Dental floss, interdental brush or water flosser: which do I use?
In short: cleaning between the teeth every day is just as important as brushing, because the toothbrush doesn’t reach there. Dental floss works better on teeth that are very close together; the interdental brush when there’s more of a gap (or with implants, braces or receding gums); the water flosser is a great complement, but it doesn’t entirely replace the previous two. The best approach is usually to combine them depending on your mouth.
Why clean between the teeth?
Because the toothbrush, however good it is, doesn’t get into the spaces between one tooth and the next. And precisely there, where it doesn’t reach, is where the plaque builds up that causes decay between the teeth and gum disease. So brushing and nothing more leaves half your mouth uncleaned. This is probably the hygiene improvement with the greatest impact.
Each tool, what it’s for
| Tool | Works better for… |
|---|---|
| Dental floss | Teeth very close together, narrow spaces |
| Interdental brush | More space, receding gums, implants, braces |
| Water flosser (pressurised water) | Complement: implants, braces, delicate gums |
Dental floss
It’s the classic and the king of narrow spaces. Used well (wrapping around the tooth in a C shape and moving up and down, not “sawing” the gum), it sweeps away the stuck-on plaque the brush doesn’t touch. It takes a bit of skill at first, but it’s very effective and cheap.
The interdental brush
These are those small brushes in various thicknesses. When there’s some gap between the teeth, they clean more and are more comfortable than floss. They’re the best option if you have receding gums, implants or wear braces. The key is choosing the right thickness for each space (we’ll help you measure it at the clinic).
The water flosser
It shoots a jet of pressurised water that cleans between the teeth and below the gum. It’s a great complement, especially handy with implants, braces or sensitive gums. But be aware: it doesn’t sweep away stuck-on plaque as well as floss or the interdental brush, so it’s a support, not a substitute.
So, which do I use?
A simple guide:
- Teeth very close together and healthy gums → dental floss.
- Visible gaps, implants or braces → interdental brush (+ water flosser if you like).
- For many people the ideal is to combine: interdental brush where it fits, floss where it doesn’t.
And, above all: do it once a day, preferably at night. Together with good brushing, it’s the foundation for avoiding treatments.
At the practice we’ll tell you which tool and which size suit you best according to your mouth. The first visit is free. Book an appointment whenever you like.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, dental floss or an interdental brush?
It depends on the space between your teeth. If they're very close together, dental floss reaches better. If there's more of a gap (or you have receding gums, implants or braces), the interdental brush cleans more and is more comfortable. Many people combine both depending on the area.
Does a water flosser replace dental floss?
Not entirely. The water flosser (pressurised water) is a good complement and works very well with implants, braces or delicate gums, but it doesn't sweep away stuck-on plaque as well as floss or the interdental brush. Ideally use it as a support, not as your only method.
Do I need to clean between the teeth every day?
Yes. The toothbrush doesn't reach between the teeth, and that's where much of decay and gum disease begins. Cleaning those spaces once a day, ideally at night, makes an enormous difference to the health of your mouth.
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