Who may find this useful?
People with spaces that a small brush can access safely.
← All explanationsInterdental brush
Which brush fits between my teeth?
An interdental brush is a small brush for spaces that can be accessed safely between teeth. Its bristles should reach the facing tooth surfaces. It complements brushing with fluoride toothpaste; the size and technique need to suit each space.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Start with the space
Gaps are not all the same size. A suitable brush enters without force and reaches the neighbouring surfaces. More than one size may be needed in the same mouth.
Clean the side surfaces
The bristles disrupt soft plaque where a full-size toothbrush has limited reach. Do not push the wire forcefully into the gum; an individual demonstration helps with the angle.
Choose a workable routine
Floss may be more suitable for tight contacts. Repeated bleeding or pain calls for a review of inflammation, size and technique. An interdental brush does not remove firmly attached calculus.
At a glance
How is the size selected?
By examining the spaces, fitting gently and demonstrating the technique.
What else remains important?
Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and agreed check-ups.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Start with the space
Gaps are not all the same size. A suitable brush enters without force and reaches the neighbouring surfaces. More than one size may be needed in the same mouth.
Clean the side surfaces
The bristles disrupt soft plaque where a full-size toothbrush has limited reach. Do not push the wire forcefully into the gum; an individual demonstration helps with the angle.
Choose a workable routine
Floss may be more suitable for tight contacts. Repeated bleeding or pain calls for a review of inflammation, size and technique. An interdental brush does not remove firmly attached calculus.
Often confused
Interdental brush or toothbrush?
The two clean different surfaces. An interdental brush replaces neither ordinary brushing nor professional removal of calculus.
Quick answers
Are interdental brushes better than floss?
It depends on the available space. A correctly sized brush is useful where it can enter safely. Floss serves tight contacts; one tool need not suit every space.
Is bleeding expected?
Bleeding can reflect inflammation or an unsuitable technique. Repeated bleeding or pain should be assessed by a dentist. Forcing a larger brush into the space is not the answer.
Do they guarantee that I will avoid cavities?
No. Interdental cleaning is one part of oral care. Evidence about plaque and gum health is not a guarantee against tooth decay; fluoride, diet and individual risk also matter.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which sizes fit my spaces, and where would floss be more suitable?
Unsure about size or technique? An appointment can help tailor interdental cleaning to your teeth.
Discuss interdental careAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Interdental space
- The space between neighbouring teeth.
- Proximal surface
- The side of a tooth facing the adjacent tooth.
- Appropriate fit
- Bristle contact without forced insertion; colours are not standardised across every brand.
Make the distinction
The two clean different surfaces. An interdental brush replaces neither ordinary brushing nor professional removal of calculus.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.