You brush twice a day, use a quality toothpaste, and visit your dentist regularly. Surely that’s enough to keep your teeth healthy, right? Unfortunately, brushing alone misses up to 40% of your tooth surfaces—specifically, those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth where food particles and bacteria love to hide.

This is why brushing alone isn’t enough, and why interdental cleaning deserves a starring role in your daily routine.

What Happens in the Spaces Your Toothbrush Can’t Reach

Between your teeth and along the gum line are prime locations for plaque buildup. When left undisturbed, this bacterial film hardens into tartar and begins wreaking havoc on your periodontal health. The result? Gingivitis, bad breath, bleeding gums, and eventually, more serious gum disease.

These tight spaces and gum pockets are breeding grounds for bacteria that contribute to inflammation and infection. Without proper cleaning between teeth, you’re essentially leaving a significant portion of your mouth unprotected, no matter how diligently you brush.

Is Flossing Really Necessary?

Is flossing really necessary? Absolutely. Dr Doug Leishman and our team at Diamond Dental Care can confirm that interdental cleaning is critical for plaque removal and gum disease prevention. Daily flossing removes debris and bacteria from areas your toothbrush simply cannot access.

Regular interdental cleaning can dramatically reduce your risk of cavities between teeth, prevent gingivitis, and keep your breath fresh. It’s one of the most effective preventive measures you can take for long-term oral health.

Best Interdental Cleaning Tools for Your Unique Needs

The good news is that you have several options when it comes to cleaning between your teeth. The best interdental cleaning tools depend on your specific mouth anatomy and personal preferences.

Dental Floss

Traditional dental floss remains the gold standard for many people. It’s affordable, portable, and effective for most tight spaces. Waxed floss slides more easily between close contacts, while unwaxed floss provides a slightly better grip for plaque removal.

Interdental Brushes

These small, cone-shaped brushes are excellent for wide gaps and are particularly useful for bridge cleaning. Interdental brushes come in various sizes and are especially beneficial for people with orthodontic appliances or dental work.

Water Flosser

A water flosser uses pulsating water to clean between teeth and is gentler on sensitive gums. It’s an excellent option for people with braces, implants, or those who find traditional flossing challenging.

Floss Picks

Floss picks offer convenience and ease of use, making them perfect for travel or quick cleaning. While not as versatile as traditional floss, they’re better than skipping interdental cleaning altogether.

How to Clean Between Your Teeth Properly

Using proper technique ensures you’re getting maximum benefit from flossing teeth and interdental cleaning:

• Use about 45cm of floss, winding most around your middle fingers
• Gently slide the floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion
• Curve the floss around each tooth in a C-shape and slide it beneath the gum line
• Use clean sections of floss for each tooth
• Be gentle but thorough—you shouldn’t experience significant bleeding after the first few sessions

If you’re using interdental brushes, insert them gently between teeth and move back and forth several times. Never force the brush if resistance is met.

Making Interdental Cleaning a Habit

The key to effective gum disease prevention is consistency. Incorporate interdental cleaning into your oral hygiene routine at least once daily—preferably before bedtime. This allows you to remove the day’s accumulation of food particles and bacteria before they can cause damage overnight.

If you experience persistent bleeding gums or discomfort during cleaning between teeth, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Our dental services include comprehensive gum health assessments and personalised advice on interdental cleaning techniques.

At Diamond Dental Care, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Contact us at 07 5477 0889 to learn more about proper interdental cleaning or to schedule your next checkup. Your gums will thank you!