How To Clean Between Your Teeth
Why is cleaning between your teeth important?
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but toothbrush bristles cannot reach the small spaces between teeth.
Plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, constantly forms on and between teeth. If it is not removed daily, it can lead to:
· Gum inflammation and gum disease
· Tooth decay
· Bad breath
Cleaning between your teeth helps remove plaque from areas your toothbrush cannot reach and is an important step in maintaining long-term oral health.
Why do these areas need extra attention?
The spaces between teeth are easy to miss when brushing, which is why they’re one of the most common places for plaque to build up. Toothbrush bristles can’t fully reach these tight areas, plaque and food debris can sit undisturbed, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities over time.
Interdental cleaning removes plaque from the spots your toothbrush can’t reach, helping protect both your teeth and gums and making your daily routine more effective.
Is it normal for gums to bleed when you first start?
Some people notice mild soreness or bleeding when they begin cleaning between their teeth. This is normal and often a sign that plaque has caused gum inflammation.
Gently continuing to clean between the teeth usually helps gums become healthier and bleeding often improves/stops within a few days.
If bleeding continues or worsens, it is sensible to seek advice from a dental professional.
Choosing the right interdental cleaning tool
There is no single tool that suits everyone. The most effective option depends on:
· The size of the spaces between your teeth
· Your dexterity and comfort
· Advice from your dental professional
Sometimes a combination of tools are needed to clean different areas of the mouth.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small brushes designed to clean between teeth and along the gumline.
They can be particularly helpful for:
· Larger spaces between teeth
· Around crowns, bridges, implants, or orthodontic appliances
· Areas where gums have receded
Using the correct size brush helps ensure effective cleaning while remaining comfortable for the gums.
How to choose the correct interdental brush size
Using the correct size helps ensure plaque is removed effectively without hurting the gums.
· A brush that is too small will not clean effectively
· A brush that is too large will not clean effectively and may feel uncomfortable
Interdental brushes should:
· Slide into the interdental space easily without any force.
· Feel snug, not tight.
· And the wire should not touch the teeth, only the filaments should make contact.
To find the right size, start with the smallest brush and work your way up, choosing the largest size that fits comfortably and meets the above criteria.
If you’re struggling, ask a dental professional. They can help recommend the most suitable sizes for different areas of your mouth.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning between teeth with interdental brushes
- Choose the correct size brush for the space you are cleaning
- Gently guide the brush into the gap between the teeth
- Move the brush backwards and forwards a few times
- Rinse the brush after use with running water
- Store in a clean, dry place, and replace the brush when the bristles become worn, or the wire becomes distorted
Taking your time and using gentle movements helps keep gums comfortable and supports effective cleaning.
Flexible Interdental Picks
Flexible picks can be a convenient option for cleaning between teeth, particularly for people who are new to interdental cleaning or for use when away from home. They have a soft, flexible tip made from plastic and silicone silicone and do not contain a metal wire.
They can be helpful for:
- Narrower spaces where a brush may feel difficult to insert
- People who prefer a softer material when starting interdental cleaning
- Situations where portability and ease of use are important
Flexible picks come in fewer sizes than traditional interdental brushes, making it easier to start an interdental cleaning routine.
How to use flexible picks
Flexible picks are used similarly to interdental brushes:
- Gently guide the pick between the teeth, until you feel light resistance
- Move backwards and forwards a few times
- Rinse with running water after use
- Replace when worn
Floss
Dental floss can be useful where spaces between teeth are very tight and brushes cannot fit.
How to floss:
1. Dispense around 30cm of floss and wind most of it around your middle or index fingers, leaving a short section to work with.
2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and fingers and gently guide it between your teeth. A gentle back-and-forth motion can help the floss pass through tight contact points. Avoid snapping the floss into the gums.
3. Once the floss is in the interdental space curve it around one tooth in a C shape.
4. Using a gentle sweeping motion, slide the floss down the side of the tooth and slightly beneath the gumline. Do not force the floss or press into the gums.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the adjacent tooth.
6. Remove the floss and move to a clean section before repeating in the next space.
Preloaded Flossers
Preloaded flossers can make flossing easier to handle and may be helpful for people who find traditional floss difficult or fiddly to use.
When should you clean between your teeth?
Cleaning between teeth should be carried out once a day. Ideally, it should be done before toothbrushing and before bed.
· Before toothbrushing: helps remove plaque and debris from the tooth surfaces, allowing the fluoride in toothpaste to make better contact with the enamel.
· Before bed: because saliva flow naturally reduces overnight, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay if plaque is present.
That said, the most important factor is consistency. If cleaning at a different time of day means you are more likely to stay consistent, then you should clean at that time. Regular daily interdental cleaning is what matters most.
Additional tips to support interdental cleaning
· Start slowly, it can take time to build confidence with new tools
· Use a mirror to help guide placement
· Consistency is more important than speed
· Replace tools regularly to maintain effectiveness
· Seek advice if you are unsure which tools to use
When should you seek professional advice?
Consider speaking with a dental professional if you notice:
· Persistent bleeding gums
· Pain when cleaning between teeth
· Difficulty finding tools that feel comfortable
· Changes in gum appearance or spacing between teeth
A dental professional can provide personalised advice and demonstrate techniques to help you clean effectively and comfortably.
Supporting gum health long term
Cleaning between your teeth is an important part of your daily oral care routine, alongside:
· Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
· Regular dental visits
· Maintaining a balanced diet
Together, these habits help support strong teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath.