How to Clean Between Your Teeth: Floss, Interdental Brushes & More

Don’t let plaque hide in the gaps!

You brush your teeth twice a day, but are you cleaning the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach?

Even with excellent brushing habits, plaque and food particles can accumulate between your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation and bad breath. Keeping those hidden spaces clean doesn’t have to be complicated! From traditional dental floss and floss picks to interdental brushes, Super Floss and water flossers, there are several ways to give your teeth a more thorough clean.

But which one is right for you?

At Happy Smiles Dentist in Hornsby, we’re here to help you understand your options and find an interdental cleaning routine that suits your smile.

Why Is Cleaning Between Your Teeth Important?

Your toothbrush does a great job of cleaning the visible surfaces of your teeth, but even the best toothbrush can’t effectively clean every space between neighbouring teeth. These hidden areas are where plaque can build up, particularly around the gumline. If plaque isn’t regularly removed, it can contribute to:

Tooth decay – cavities can develop between teeth.
Bleeding or inflamed gums – plaque can irritate the gum tissue.
Bad breath – trapped food and bacteria may cause unpleasant odours.
Tartar build-up – plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar.
Gum disease – ongoing inflammation may lead to more serious gum problems.

Cleaning between your teeth every day helps remove plaque and food debris from areas that brushing alone can miss.

Remember: brushing cleans your teeth, but interdental cleaning helps care for the spaces in between!

1. Dental Floss – Great for Tight Spaces

Traditional dental floss is particularly useful for cleaning between teeth that sit closely together. It helps remove plaque and food particles from narrow spaces that may be too tight for an interdental brush.

How to floss correctly:

Gently guide the floss between two teeth without snapping it against your gums.
Curve the floss around the side of one tooth into a C-shape.
Move it gently up and down along the tooth surface, including slightly beneath the gumline.
Repeat against the neighbouring tooth.
Move to a clean section of floss before cleaning the next space.

2. Floss Picks or Flossettes – Flossing Made Easier

Floss picks, also known as flossettes, are small handheld tools with a short piece of dental floss stretched between two ends. They offer a convenient alternative to traditional string floss, particularly for people who find flossing fiddly.

Floss picks may be a good choice if you:

Struggle to handle traditional dental floss.
Find it difficult to reach your back teeth.
Have limited hand dexterity.
Want a convenient option while travelling.
Are more likely to floss regularly when using a floss pick.

When using a floss pick, gently guide the floss between your teeth and clean along both neighbouring tooth surfaces.

3. Interdental Brushes – Small Brushes for Those Hidden Gaps

Interdental brushes are tiny, specially designed brushes that clean the spaces between your teeth. They come in different shapes and sizes because the gaps between your teeth aren’t always the same.

Interdental brushes may be particularly helpful if you have:

Larger spaces between your teeth.
Receding gums.
Braces or orthodontic appliances.
Dental bridges or implants.
A history of gum disease.

Choosing the right size matters.

An interdental brush should slide comfortably between your teeth without being forced. A brush that’s too small may not clean effectively, while one that’s too large could cause discomfort or damage. You may even need different brush sizes for different areas of your mouth.

At Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby, we can help you select suitable interdental brush sizes and demonstrate the correct technique.

4. Super Floss – Extra Help Around Bridges and Braces

Have a dental bridge, braces or other dental work that’s difficult to clean around? Super Floss may be just what you need. Unlike ordinary dental floss, Super Floss typically combines three useful features:

A stiffened end to help thread the floss into hard-to-reach spaces.
A thicker, spongy section to clean around appliances and restorations.
A regular floss section for cleaning between teeth.

Super Floss can be particularly useful for cleaning:

Under dental bridges.
Around braces and orthodontic wires.
Around certain dental implants and restorations.
Larger or irregular spaces between teeth.

Helpful tip: Dental bridges and implants require careful daily cleaning. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the safest and most effective technique for your particular dental work.

5. Water Flossers – A Different Way to Clean Between Teeth

A water flosser, sometimes called an oral irrigator, uses a controlled stream of water to help remove food debris and disrupt plaque around the teeth and gumline. Water flossers can be especially convenient for people who find traditional flossing difficult.

They may be useful if you have:

Braces or orthodontic appliances.
Dental bridges.
Dental implants.
Complex dental restorations.
Limited hand dexterity.

Water flossers may also help improve gum health when used correctly as part of a regular oral hygiene routine.

Can a water flosser replace traditional floss?

For some people, a water flosser may be a suitable interdental cleaning option. Others may benefit from combining it with floss or interdental brushes, particularly where plaque needs to be removed from tooth surfaces.

Your dentist can help you decide what works best for your individual needs.

