Interdental Brushes vs Flossing: Which Cleans Better Between Teeth?

The spaces between your teeth are where cavities and gum disease love to start. Your toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces, leaving the remaining 40% untouched. That is where interdental cleaning comes in. But should you use traditional dental floss or interdental brushes? Let us settle this debate once and for all.

Traditional Flossing: The Classic Approach

Dental floss has been recommended by dentists for decades. It works by sliding a thin thread between teeth to dislodge food and scrape plaque off the sides of each tooth. For people with very tight contacts between teeth and no orthodontic appliances, floss can be effective. However, studies show that most people do not floss correctly or consistently. It requires good technique, patience, and manual dexterity that many people find frustrating.

Interdental Brushes: The Modern Alternative

Interdental brushes are small, bristled brushes designed to slide between teeth and clean the gaps thoroughly. Multiple clinical studies have shown that interdental brushes remove significantly more plaque than traditional floss, particularly in areas where gaps are wide enough to fit the brush. They are easier to use, faster, and more effective at reaching the concave surfaces between teeth that floss simply glides past.

For Orthodontic Patients: No Contest

If you wear braces, the choice is even clearer. Threading floss under archwires is time-consuming and difficult. Interdental brushes slide easily between brackets and wires, cleaning effectively in seconds. They are also excellent for patients with implants, bridges, and wider gaps. For tighter spaces, a push-pull interdental brush with a retractable design offers even more precision, keeping the bristles protected and hygienic when not in use.

How to Choose the Right Size

Interdental brushes come in various sizes to fit different gap widths. The brush should fit snugly but not force its way in. If it bends or you have to push hard, try a smaller size. Most people benefit from having two sizes — a smaller one for tight front teeth and a larger one for wider back teeth. At Gleam and Go, our interdental brushes come in multiple sizes and eight vibrant colors, making it easy and fun to build a complete cleaning routine.

The bottom line is this: the best interdental cleaner is the one you will actually use consistently. Interdental brushes make that consistency much easier to achieve. Shop our full range of interdental brushes at Gleam and Go and give your teeth the deep clean they deserve.