effective in these areas than dental floss. But flossing is still a great choice for very tight spaces, or even if your teeth are particularly tight. In terms of comfort, brushes are generally gentler on the gums than floss, especially if you are not yet a pro at flossing.
Interdental brush vs water flosser
The water flosser, with its water jet, is really good for cleaning between teeth. It is also very appreciated for its ease of use , especially by those who have implants or orthodontic appliances . On the other hand, it can be a little less precise than an interdental brush for removing plaque in specific areas. In this case, it remains interesting to complete your oral hygiene routine , especially if you have sensitive gums or if you prefer gentle cleaning.
Criteria | Interdental brush | Dental floss | Water flosser |
Ease of use | Easy to handle for medium to large spaces | More suitable for narrow spaces | Very easy to use |
Precision | Targeted and precise cleaning | Less effective for large spaces | Less precise but effective on soft residues |
Comfort | Gentle on gums, low irritant | Can irritate with poor technique | Very gentle on the gums |
Efficiency | Excellent for interdental plaque | Effective for very narrow spaces | Ideal complement but not as targeted |
Cost | Economic | Economic | More expensive |
What are the potential dangers of interdental brushes?
You have to be careful of small wounds or bleeding gums ! Too much pressure or poor brush insertion technique can cause damage such as irritation . This is why choosing the right size and using your interdental brush correctly is very important. If it is too small or too large, it may be less effective or cause pain. An incorrect brush insertion angle can also affect the health of your gums.
You also need to be vigilant with oral cleaning . A brush head that is not rinsed after use or used for too long can accumulate bacteria . And as a result, it becomes a source of contamination, thus increasing the risk of infections for your mouth or gums.
And finally, certain profiles are more exposed than others. People with sensitive gums , advanced periodontitis or significant inflammation should be careful. In these cases, it is advisable to consult a dentist before using interdental brushes.
Tips for avoiding dangers
We weren't going to leave you like that! Here are our recommendations to avoid any problems with your brush head as much as possible. And as usual, our advice does not replace the advice of a dentist. 🤓
If there were to be just one, it would be this: choose the right product in the right size . Here too, a professional will be able to direct you to the one that best suits your interdental spaces. At My Variations, our brush heads offer a nice variety of sizes and shapes to meet all needs .
Next, consider adopting a gentle and gradual technique. You should never force the brush head between your teeth. Go gently so as not to hurt your gums or damage sensitive tissues.
Cleaning also plays a major role! It is strongly recommended to clean or replace the brush head regularly. After each use, remember to always rinse it well to avoid the accumulation of bacteria. Change it as soon as it starts to wear out or after 5 to 7 days of use.
If you feel pain or if your gums bleed often when using the brushes, head to the dentist! Only he can adjust your hygiene routine. 👌
Conclusion
Interdental brushes are ideal for improving your oral hygiene . They reach areas inaccessible to the toothbrush, eliminate dental plaque, prevent oral problems and freshen breath. On the other hand, use them carefully, in the right size and handle them gently. By following all our recommendations, but also those of your dentist, you give your mouth every chance of being healthy.