Which Interdental Cleaner Should You Choose?

Not sure which option is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences.

Cleaning method	Particularly useful for
Dental floss	Tight spaces between teeth
Floss picks	Convenient cleaning and easier handling
Interdental brushes	Larger gaps, gum recession and suitable areas around dental work
Super Floss	Bridges, braces and certain dental restorations
Water flossers	Braces, complex dental work and people who find string floss difficult

Remember: There’s no single interdental cleaner that’s perfect for everyone. The best option depends on your teeth, gums and dental work.

Can You Use More Than One Interdental Cleaning Method?

Absolutely!

You don’t have to use the same cleaning tool throughout your entire mouth. Every smile is different, and sometimes a combination of methods provides the most practical and effective cleaning routine. For example, you might use:

Dental floss between tightly spaced front teeth.
Interdental brushes where the gaps are larger.
Super Floss underneath a dental bridge.
A water flosser around braces or other dental work.

What About Toothpicks?

We’ve all been tempted to reach for a toothpick when food gets stuck between our teeth.

While a toothpick may help remove a noticeable piece of food, it isn’t a substitute for proper interdental cleaning. Sharp or pointed objects can also injure your gums if used incorrectly.

For everyday cleaning, choose products specifically designed for interdental care, such as dental floss or appropriately sized interdental brushes.

If food frequently becomes trapped between the same teeth, mention it to your dentist. There may be an underlying reason that needs attention.

Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

This is a common question, and the answer is simpler than you might think.

Cleaning between your teeth before brushing is a good routine to follow.

Flossing or using an interdental cleaner first helps loosen plaque and food debris. You can then brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste.

However, the most important thing isn’t whether you floss before or after brushing.

It’s making interdental cleaning part of your daily routine.

Aim to clean between your teeth at least once a day, using a method that works effectively for you.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?

Noticed a little blood when flossing? Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum inflammation, often caused by plaque accumulating around the gumline.

Bleeding may also occur if you floss too forcefully or use an interdental brush that is too large.

If you notice mild bleeding, don’t automatically stop cleaning between your teeth. Continue gently, using the correct technique, and seek advice if the bleeding persists.

When should you see your dentist?

Bleeding gums shouldn’t be ignored. Your dentist can assess the cause and recommend appropriate care. Book a dental appointment if your gums:

Bleed frequently or heavily.
Remain swollen, red or tender.
Are painful when brushing or flossing.
Continue bleeding despite gentle, regular cleaning.

How to Choose the Best Interdental Cleaner for Your Smile

With so many options available, choosing the right cleaning tool can feel confusing. The most suitable method depends on several factors, including:

How closely your teeth sit together.
The size of the gaps between your teeth.
Your gum health.
Whether you wear braces.
Whether you have dental bridges or implants.
Your ability to handle different cleaning tools.
Your personal preferences.

For some people, traditional dental floss works beautifully. Others find interdental brushes, floss picks or water flossers easier to use.

The goal isn’t to use every product available. It’s to find a simple, effective routine you can maintain every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Interdental Cleaning

How often should I clean between my teeth?

Aim to clean between your teeth at least once a day, in addition to brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Are interdental brushes better than dental floss?

Not necessarily. Interdental brushes can be very effective where there is enough space between teeth, while dental floss may be more suitable for tighter contacts. Your dentist can help determine which is best for you.

Can I use both dental floss and interdental brushes?

Yes! Many people benefit from using floss in tighter spaces and interdental brushes where the gaps are larger.

Can a water flosser replace normal floss?

A water flosser may be suitable for some people, while others may need to combine it with traditional floss or interdental brushes. The right choice depends on your oral health needs.

Why do my gums bleed when I floss?

Bleeding can occur due to gum inflammation or incorrect cleaning technique. If bleeding continues, arrange a dental check-up to identify the cause.

Should I floss before or after brushing?

Either can be effective when done properly. Cleaning between your teeth before brushing is a helpful routine, but consistency and technique matter most.

Can I use interdental brushes if I have dental implants?

Interdental brushes may be suitable for cleaning around implants, but it’s important to use the correct size and an implant-appropriate product. Ask your dentist which tools are suitable for your restoration.

Not Sure What’s Best for Your Smile?

At Happy Smiles Dentist in Hornsby, we’re happy to help!

During your dental appointment, our friendly team can assess your teeth and gums, recommend suitable interdental cleaning tools and demonstrate how to use them effectively.

Because a healthy smile isn’t just about brushing — it’s about caring for the spaces in between, too.

Mind the gap — your smile will thank you!

Contact Happy Smiles Dentist Hornsby to book your next dental appointment.