Interdental brushes are a necessary tool for maintaining good oral hygiene. They are designed to clean the spaces between the teeth where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Interdental brushes are especially useful for people with braces, bridges, or other orthodontic appliances. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
When it comes to choosing the best interdental brush, the critical factor to consider is the size. The brush should fit snugly between the teeth without causing discomfort or bleeding. The size of the brush should be determined by the size of the space between the teeth. Using a brush that is too small will not clean the teeth effectively, while using a brush that is too large can cause damage to the gums.
Our team spent hours researching and testing ten interdental brushes to identify the ones that are most effective and comfortable to use. We considered factors such as size, shape, bristle material, and ease of use. In this article, we will share our findings on the best interdental brushes, so you can make an informed decision and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Best Interdental Brushes
We know that flossing can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it’s important for maintaining good oral hygiene. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best interdental brushes on the market to help make the process a little easier. These brushes are designed to fit between your teeth and remove plaque and debris that your toothbrush can’t reach. Whether you have braces, sensitive gums, or just want to step up your dental routine, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Interdental Brushes
If you’re looking for an alternative to flossing that’s quick, easy, and effective, GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Interdental Brushes are worth considering.
Pros
- Deep cleaning: The soft bristles slide between teeth for a deep-cleaning alternative to floss that removes plaque that can’t be reached with tooth brushing alone.
- Perfect for braces and appliances: Clinically designed with nylon-coated wire, these brushes are ideal for cleaning around braces, fixtures, implants, and other dental devices without causing scratching or galvanic shock.
- Compact and reusable: The floss brushes come with a protective travel cap and bristles that are treated with a hygienic solution for up to ten days of use, making them perfect for carrying in your purse or travel kit.
Cons
- Brush bends: The brush may bend during use and require straightening between uses.
- Not suitable for all: While these brushes are great for some, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive teeth or tight spaces between teeth.
- May require some practice: It may take some time to get used to using these brushes and finding the right angle to clean between teeth.
We’ve found that GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens Interdental Brushes are a great alternative to flossing. They’re easy to use and great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. The nylon-coated wire is gentle on dental devices, and the compact size makes them perfect for on-the-go use. While the brush may bend during use, it’s easy to straighten, and the brushes are reusable for up to ten days. However, these brushes may not be suitable for everyone and may require some practice to use effectively. Overall, we recommend giving these brushes a try if you’re looking for an alternative to flossing.
DenTek Slim Brush Advanced Clean Interdental Cleaners
If you’re looking for an interdental brush that can clean the tightest spaces between your teeth, the DenTek Slim Brush Advanced Clean Interdental Cleaners might be the solution you need.
Pros
- The tapered brush with soft bristles helps remove food from extra-tight spaces.
- The flexible wire allows bristles to bend for better access to clean around braces and other dental work.
- The nonslip flexible handle provides comfort and control to ensure a thorough clean.
Cons
- The brush is disposable after use, so it can generate more waste than reusable options.
- Some users might find the mouthwash blast mint flavor too strong or unpleasant.
- The brush might be too flimsy for some users, especially if they have to apply more pressure to clean their teeth.
We have tried these interdental cleaners, and we think they can be a good choice if you want to complement your dental hygiene routine. The soft bristles can effectively remove food and plaque from tight spaces, and the flexible wire can adapt to different angles to reach all areas of your mouth. The handle is also comfortable to hold and use, which can make the cleaning process easier and more pleasant.
However, we also noticed some downsides to these interdental brushes. For example, they are disposable, which means you have to keep buying new packs and generating more waste. Also, the mouthwash blast mint flavor might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you prefer milder flavors or have sensitivity to strong tastes. Finally, the brush can be too flimsy for some users, especially if they have to apply more pressure to clean their teeth, which can result in bending or breaking.
Overall, we think the DenTek Slim Brush Advanced Clean Interdental Cleaners can be a good option for those who need a reliable and comfortable interdental brush for tight spaces. However, if you have specific preferences or requirements, you might want to explore other options as well.
TEPE Interdental Brush Original, Soft Dental Brush for Teeth Cleaning, Mixed Pack Mixed Multi
If you’re looking for an interdental brush that is versatile, efficient, and user-friendly, then the TEPE Interdental Brush Original is worth considering.
