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# Cleaning Between Your Teeth Properly
- URL: https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/cleaning-between-teeth/
- Published: 2025-01-21T07:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:01:09.000Z
- Description: Around a third of tooth surfaces lie between the teeth. How to clean them properly – with interdental brushes, floss and more.
- Author: Hassan Al-Johmani M.Sc.
- Tags: #t-prophylaxe-pflege-en, #lang-en, #ki-bild

Tooth decay and gum inflammation very often begin in the spaces between the teeth – exactly where the toothbrush cannot reach. Daily interdental cleaning is therefore one of the most important building blocks of healthy teeth.

In short

For most adults, interdental brushes in the right size are the most effective method. For very tight spaces, floss is more suitable. Once a day, ideally in the evening, is enough. A water flosser can complement this, but does not replace mechanical cleaning.

| Aid                 | Suitable for                             | Tip                                                     |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Interdental brushes | normal to wide spaces, bridges, implants | have the size determined at the practice                |
| Dental floss / tape | very tight spaces                        | wrap it around the tooth in a C shape, move up and down |
| Superfloss          | under bridges, around implants           | with a stiffened threading end                          |
| Water flosser       | as a supplement, e.g. with braces        | does not replace interdental brushes                    |

![Interdental brushes in different sizes and colours next to dental floss](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/content/images/size/w960/2026/10/rg-interdental.webp)![](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/assets/img/eu-ai/ai-generated-white.svg)

The right size for every space.

## How to use interdental brushes

How to 
1. **Choose the size**The brush should meet slight resistance but not get stuck.
2. **Insert**carefully, at a slight angle away from the gum.
3. **Back and forth**two to three times per space.
4. **Rinse**clean the brush under running water and replace it regularly.

Good to know

Slight bleeding of the gums in the first few days is often a sign of existing inflammation – with regular cleaning it usually subsides. If it lasts longer than two weeks, have it checked.

Read more
- [Bleeding gums – what to do?](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/bleeding-gums/)
- [Electric or manual toothbrush?](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/guide/electric-toothbrush/)
- [Prevention in Nuremberg](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/teeth-cleaning-nuremberg/)

Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via [online booking](https://zahnarztpraxis-st-peter.de/en/book-appointment/) or by phone on [0911 554181](tel:+49911554181). You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).

## Frequently asked questions

Morning or evening?

The evening is ideal, because less saliva flows overnight and plaque has longer to act.

Do interdental brushes make the spaces bigger?

No, not if the size is right. Inflamed, swollen gums shrink as they heal, which sometimes makes the spaces look bigger.