Interdental Brush : guide of the best products

Oral hygiene is very important for the health of the mouth and teeth, but also for the whole body.

If you have unwanted bacteria in your mouth, they are transmitted to your entire body through saliva when you swallow; if you have broken, damaged or missing teeth, you chew poorly and the impact on your digestive system can be a problem. This means brushing your teeth after every meal and making a routine visit to the dentist at least once a year.

But that's not all, it is strongly advised to use the toothbrush, dental floss and interdental brush in conjunction with the toothbrush. The brush is less used in France than in other countries, and yet it is useful, even essential for good dental hygiene.

Here are all the details about the interdental brush, as well as a comparison of three of the products you can find on the market.

Why use an interdental brush?

Even when used with the utmost care, a toothbrush only reaches 60% of the tooth surface, because the bristles do not reach the smallest gaps. Plaque builds up between your teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach it.

Using an interdental brush daily helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar that only the dentist can remove.

A thorough cleaning prevents gum inflammation, cavities, periodontal disease, bad breath and a “piano key” smile!

Who should use interdental brushes?

Interdental brushes can be used by almost anyone. There is an exception for people whose teeth are particularly tight. It is impossible for them to slide the brush that twists without being able to find a way through.

A plus to the toothbrush

Toothbrushes are not enough, so these people must use dental floss. Otherwise, the pieces of food that get stuck between the teeth will decay and form cavities on both teeth involved.

With this exception, brushes are suitable for everyone and are easier to use if your teeth are a little wide apart. They are particularly recommended for people with gum problems or periodontal disease.

To clean between teeth and gums

When used with care, they clean the gums between the teeth perfectly and provide a massage that stimulates blood circulation beneficial to the gums.

Dental brushes help to clean gently and are therefore suitable for all types of dentures, fixed or removable. They are also very useful for cleaning the corners inaccessible to the brush, if you wear orthodontic appliances, such as braces.

You should use your interdental brush once a day, preferably in the evening, moving the brush gently back and forth in each interdental space.

The design of the interdental brush

The interdental brush is designed to fit where a toothbrush cannot. It is composed of a short non-slip plastic handle to ensure a good grip and a stainless metal part, usually protected by plastic, and soft synthetic bristles.

Several sizes of brushes

The brush comes in several sizes, the ranges generally start at 0.6 or 0.7 mm and then differ according to the brand. If you're new to using a brush and this is your first time buying one, get the thinner ones. If you find that they are too thin, you will take the size above next time.

If you buy a brush that is too big, it won't fit between your teeth and it will twist. A brush that is too thin can be used until a thicker one is found.

A process that doesn't work for everyone

If even the thinnest brush can't get between your teeth, don't insist, the process isn't for you and you need to floss. This is the case for people whose teeth are too tight, but also in the case where the teeth overlap.

If your teeth are unevenly spaced, you need to combine the brush for spaced teeth and the floss for crowded teeth.

How to use the interdental brush?

The recommended use of the interdental brush is once a day. The best is to do it in the evening, which avoids that the dental plaque stagnates all night and how to transform itself into tartar. The first few times, do it in front of the mirror to avoid clumsy gestures. Once you get used to it, you'll know how to aim right, without a mirror!

Before or after brushing?

There are two schools of thought – as with flossing – about whether to use the brush before or after thorough brushing. The “after” advocates argue that brushing is a finishing touch.

However, the “before” advocates make an argument that seems more logical: if you dislodge food debris, it may very well stick elsewhere. The function of the brush is to roughen up the work, so it is best to brush your teeth afterwards to remove all unwanted particles.

It's up to you to choose your side!

A slight incline for gentle cleaning

To gently insert the brush, you can tilt it slightly, push the tip through, and then straighten it out so it's perpendicular to your teeth. You can then push it completely.

Try to go slowly and only go back and forth to avoid irritation and injury to the gums. If you have a lot of space between the teeth, you can make several passes and even make a rotating movement.

Rinse the brush properly and return it to its protective box or case.

A brush can usually last from one to three weeks. It all depends on the configuration of your teeth, how you use it and the brand you choose.

What should I do if I start bleeding?

Bleeding is not unusual if you have never used an interdental brush. Your gums are not used to the contact and rubbing of the hair, so it is possible that there are a few points that give way.

However, if this bleeding persists beyond one week, you should stop using the brush and make an appointment with your dentist to check for infection or periodontal disease.

The different brushes available on the market

You will find a very large and diverse offer on the market of interdental brushes.

The models differ in the materials used and in the design. The size of the handle differs from one to another and some have a tilting head.

You can also find single-use travel interdental brushes that don't care about the environment. It's best to buy reusable brush packs that also use less packaging.

Dental brushes: the comparison

We have selected 3 models for our comparison. This will allow you to choose the product that best suits you. You will have to determine the right size for your interdental space.

Gum Bi-Directional Interdental Brushes

The Gum brand is the reference in gum care. Gum means “gum” in this case, not “gum”!

Their bi-directional range has the particularity of offering a 90° swivel head, in order to facilitate access to posterior areas.

Their stem is very resistant and does not bend irreparably when the head meets an obstacle. Their handle is quite long, which makes it easier to handle if you have large hands.

You can choose between three sizes: 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm or 1.2 mm.

Gum's excellent quality two-way interdental brush is our favorite because, while it's a little more expensive than others, it lasts longer, making it a better investment.

Oral-B ultra-fine brushes

Oral B has long been a reference in the field of dentistry. The brand offers all the necessary products for a good oral hygiene: toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes…

The ultra-fine brush is ideal if you have fairly tight teeth. It is of very good quality and very soft for the gums.

If you are sensitive to bulky packaging, you will be seduced by its packaging by 36 copies. Even if it's 3 boxes of 12, you get them in one package if you buy them online.

Crinex

Our selection had to include a French brand and Crinex is the best positioned in this sector.

Its conical brush is very effective and we selected it for the variety of diameters it offers. It is also very durable, which is a source of savings. If you want to promote French industry, Crinex is an excellent choice.

In conclusion, get into the habit of using the interdental brush for good oral hygiene and a bright, shiny smile!