Pros
- The brush is fully coated and has a rounded-loop tip for gentle insertion, making it effective with braces, implants, crowns, and bridges.
- Unlike regular dental-floss tools, this reusable brush cleans the entire space between your teeth, providing efficient dental care.
- The ergonomic handle provides total movement control, and the included cap protects the brush when it’s not in use.
Cons
- The brush can be difficult to insert between tight teeth, and users may need to wiggle it or give it a quarter turn to get it in.
- The brush may bend easily, making it challenging to use for some people.
- The bristle wire may not be nylon coated as advertised, and it may scrape teeth and poke gums.
In our experience, the TEPE Interdental Brush Original is an excellent product that provides efficient cleaning and is comfortable to use. The brush’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of dental situations, and the ergonomic handle and included cap make it easy to use and store. However, users may find it challenging to insert the brush between tight teeth, and the bristle wire may not be as gentle as advertised. Overall, we recommend the TEPE Interdental Brush Original for those looking for an efficient and user-friendly interdental brush.
GOUWEIBA 100pcs Braces Brush Disposable Interdental Brush Toothpick Dental Tooth Flossing Head Oral Dental Hygiene Flosser Dental Hygiene Flosser Tooth Cleaning Tools (Mixed Color)
If you are looking for an affordable and convenient way to clean your teeth, the GOUWEIBA 100pcs Braces Brush Disposable Interdental Brush Toothpick Dental Tooth Flossing Head Oral Dental Hygiene Flosser Dental Hygiene Flosser Tooth Cleaning Tools (Mixed Color) is a great option.
Pros
- The package comes with 100 interdental brush toothpicks in different colors, which is sufficient for daily use.
- The soft bristles can remove plaque, clean the space between teeth, prevent bad breath and tooth decay, and keep your teeth healthy.
- The brushes are lightweight and portable, making them convenient to use and carry around.
Cons
- The brushes may not be suitable for those with sensitive gums as the bristles may be too firm.
- The brushes may not be as durable as other interdental brushes on the market.
- The brushes may not be suitable for those with larger gaps between their teeth.
In our experience, the GOUWEIBA interdental brushes are a great option for those who are looking for a cost-effective way to clean their teeth. The brushes are soft, yet effective at removing plaque and food particles. We also appreciate the variety of colors, making it easy to keep track of which brush we have used.
One thing to note is that the bristles may be too firm for those with sensitive gums. Additionally, the brushes may not be as durable as other options on the market. However, for the price, we find that the GOUWEIBA interdental brushes are a great value.
Overall, we recommend the GOUWEIBA 100pcs Braces Brush Disposable Interdental Brush Toothpick Dental Tooth Flossing Head Oral Dental Hygiene Flosser Dental Hygiene Flosser Tooth Cleaning Tools (Mixed Color) for those who are looking for an affordable and convenient way to clean their teeth.
TEPE Interdental Brush Angle
If you’re looking for an interdental brush that’s easy to use and offers efficient dental care, the TEPE Interdental Brush Angle is a great choice.
Pros
- The angled head of the brush makes it easy to clean narrow gaps between your teeth and gums that a normal toothbrush can’t reach.
- The long ergonomic handle provides total stability and movement control, making it easy to reach tight spots between back teeth, braces, implants, crowns, and bridges.
- Unlike regular dental-floss tools, this reusable brush cleans the entire space between your teeth. The cleaner is plastic coated, and the soft brush bristles help make your daily dental care enjoyable.
Cons
- The wire can bend easily, so you may need to replace the brush frequently.
- The brush may be too short for some users, making it difficult to reach certain areas of the mouth.
- The bristles may be too soft for some users, making it difficult to clean tough plaque.
We found the TEPE Interdental Brush Angle to be a versatile and user-friendly brush that’s great for daily dental care. To use the brush, wiggle it or give it a quarter turn when inserting it between the teeth. Move it back and forth a couple of times in a horizontal motion. Once you’re finished, rinse it with water and let it air-dry.
The brush comes in a pack of 6, with 0.7 mm brush size for medium gaps. The yellow color indicates the size 4, but you can also choose from a multipack of different sizes or one of our same-sized brush packs to fit your teeth.
