How to Use TePe Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are designed to clean the spaces between your teeth, areas that a regular toothbrush can’t reach.
Cleaning between your teeth daily helps remove plaque, support gum health, reduce the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
Why use an interdental brush?
Plaque builds up between teeth just as it does on the front and back surfaces. If it is not removed regularly, it can lead to gum inflammation and other oral health problems.
Interdental brushes are often recommended for:
· Larger gaps between teeth
· Around braces or orthodontic wires
· Around crowns, bridges, and implants
· Areas where gums have receded
Used alongside twice daily toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, interdental brushes support a more complete clean.
Step 1: Choose the correct size
Interdental brushes come in different sizes to suit different spaces.
· The brush should fit snugly and comfortably
· It should not be forced
· If it feels uncomfortable or bends excessively, try a smaller size
· If it feels loose, you may need a larger size
Many people need more than one size for different areas of the mouth. If you are unsure which size to use, start with the smallest size and work your way up, choosing the largest size that fits comfortably, if you’re still not sure a dental professional can advise you.
Step 2: Insert the brush gently
Hold the brush between your thumb and index finger (like holding a pencil).
Gently guide the brush into the space between your teeth, keeping contact with the gum. Slightly rotate and wiggle to ease insertion.
Do not snap or force the brush through the contact point.
The wire should not scrape against the tooth surface. If it does, try a smaller size.
Step 3: Clean the space
Move the brush backwards and forwards a few times to remove plaque and food debris.
Ensure you clean along the gumline as well as between the teeth.
For back teeth:
· You can gently bend the neck of the brush slightly to improve access,
· or place the cap on the end of the brush as a handle extender,
· or an angled interdental brush can be used to reach further back comfortably
Step 4: Rinse and replace
Rinse the brush under running water after use. Store in a clean dry place.
Replace the brush when:
· The bristles become worn
· The wire bends permanently
· The interdental brush no longer fits comfortably
How often should you use an interdental brush?
Cleaning between your teeth once a day is usually recommended. It’s especially helpful to use them in the evening so your teeth are at their cleanest before bed.
Using an interdental brush daily helps protect your gums and teeth long term.
Is it normal for gums to bleed?
Some mild bleeding when you first start using interdental brushes can be normal. It is often a sign of existing gum inflammation caused by plaque build-up.
Gently continuing daily cleaning helps improve gum health within a few days. If bleeding persists, becomes heavy, or is accompanied by pain, seek advice from a dental professional.
Can interdental brushes replace floss?
In many cases, interdental brushes are recommended where space allows, as they come in standardised sizes to suit different gaps. However, floss may still be useful in very tight spaces where a brush cannot fit. Usually a combination of tools is needed. The most effective tool is one that fits correctly and is used consistently.