Interdental brushes (also called proxabrushes or interproximal brushes) are small bristle brushes designed to clean between teeth where traditional floss struggles. Many dentists recommend them over string floss because they're mechanically more effective, easier for people with arthritis or dexterity issues, and proven to remove more plaque. Yet many people have never heard of them or don't know how to use them properly. If flossing frustrates you or feels impossible, interdental brushes might be the solution you've been seeking.
What Are Interdental Brushes?
Interdental brushes are tiny bottle brushes (1-2mm in diameter) attached to a handle or cone-shaped holder. Bristles spiral around a fine wire core, creating a scrubbing action similar to toothbrushes but sized for between-teeth spaces.
Components: - Bristles (nylon, often in various colors by size) - Wire core (coated for comfort and longevity) - Handle (plastic, often with a covering) - Some have replaceable heads; others are single-use
How they work: Insert gently between teeth, move with gentle back-and-forth or circular motions, and bristles scrub away plaque biofilm. Unlike floss, which relies on friction and cutting action, interdental brushes use mechanical scrubbing—often more effective for plaque removal.
Sizing: The Critical Step Most People Skip
This is where people fail with interdental brushes. Getting the correct size is absolutely crucial. Use the wrong size and they're ineffective or uncomfortable.
Size progression (smallest to largest):
| Color | Size Code | Diameter (mm) | Best For | How It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple/Pink | XS | 0.4mm | Very tight contacts, anterior (front) teeth | Snug fit; requires gentle insertion |
| Red | XS-S | 0.6mm | Very tight to small spaces | Snug but easier than XS |
| Blue | S | 0.8mm | Small to moderate spaces | Comfortable snug fit |
| Green | M | 1.0mm | Moderate spaces | Standard size; most common |
| Yellow | L | 1.2mm | Larger spaces | Generous fit |
| Orange | XL | 1.5mm | Large spaces, post-extraction sites | Very loose fit |
| Black | XXL | 1.8mm | Very large spaces, extraction sites, implants | Maximum size |
How to choose your size: 1. Visit your dentist; ask for a sample set 2. Try each size between different teeth (back molars are usually larger; front teeth smaller) 3. Correct size should: Insert with slight resistance, not force, fit snugly between teeth, not be loose, clean without scraping 4. You might need multiple sizes (small for front teeth, larger for molars)
Common mistake: People use sizes too large, which don't fit into actual interdental spaces and miss the debris they're supposed to clean.
Proper Interdental Brush Technique
Step-by-step: 1. Position: Hold the brush at a 90-degree angle to the tooth surface (pointing perpendicular to the gum line) 2. Insert gently: Slide the brush slowly between the teeth; don't jam it in 3. Angle adjustment: Once inserted, you can angle it slightly toward the contact point 4. Gentle motion: Use gentle back-and-forth or small circular motions 5. Coverage: Move the brush from facial (cheek-side) to lingual (tongue-side) around the contact 6. Patience: 3-5 slow, deliberate motions per space (speed matters less than thoroughness) 7. Progression: Move systematically through all accessible spaces 8. Rinse: Rinse the brush under water frequently to remove debris
What NOT to do: - Don't force the brush; if it won't fit, you need a smaller size - Don't use aggressive sawing motions (gentle scrubbing works better) - Don't skip the lingual surfaces (tongue-side of back teeth often missed) - Don't use while gum tissue is inflamed (wait for gingivitis to resolve) - Don't expect to use the same size for all spaces (adapt by tooth position)
Interdental Brush vs. Floss: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Interdental Brush | String Floss |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque removal | Excellent (mechanical scrubbing) | Good (cutting action) |
| Ease of use | High (intuitive, one-handed possible) | Moderate (requires two-handed coordination) |
| Learning curve | Minimal (obviously how to use it) | Moderate (proper technique takes practice) |
| Tight contacts | Difficult if contacts very tight | Good (works in snug spaces) |
| Larger spaces | Excellent (designed for gaps) | Adequate (works but less efficient) |
| Dexterity requirement | Low (large handle, simple motion) | High (requires fine motor control) |
| Arthritis-friendly | Excellent (thick handle, simple action) | Poor (fine motor difficult) |
| Cost per use | Moderate ($0.10-0.25 per brush) | Low ($0.05-0.10 per inch) |
| Durability | 1-2 weeks per brush | Single-use (disposable) |
| Environmental impact | Moderate waste (plastic) | Low waste (thin plastic) |
| Gum trauma potential | Low (designed for gums) | Moderate (can cut if technique poor) |
The verdict: For most people, interdental brushes are superior to string floss. They're more effective, easier to use, and gentler on gums. The only advantage of floss is reaching very tight contacts where brushes won't fit.
