Cleaning Between Your Teeth Properly
Around a third of tooth surfaces lie between the teeth. How to clean them properly – with interdental brushes, floss and more.
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.
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 |
How to use interdental brushes
How to- Choose the sizeThe brush should meet slight resistance but not get stuck.
- Insertcarefully, at a slight angle away from the gum.
- Back and forthtwo to three times per space.
- Rinseclean the brush under running water and replace it regularly.
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.
Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via online booking or by phone on 0911 554181. 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.
This article is a translation of our German guide and does not replace a personal examination and consultation. If you have symptoms, please see a dentist – for example at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter in Nuremberg.
