How to Clean Between Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. However, even the best brushing technique cannot reach every surface of your teeth.

As a Dental Hygienist and Therapist, one of the most common things I see is plaque and inflammation developing in the small spaces between teeth. These areas can easily trap food debris and bacteria, making them difficult to keep clean with a toothbrush alone.

That's where interdental cleaning comes in.

In this guide, I'll explain why cleaning between your teeth matters, the different tools available and how to choose the right option for your smile.

Why Is Cleaning Between Your Teeth Important?

The spaces between your teeth are a perfect place for plaque to accumulate.

When plaque is left undisturbed, it can cause:

• Bleeding gums
• Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
• Bad breath
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay between the teeth
• Tooth loss in advanced cases

Many patients are surprised to learn that brushing alone cannot effectively clean these areas. That's why interdental cleaning should form part of your daily oral hygiene routine.

What Is the Best Way to Clean Between Your Teeth?

There isn't a single solution that works for everyone.

The best option depends on:

• The size of the spaces between your teeth
• Whether you have crowns, bridges or implants
• Your manual dexterity
• Personal preference

The most important thing is choosing a method you can use consistently every day.

Dental Floss

Dental floss remains one of the most widely recognised interdental cleaning tools.

It is particularly useful for patients with very tight spaces between their teeth where interdental brushes may not fit comfortably.

Floss works by gently sliding between the teeth and removing plaque from the sides of each tooth.

I often recommend tape floss rather than traditional thread floss because the wider surface can be easier to control and more comfortable to use.

Tips for Using Floss Effectively

• Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.
• Wrap the floss around your middle fingers for better control.
• Gently guide the floss between the teeth.
• Curve it around the side of each tooth.
• Move it up and down beneath the gum margin.

If you struggle with traditional floss, floss picks or floss harps can often make the process easier.

Interdental Brushes

For many patients, interdental brushes are the easiest and most effective solution.

These small brushes resemble miniature pipe cleaners and are designed to clean the spaces between teeth.

Brands such as TePe offer a range of colour-coded sizes to suit different gaps.

Interdental brushes are often my first recommendation because:

• They are simple to use.
• They clean larger surface areas than floss.
• Most patients find them easier to incorporate into their routine.

Choosing the Correct Size

Using the right size is important.

A brush that is too small may not clean effectively.

A brush that is too large may feel uncomfortable or difficult to insert.

As a general guide:

• You should feel gentle resistance as the brush passes through.
• It should not require force.
• It should not cause pain.

Many people need more than one brush size for different areas of the mouth.

Superfloss for Bridges

Patients with dental bridges often need something more specialised.

Superfloss has a stiffened end that allows it to be threaded beneath bridgework.

A thicker, softer section then helps clean around the bridge and gum line where food debris and plaque can collect.

For bridge patients, this can be one of the most effective cleaning aids available.

Water Flossers and Waterpiks

Water flossers use a controlled jet of water to help remove plaque and debris around the teeth and gums.

They can be particularly useful for:

• Dental implants
• Bridgework
• Orthodontic appliances
• Patients with reduced dexterity
• Hard-to-reach areas

While they can be an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine, they should not always be viewed as a complete replacement for interdental brushes or floss.

For many patients, a combination of tools provides the best results

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Start Cleaning Between My Teeth?

This is one of the questions I am asked most often.

Many people assume bleeding means they should stop cleaning the area.

In reality, the opposite is usually true.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque build-up around the gum line.

When you begin cleaning these areas properly, the inflamed tissues may bleed for a short period.

With consistent daily cleaning, most people notice a significant improvement within a week or two.

However, if bleeding continues or worsens, it is important to arrange a dental examination to assess your gum health.

Should I Clean Between My Teeth Before or After Brushing?

Current evidence suggests that cleaning between your teeth before brushing can be beneficial.

Removing plaque and debris first allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to reach more tooth surfaces when you brush.

The most important thing, however, is making interdental cleaning part of your daily routine.

How Often Should You Clean Between Your Teeth?

For most patients, once per day is ideal.

Interdental cleaning only takes a few minutes but can make a significant difference to the health of your teeth and gums.

Combined with:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Regular dental examinations
• Professional hygiene appointments

it forms an important part of maintaining long-term oral health.

Need Advice on the Best Interdental Cleaning Method?

Every mouth is different.

If you're unsure whether you should be using floss, interdental brushes or another cleaning aid, our hygienist team can help identify the most suitable option for your individual needs.

Small changes to your daily routine can have a lasting impact on your oral health and help prevent problems before they develop.