Dental floss or interdental brush: which to choose and when

1. Interdental brush or dental floss: two different tools

Cleaning the spaces between your teeth is essential to prevent cavities , bad breath and gum inflammation.
Dental floss and interdental brushes both help remove plaque and food debris where a toothbrush can't reach, but they work differently.
The choice between the two is not a competition, but a question of interdental spaces, manual skills and personal habits.

2. Difference between dental floss and interdental brushes

• Dental floss: thin nylon or PTFE filament (waxed or unwaxed), ideal for tight spaces and healthy gums.

• Interdental brush: small brush with soft bristles, perfect for large spaces , braces, bridges or implants.

In summary:

3. Is dental floss or interdental brushes better?

There is no “best of all.”
Studies show that:

• Flossing is more precise in small spaces and below the gumline.

• The interdental brush , on the other hand, is more effective in removing plaque in large spaces and in reducing bleeding gums ( Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2019 ).

👉 The key is to use the one that best suits your mouth , or combine them at different times of the day.

4. When to floss

Flossing is recommended if:

• Do you have tight or regular teeth ?

• You do not wear braces or bridges.

• You want to precisely clean the area between the tooth and the gum.

How to use:
Cut about 16 inches of floss, wrap it around your middle fingers, and gently slide it between your teeth, curving the floss into a “C” shape against the tooth surface.
Avoid sudden movements to avoid irritating your gums.

5. When to use the interdental brush

The interdental brush is indicated if:

• You have wider spaces between your teeth or receding gums.

• You wear braces, bridges, or dental implants .

• You have trouble flossing.

How to use:
Choose the right size (standard colors from 0.4 to 1.3 mm), insert it without forcing it between your teeth and move it back and forth gently.
Rinse the brush after each use and replace it every 10–15 days.

6. Dental floss or interdental brushes for tight teeth and braces

• Narrow teeth: unwaxed dental floss is best , as it slides easily and reaches the smallest spaces.

• Orthodontic braces or bridges: prefer interdental brushes or super floss , a floss with a rigid end and a spongy part designed specifically for these cases.

• Dental implants: Interdental brushes with soft or rubber bristles to avoid microtrauma to the gum line.

7. Combined use: the most effective solution

Many dentists recommend using the two instruments alternately or in combination .
The interdental brush can be used before the toothbrush , to remove larger residues; the floss, instead, after , to refine cleaning in the tightest spots.
This approach ensures thorough cleaning and improves long-term gum health.

8. CleanOS Expert Advice

• If you are young and have regular teeth , start with flossing .

• If you have wider spaces, implants or receding gums , switch to interdental brushes .

• And if you want total protection: use both , consistently and delicately.

Reference sources

• GUM® Italia (2025) – Interdental brush or dental floss? The best allies for daily oral hygiene.

• Cozzolino Dental Practice (Naples, 2025) – Is it better to use an interdental brush or dental floss to clean between your teeth?

• Wedental Care (2025) – Dental floss, interdental brushes and water flosser: a guide to correct use.

• Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2019) – Interdental cleaning devices and plaque reduction efficacy: systematic review.

• NICE (UK) – Interdental cleaning recommendations (guidelines 2023).

• American Dental Association (ADA) – Oral Hygiene: Interdental Cleaners (update 2024).

• International Dental Federation (FDI) – Interdental cleaning guidelines (2024).