Floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser: how do you choose?

Choose a cleaning tool that suits the spaces in your mouth and that you can use reliably. String floss, interdental brushes and water flossers have different practical advantages. You may need more than one method if you have tight contacts, wider gaps, braces or a dental bridge.

What does cleaning between teeth add?

A toothbrush cannot effectively reach every surface between teeth. Interdental cleaning means cleaning those spaces as part of your daily routine. The Australian Dental Association recommends daily cleaning between teeth and describes several available tools. ADA advice on interdental cleaning.

A Cochrane review found that adding floss or interdental brushes to brushing may help reduce gum inflammation, but the evidence was generally low or very low certainty. Most studies were short and did not establish long-term prevention of decay or advanced gum disease. The findings support a measured discussion, not a claim that one device guarantees healthy gums. Read the review.

When might floss be practical?

Floss can suit close contacts where a small brush does not fit. A handled flossing aid may be easier if reaching the back teeth or managing string floss is difficult. Ask to practise the technique during a visit rather than relying on a description alone.

If floss repeatedly catches, shreds or hurts in the same place, mention that specific spot. Do not assume you are simply doing it badly. The area may need examination and a change in technique or equipment.

What about interdental brushes and water flossers?

Small interdental brushes come in different sizes. They can be useful where there is enough space, but a brush should not be forced into a tight contact. Ask the dental team to identify suitable sizes and show you which spaces they fit.

A water flosser may be useful for some people, including those who find other methods difficult. It is worth discussing the practical problem you want it to solve before buying one. A device left in the cupboard adds nothing to your routine.

Turn advice into a routine you can follow

Bring your current tools to your appointment, or take a photograph of the packaging. Ask the team to demonstrate on the areas you actually struggle with. A short plan could record which tool to use, where to use it and what to do if it is uncomfortable.

An evidence commentary also reviews the limitations of the available interdental-cleaning research. It discusses the same Cochrane evidence, so it is not a separate set of trials. Research commentary.

Persistent bleeding or pain deserves assessment. Do not respond by scrubbing harder or forcing a larger brush through the space.

Talk to us

For advice about your own teeth and gums, explore our general dental care or book an appointment at Park Road Dental in Cheltenham. You can also call (03) 9584 4949. Tell us what is bothering you when booking so we can help arrange an appropriate visit.

Research behind this article

• Worthington and colleagues, 2019: Cochrane interdental-cleaning review
• 2019 evidence commentary on that review