TEPE Oral Care has been working with dental professionals since 1965 to develop solutions for good oral health. Our dental products are made in Sweden and are the go-to for a fresher, cleaner mouth. Overall, we highly recommend the TEPE Interdental Brush Angle for anyone looking for an effective and easy-to-use interdental brush.
Reach Interdental Brush Extra Tight
If you’re looking for an interdental brush that is effective in removing plaque and gentle on your gums, then the Reach Interdental Brush Extra Tight might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The 14° angle and narrow jaw opening make it easier to reach and clean hard-to-reach areas.
- The special coating on the wires provides gum protection, making it safe to use.
- The ribbed edge on the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to use.
Cons
- The bristles may be too soft for some people who prefer a firmer brush.
- The brush head may be too small for people with larger gaps between their teeth.
- The cap may not stay securely in place, making it less hygienic to use.
We’ve been using the Reach Interdental Brush Extra Tight for a while now, and we’ve found that it does a good job of removing plaque and keeping our teeth and gums healthy. The 14° angle and narrow jaw opening make it easy to reach and clean hard-to-reach areas, and the special coating on the wires provides gum protection, making it safe to use.
The ribbed edge on the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to use. However, the bristles may be too soft for some people who prefer a firmer brush, and the brush head may be too small for people with larger gaps between their teeth. Additionally, the cap may not stay securely in place, making it less hygienic to use.
Overall, we would recommend the Reach Interdental Brush Extra Tight for people who want a gentle and effective interdental brush. It’s a good choice for people with smaller gaps between their teeth and those who want to protect their gums while cleaning their teeth.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best interdental brush, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when selecting the right product for your needs:
Size and Shape
Interdental brushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it’s important to choose one that fits comfortably between your teeth. Look for a brush that is small enough to fit into tight spaces, but large enough to effectively remove plaque and debris.
Bristle Material
The bristles of an interdental brush can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon and rubber. Nylon bristles are more common and tend to be more effective at removing plaque, while rubber bristles are gentler on the gums.
Handle Design
The handle of an interdental brush should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip. Look for a brush with a non-slip handle that allows you to easily maneuver the brush between your teeth.
Packaging
Interdental brushes are often sold in multi-packs, so it’s important to consider the packaging when making your selection. Look for a package that is easy to open and store, and that contains enough brushes to last for several weeks or months.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best interdental brush for your needs and maintain optimal oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the optimal interdental brush sizes for different gaps between teeth?
Choosing the right size of interdental brush is crucial for effective cleaning. The optimal size of interdental brush can vary depending on the gap between teeth. It is important to choose a brush that fits snugly between the teeth without causing discomfort or pain. Our recommendation is to consult with your dentist or hygienist to determine the most appropriate size for your teeth.
How often should interdental brushes be replaced?
Interdental brushes should be replaced regularly to maintain their effectiveness. We recommend replacing the brush every 2-3 weeks, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn. In addition, if you have been sick, it is important to replace your brush to avoid reintroducing bacteria into your mouth.
Can interdental brushes be effectively used with braces?
Yes, interdental brushes can be effectively used with braces. In fact, they are an essential tool for maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces. We recommend using a smaller size brush to effectively clean around the brackets and wires. As always, consult with your orthodontist for specific recommendations on how to use interdental brushes with braces.
What are the benefits of using interdental brushes compared to traditional floss?
Interdental brushes offer several benefits compared to traditional floss. They are easier to use, especially for people with dexterity issues or limited mobility. They can effectively clean between teeth and along the gumline, removing plaque and food particles. They also come in a variety of sizes to fit different gaps between teeth.
How should interdental brushes be used for maximum oral hygiene?
To use an interdental brush, insert the brush gently between the teeth and move it back and forth, making sure to clean along the gumline. Repeat for each gap between teeth, using a new brush as needed. It is important to be gentle and not force the brush between teeth, as this can cause discomfort or damage to the gums.
What factors should be considered when choosing interdental brushes for sensitive gums?
If you have sensitive gums, it is important to choose an interdental brush with soft bristles. Look for brushes with flexible, tapered bristles that can effectively clean between teeth without causing discomfort. It is also important to choose a brush with a small enough size to fit comfortably between teeth without causing pain or irritation. As always, consult with your dentist or hygienist for specific recommendations.