In between teeth brushes
Interdental brushes clean plaque from spaces between teeth when the brush fits without forcing or injuring the gum.
The short answer
An interdental brush is a small, bristled tool for cleaning between teeth and around braces, bridges, and implants where a toothbrush cannot reach. The correct size enters the space with gentle pressure and cleans the sides of the teeth without being bent or forced.
Why might different gaps need different brush sizes?
Interdental spaces have different shapes and widths, so one brush size may not fit every site. The wire core is usually coated or protected, and the bristles sweep plaque from the tooth surfaces and gum margin.
How should you begin using a brush between your teeth?
Start with a size that passes gently, keep the brush straight where possible, and move it in and out without sawing hard. Rinse the brush during use, replace it when the bristles wear, and ask for size guidance around orthodontic wires or fixed prostheses.
When should difficulty using the brush be checked?
Seek dental advice if the brush repeatedly catches, causes persistent bleeding, or cannot enter a space without force. Bleeding, swelling, loose teeth, or bad breath can indicate gum inflammation that needs assessment.
Which cleaning tool suits each space in your mouth?
Ask which sizes fit each part of your mouth and whether floss, a single-tuft brush, or a special prosthesis brush is better at particular sites. Ask how to clean beneath bridge connectors and around orthodontic brackets.
Frequently asked questions
Should an interdental brush hurt?
It may feel unfamiliar, but sharp pain or forced entry means the size or technique needs review.
Can it replace brushing?
No. It complements toothbrushing by reaching surfaces between teeth.
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.