Gum interdental brush
An interdental brush cleans the spaces between teeth when its bristles contact both tooth surfaces without force.
The short answer
An interdental brush cleans plaque from spaces between teeth and along the gum margin when its bristles fit snugly without force.
How does an interdental brush clean between teeth?
An interdental brush has bristles around a small wire or flexible core. It suits open spaces from recession, periodontal treatment, bridges, or missing gum papillae.
What is an interdental brush made from?
An interdental brush has bristles around a small wire or flexible core. It suits open spaces from recession, periodontal treatment, bridges, or missing gum papillae.
An interdental brush has bristles around a small wire or flexible core. It suits open spaces from recession, periodontal treatment, bridges, or missing gum papillae.
How should you use an interdental brush safely?
Use the largest size that passes comfortably and contacts both teeth. Different spaces may require different diameters, and floss may suit contacts that are too tight.
Use the largest size that passes comfortably and contacts both teeth. Different spaces may require different diameters, and floss may suit contacts that are too tight.
When should you seek advice about using the brush?
Move the brush gently in and out without forcing or bending the wire. Replace it when the bristles deform and seek advice if calculus blocks the space.
Move the brush gently in and out without forcing or bending the wire. Replace it when the bristles deform and seek advice if calculus blocks the space.
What should you ask about brush sizes and gum bleeding?
Ask which sizes fit each space, whether bleeding indicates inflammation or trauma, and how your gums will be monitored.
Ask which sizes fit each space, whether bleeding indicates inflammation or trauma, and how your gums will be monitored.
Frequently asked questions
How does an interdental brush help clean the gum margin?
An interdental brush cleans plaque from spaces between teeth and along the gum margin when its bristles fit snugly without force.
When should I arrange care?
Move the brush gently in and out without forcing or bending the wire. Replace it when the bristles deform and seek advice if calculus blocks the space.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.