Interdental Brush Product Types and Brands
Manual handles (most common): - Plastic handle with bristled brush on end - Cost: $5-15 for pack of 6-12 brushes - Reusable handle, replaceable brush heads (some brands) - Examples: TePe, GUM Go-Betweens, Plackers
Disposable plastic handles: - Brushes with permanent plastic handles - Cost: $5-15 for pack of 25-50 - Single-use design; throw away after a few days - Examples: GUM Trav-Ler, various budget brands
Electric interdental brushes: - Motorized oscillation action - Cost: $30-80 - More aggressive plaque removal - May be excessive for most people - Helpful for arthritis or severe plaque buildup
Threaded designs: - Fine wire or thread wrapping bristles - Gentler option for sensitive gums - May be less effective at plaque removal - Examples: Some TePe models
Best choice for most people: Standard manual handles with replaceable brush heads (TePe or GUM Go-Betweens are consistent quality).
Specific Cleaning Scenarios and Brush Selection
For visible gaps between teeth: Use your largest comfortable size (often Yellow, Orange, or larger). The gap allows brush insertion and excellent cleaning.
For tight posterior contacts (back molars): Use Blue or Green (S or M size). These teeth often have tight spaces despite posterior positioning.
For anterior teeth (front teeth): Use smaller sizes (Purple, Red, or Blue). Front teeth have naturally tighter contacts.
After orthodontics (braces removed): Use multiple sizes as teeth adjust. You might need different sizes for different areas initially.
For implants: Use larger sizes and be gentler. Implants are sensitive to trauma; soft touches work better. Brush daily to prevent implant disease.
For recession/exposed roots: Use gentle, careful technique with appropriately sized brushes. Exposed roots are sensitive; avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Wrong size selection - Solution: Get a sample pack from dentist; try multiple sizes - Test between different teeth pairs - Correct size feels snug, not forced or loose
Mistake 2: Forcing the brush - Solution: Use gentle pressure only - If brush won't fit, try smaller size - Let the brush do the work, not your force
Mistake 3: Only using one size - Solution: Use multiple sizes for different tooth positions - Front teeth need smaller brushes - Back molars can accommodate larger brushes
Mistake 4: Not cleaning thoroughly (rushing) - Solution: Spend 3-5 seconds per interdental space - Use slow, deliberate motions - Don't skip less-accessible areas (lingual surfaces)
Mistake 5: Using in inflamed areas - Solution: Wait for gingivitis to improve first - Start with very gentle brushing - Increase intensity as gums heal
Mistake 6: Not rinsing brush frequently - Solution: Rinse under water every few teeth - Removes accumulated debris - Keeps bristles working properly
Comparing Brands: Quality and Features
TePe brushes: - Quality: Excellent; professional brand - Sizes: Full range; precise sizing - Cost: $8-12 for pack of 6 - Handle: Elegant, thin (requires fine motor control) - Verdict: Gold standard; best quality
GUM Go-Betweens: - Quality: Very good; widely available - Sizes: Good range - Cost: $5-10 for pack - Handle: Sturdy, easy to grip - Verdict: Best value; reliable quality
GUM Trav-Ler (disposable): - Quality: Good; convenient - Sizes: Limited range - Cost: $8-15 for pack of 25-50 - Handle: Disposable plastic - Verdict: Best for travel/single-use
Plackers Interdental Brushes: - Quality: Good; affordable - Sizes: Moderate range - Cost: $5-8 for pack - Handle: Simple, functional - Verdict: Budget option; adequate quality
Budget brands (generic): - Quality: Varies widely; often acceptable - Sizes: Limited range - Cost: $3-5 - Handle: Basic - Verdict: Gamble; might work, might not
Best overall choice: TePe or GUM Go-Betweens for quality/value balance.
When Floss Is Still Better
Interdental brushes don't work for everyone:
Interdental brushes won't work if: - Teeth are very tightly crowded (no space for brush insertion) - You have very tight anterior contacts - Gums are heavily inflamed (wait until better controlled)
In these situations: Use floss instead, or discuss other options with dentist.
Hybrid approach: Many people benefit from using interdental brushes where they fit, and floss for very tight spaces. It's the best of both worlds.
The 2026 Interdental Brush Update
Modern interdental brushes have improved: - Better bristle design (smoother insertion) - More size options (better fitting) - Improved ergonomic handles (easier for arthritis) - Sustainable options (some brands working on biodegradable designs) - Better visibility aids (color-coding for size identification)
The Bottom Line
Interdental brushes are more effective than floss for most people and dramatically easier to use. Getting the right size is critical—talk to your dentist for samples to test. Once you find your size(s), the cleaning is straightforward and intuitive. For anyone struggling with floss or arthritis, interdental brushes can transform your interdental cleaning from frustrating to manageable. TePe and GUM Go-Betweens are reliable brands offering good quality. Start with a sample pack, find your size, and commit to daily use—your gums will reward you with better health.
Key Takeaway: Interdental brushes are superior to floss for most people, offering better plaque removal and ease of use. Correct sizing is crucial—get samples from your dentist to find your size. Use daily with gentle motions for excellent interdental cleaning without the frustration of traditional flossing.