Proxabrush how to use
An interdental brush cleans the space between teeth with a small bristle-covered wire or elastomer core. It should pass with light contact, not force or...
The short answer
An interdental brush cleans the space between teeth with a small bristle-covered wire or elastomer core. It should pass with light contact, not force or bending.
How does an interdental brush clean between teeth safely?
Choose the smallest brush that enters the gap with gentle resistance and reaches the tooth surfaces. The bristles should fill the space without forcing the wire into the gum or bending the handle.
How should you guide the brush through each gap?
Angle the brush toward the gumline, slide it through once or several times as directed, and clean both sides of the space. Tight contacts may need floss or tape instead; larger spaces may need a larger brush.
Use the brush once daily or as advised, rinse it after use, and replace it when the bristles wear. Mild bleeding can reflect inflamed gums, but forceful sawing can injure tissue and damage a delicate wire.
How often should you use and replace the brush?
Use the brush once daily or as advised, rinse it after use, and replace it when the bristles wear. Mild bleeding can reflect inflamed gums, but forceful sawing can injure tissue and damage a delicate wire.
Arrange a dental or hygiene visit for repeated bleeding, swelling, pus, pain, a loose tooth, or an interdental brush that never fits. A professional can measure spaces and demonstrate the correct size.
When does an interdental brush problem need dental advice?
Arrange a dental or hygiene visit for repeated bleeding, swelling, pus, pain, a loose tooth, or an interdental brush that never fits. A professional can measure spaces and demonstrate the correct size.
Which size fits each gap? Should I use floss in any contacts? Is bleeding from plaque inflammation, trauma, or a deeper gum problem?
Which interdental brush size fits each gap?
Which size fits each gap? Should I use floss in any contacts? Is bleeding from plaque inflammation, trauma, or a deeper gum problem?
Choose the smallest brush that enters the gap with gentle resistance and reaches the tooth surfaces. The bristles should fill the space without forcing the wire into the gum or bending the handle.
Frequently asked questions
Why does an interdental brush bleed?
Bleeding may reflect plaque inflammation or a brush that is too large or forceful.
When should I arrange an examination?
Arrange a dental or hygiene visit for repeated bleeding, swelling, pus, pain, a loose tooth, or an interdental brush that never fits. A professional can measure spaces and demonstrate the correct size.
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.