Save 10,000 CZK on braces!
Save 10,000 CZK on braces!
Save 10,000 CZK on braces!
Anyone who comes in for a free consultation and begins treatment between February 9 and March 2, 2026, will receive a discount on braces.
Do you want healthy gums, fresh breath, and cavity-free teeth? Regular brushing is essential, but it’s not enough. Add interdental brushes to your routine—but do you know how to use them? Choosing the wrong size or using them incorrectly can lead not only to bleeding gums, but also to pain, bad breath, and other problems. How do you clean your teeth with an interdental brush? And what should you do if it hurts or bleeds? You’ll find out in this article.
Interdental brushes are small brushes designed to clean the spaces between teeth — that is, the areas where the bristles of a regular toothbrush cannot reach. It is precisely in these areas that gum inflammation and cavities often first develop. Cleaning with an interdental brush is therefore an essential part of dental care.
The sooner you get into this habit, the better. And it’s not just about your health —fresh breath and healthy gums can really boost your self-confidence.
Ideally, every evening after brushing your teeth with a regular toothbrush. That’s because bacteria multiply most rapidly at night. Using interdental brushes will prevent them from doing so during their “night shift.”
If you wear fixed braces, the spaces between your teeth are often even harder to reach than without them. The brackets and wires trap food particles, and if plaque isn’t removed from these areas with an interdental brush, gum inflammation or tooth decay can develop very quickly.
Orthodontic patients are therefore among those who need interdental hygiene the most. A single-tufted brush or a specially curved interdental brush is often helpful for the back teeth.
Your orthodontist will help you with everything.
Read our article: How to Brush Your Teeth with Braces | Caring for Fixed Braces
Do you have invisible braces? You’re in luck. You can remove your Invisalign aligners when brushing your teeth, making it easier to reach all the spaces between your teeth. However, oral hygiene still isn’t complete without an interdental brush.
During Invisalign treatment, it is essential to keep your teeth perfectly clean, as any plaque can become trapped under the aligner and cause gum inflammation or bad breath. Regular cleaning of all interdental spaces before each aligner application is therefore absolutely essential.
Read our article: 10 Reasons Why Invisible Braces Are the Right Choice
We will scan your teeth, suggest a treatment and price.
If you choose the wrong size, you could actually harm your teeth. A toothbrush that’s too small won’t clean between your teeth properly, while one that’s too large could irritate or damage your gums. Also keep in mind that you’ll most likely need different sizes for different areas —there’s a difference between the spaces between your front teeth and those between your molars.
The good news is that the sizes are color-coded —so it’s hard to make a mistake. The smallest sizes usually start at 0.6 mm (turquoise for Curaprox) and the largest end around 1.1 mm (light green for Curaprox).
Note: If you have dental implants or braces, you may need different sizes of interdental brushes—and that’s perfectly fine. Your dentist or orthodontist can help you choose the right ones.
Not sure what to do? Make an appointment for a dental hygiene visit. A dental hygienist can measure your gum line with a probe and recommend a specific brand and type.
Don’t worry—it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. On the contrary, bleeding often indicates that the space between your teeth hasn’t been cleaned in a while and your gums are inflamed. With regular use, the bleeding will subside within a few days.
It may be caused either by using the wrong size ( the toothbrush is too big) or by an inflamed area. If the pain persists, see your dentist for a checkup.
Do you notice an unpleasant odor? This is common when you remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, especially after a long period of time. The good news? Regular cleaning will prevent this.
Usually after a week or two, depending on how often you use it and the condition of the bristles. If the brush starts to fray or is bent, it’s time to replace it.
In short—no. A water flosser is a great addition, but it can’t replace the mechanical removal of plaque between your teeth.
The ideal approach is to use both —a shower after meals and an interdental brush in the evening.
An interdental brush may be a small tool, but it plays a crucial role in your dental health. Using it regularly can save you from unpleasant trips to the dentist—and keep your breath fresh, too.
Remember: Clean interdental spaces are key. Spend 3 minutes a day on this, and your gums will thank you.
Gently slide the interdental brush into the space between two teeth— never force it in. It should move with slight resistance, but without causing pain. Make a single back-and-forth motion; there’s no need to do it more than once.
Clean each interdental space in this way. Rinse the brush thoroughly after use and let it dry. The best time to use it is in the evening, after your regular toothbrushing routine.
The best interdental brush is the one that fits the specific size of your interdental space. There is no one-size-fits-all answer—the right size is more important than the brand.
Some high-quality brands include TePe, Curaprox, and GUM. It’s best to ask a dental hygienist for recommendations, as they can measure the gaps precisely.
As a general rule, you should replace your interdental brush about once every week or two. It depends on how often you use it. If the bristles are frayed or bent, or if the brush no longer fits comfortably between your teeth, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Using a worn-out toothbrush is ineffective and can damage your gums.
The toothbrush should slide through the gap with slight resistance —it shouldn’t be too loose or forced in. It’s often necessary to use a combination of sizes depending on the specific area in the mouth.
The best approach is to visit a dental hygienist, who will measure the width of the spaces between your teeth and recommend the right sizes and types of toothbrushes.
Bourgeois, D., Llodrá, J., Viennot, S., Bravo, M., Dussart, C., Carrouel, F., & Inquimbert, C. (2019). Calibrated interdental brushing for the prevention of periodontal pathogens infection in young adults - a randomized controlled clinical trial. Scientific Reports, 9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51938-8
Guzeldemir-Akcakanat, E. (2020). Interdental Brushes in Maintaining Periodontal Health. Oral Diseases. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91392
Kim, S., Song, E., & Lee, S. (2022). Efficacy of an interdental brush in cleaning artificial plaque on a 3D-printed model. BMC Oral Health, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-022-02451-4
