How to Clean Between Your Teeth Properly

Cleaning between your teeth is a fundamental part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. Conventional brushing often only reaches about 60% of tooth surfaces, leaving the interdental spaces—the areas between the teeth—inadequately cleaned. Food debris and bacteria can accumulate in these niches, leading to the formation of plaque. Consistent interdental cleaning is therefore essential for gum care and preventing cavities and gingivitis.

This article analyses the technical differences between common methods and presents a selection of products tailored to specific user needs.

Buyer's Guide: Selection Criteria for Cleaning Tools

Choosing the right tool for cleaning between your teeth depends on individual factors like tooth alignment, the presence of dental work or orthodontic appliances, and personal preferences. Two primary technologies are available: oral irrigators and interdental brushes.

Oral Irrigators (Water Flossers)

An oral irrigator, also known as a Water Flosser, cleans between the teeth using a pulsating jet of water. This flushes out food debris and loose plaque from interdental spaces while simultaneously massaging the gums.

Technical Selection Parameters:

• Nozzle Technology: Modern devices offer specialised nozzles that split the water jet (e.g., into four streams) to clean a larger area more quickly and thoroughly. A 360-degree rotating nozzle allows you to reach difficult areas.
• Cleaning Modes and Intensity Levels: Adjustable modes (e.g., a standard Clean mode and a Deep Clean mode) and multiple pressure settings allow for customisation based on individual gum sensitivity.
• Reservoir Capacity: The volume of the tank (usually specified in millilitres) determines how long the device can be used without refilling. A capacity of around 250 ml is often sufficient for a 60-second cleaning cycle.
• Power and Portability: A cordless oral irrigator with battery operation and USB charging offers maximum flexibility and is ideal for travel. Battery life is specified in days or weeks of typical use.

Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes work on a purely mechanical basis. A fine, coated wire fitted with bristles is inserted into the space between teeth to remove plaque with a back-and-forth motion.

Technical Selection Parameters:

• ISO Size: Interdental brushes are available in various standardised sizes (ISO 0-8). The correct size is crucial to ensure the brush fills the space without damaging the gums or teeth. The corresponding Passage Hole Diameter (PHD) is often indicated on the packaging.
• Wire and Coating: The wire should be made of surgical-grade material and be plastic-coated. This coating protects sensitive surfaces, especially around implants, bridges, and braces.
• Bristles and Handle: The quality of the bristles and the ergonomics of the handle determine the effectiveness and comfort of use. Some bristles are additionally coated with substances like sodium fluoride or chlorhexidine.

Featured Product Reviews

Based on an analysis of technical specifications and practical benefits, we present a selection of products for interdental cleaning.

Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000

Why we recommend this product The Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 is a technologically advanced cordless oral irrigator. The device uses Quad Stream technology, where an X-shaped nozzle splits the water flow into four jets. This allows for faster, more extensive cleaning of interdental spaces and the gumline. The Pulse Wave technology guides you from tooth to tooth with gentle water pulses, ensuring a complete clean.

Pros

• Efficient Cleaning: The Quad Stream nozzle covers more area than conventional single-stream nozzles.
• Customisable Application: Two cleaning modes (Clean, Deep Clean) and three intensity levels allow for adjustment to individual needs.
• Practical Handling: The 250 ml reservoir is designed for a 60-second cleaning cycle. According to the manufacturer, the battery life lasts up to 14 days.
• Complete Coverage: The 360-degree rotating nozzle reaches even the most difficult-to-access spots in the mouth.

Who it's for This model is suitable for users looking for an effective and comfortable alternative to dental floss. It is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive gums, thanks to its adjustable intensity, and for users who prefer a quick and thorough clean in just one minute.

Mara Expert ISO 2 Advanced Interdental Brushes

Why we recommend this product The Mara Expert ISO 2 Advanced interdental brushes offer precise mechanical cleaning. They feature a plastic-coated, surgical-grade wire that is gentle on teeth and dental work. The triple-coated bristles are designed for thorough plaque removal. A flexible brush neck and an ergonomic handle allow for controlled and comfortable use.

Pros

• Targeted Mechanical Cleaning: Effectively removes plaque through direct contact.
• Gentle on Dental Work: The plastic-coated wire protects implants, bridges, and brace brackets.
• Specific Sizing: The ISO size 2 (PHD 0.9-1.0 mm) is designed for medium-sized interdental spaces.
• Additional Components: According to the manufacturer, the coating contains sodium fluoride and chlorhexidine gluconate.

Who it's for These interdental brushes are ideal for users who prefer a manual and highly targeted cleaning method. They are an excellent choice for those with braces, bridges, or implants, where precise cleaning around the appliances is required.

Philips Sonicare Compact Flosser 1000

Why we recommend this product The Philips Sonicare Compact Flosser 1000 (HX3333/24) is designed as an exceptionally travel-friendly Water Flosser. Weighing just 362 grams and featuring USB power, it offers high portability without compromising on functionality. Three operating modes allow you to adjust the water pressure to your personal preference, while the waterproof design simplifies cleaning the device.

Pros

• High Portability: Its low weight and compact design make this device ideal for on the go.
• Flexible Power Supply: USB charging allows for use in various locations.
• Customisable Cleaning: Three selectable operating modes to regulate intensity.
• Integrated Timer: Helps you adhere to the recommended cleaning time.

Who it's for This device is aimed at people who travel frequently or have limited bathroom space but don't want to miss out on the benefits of a Philips Sonicare oral irrigator. It's a practical solution for maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine both at home and on the go.

Other Oral Hygiene Options

In addition to targeted interdental cleaning, removing surface stains and tartar can contribute to comprehensive oral care. You can find a selection of devices for this purpose in our Tartar Removers category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is an oral irrigator more effective than interdental brushes? Both methods aim to remove plaque but use different mechanisms. An oral irrigator uses water pressure and is often easier to handle, especially with crowded teeth or braces. Interdental brushes clean mechanically and can be very thorough when the correct size is used. The choice depends on individual tooth alignment, motor skills, and personal preference.

2. How often should you clean between your teeth? Dental organisations generally recommend cleaning between your teeth daily to effectively control the build-up of plaque and food debris and to support gum care.

3. Can an oral irrigator be used on sensitive gums? Yes, many oral irrigators, like the featured Philips Sonicare oral irrigator, offer multiple intensity levels. Users can start with a low pressure setting and adjust it as needed. The water jet can also have a massaging effect on the gums.

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer