Many people brush their teeth daily – and yet cavities or gum problems still occur.
The reason:
A large part of the tooth surface is between the teeth – and is often not cleaned.
In these areas, the following accumulate:
- Plaque
- Bacteria
- Food debris
This is exactly where these often develop:
- Cavities
- Gum inflammation
- Bad breath
Why a toothbrush is not enough
A toothbrush mainly cleans:
- the front sides
- the back sides
- the chewing surfaces
The spaces between the teeth usually remain insufficiently cleaned.
Studies show:
Up to 40% of the tooth surface lies between the teeth
Dental floss or interdental brushes – which is better?
This is the most important question.
Dental floss
Advantages:
- good for very tight spaces between teeth
- easy to use
Disadvantages:
- often less effective at removing plaque
- more difficult to use
- does not optimally reach all areas
Interdental brushes
Advantages:
- significantly more effective plaque removal
- clean larger gaps as well
- easier to use
- better control
Many dentists recommend interdental brushes as the most effective method
When should you use what?
Ideally, you combine both:
- Dental floss → for very tight gaps
- Interdental brushes → for all accessible gaps
In practice, interdental brushes are often the most important addition to the toothbrush.
How often should you clean between your teeth?
Recommendation:
- 1x daily, ideally in the evening
Why in the evening?
- Removal of plaque before the night
- less bacterial activity
- better regeneration of the gums
How to clean between your teeth correctly
Interdental brushes:
- insert carefully into the gap
- gently move back and forth
- do not apply pressure
Dental floss:
- gently guide between the teeth
- wrap around the tooth in a C-shape
- carefully move up and down
Important: always work gently
SNOW PEARL Interdental brushes – effective cleaning for everyday life
The SNOW PEARL interdental brushes were specially developed to enable a thorough yet gentle cleaning.
Advantages:
- effective plaque removal
- gentle on the gums
- suitable for daily use
- ideal for hard-to-reach areas
Perfect as an addition to the toothbrush.
Combine interdental care + tooth enamel protection
The best oral hygiene is created through a combination:
- Toothbrush → basic cleaning
- Interdental care → deep cleaning
- Toothpaste → protection and remineralisation
Products such as:
additionally support:
- strengthening of tooth enamel
- protection against cavities
- fresh breath
Common mistakes in interdental care
- not cleaning between teeth at all
- cleaning too rarely
- using the wrong brush size
- applying too much pressure
Used correctly, interdental care is simple and effective.
For whom is interdental care particularly important?
- People with sensitive gums
- People with gum problems
- Wearers of crowns, bridges, or implants
- anyone who wants to improve their oral health
Result
Less plaque, healthier gums, and a significantly cleaner mouth feel.
Conclusion
Cleaning between your teeth is a crucial part of daily dental care.
The most important points:
- Toothbrush alone is not enough
- Interdental brushes are particularly effective
- daily use is crucial
In combination with modern dental care, complete oral hygiene is created for long-term healthy teeth.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about cleaning between your teeth
Why is it important to clean between your teeth?
Spaces between teeth make up around 30% of the entire tooth surface. These areas cannot be sufficiently cleaned with a toothbrush alone. Plaque, bacteria, and food debris accumulate there, which can promote cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.
Are interdental brushes better than dental floss?
Interdental brushes often clean larger spaces between teeth more effectively than dental floss. Dental floss is particularly suitable for very tight gaps. Which method is better suited depends on the individual dental situation.
How often should you clean between your teeth?
Dentists recommend cleaning between your teeth once a day. The evening is usually the best time, as deposits and food debris can be removed before the night.
Can you clean between your teeth with just a toothbrush?
No. Even modern sonic toothbrushes only partially reach the gaps between the teeth. Dental floss or interdental brushes are necessary for complete oral hygiene.
Which interdental brush is the right one?
The right interdental brush should fill the gap between the teeth as well as possible without applying pressure or injuring the gums. The optimal size can be determined during a professional dental cleaning or by your dentist.
Do gums bleed at the beginning when cleaning between teeth?
Slight gum bleeding can occur at the beginning, especially if the spaces between the teeth have not been cleaned regularly before. In many cases, this improves after a few days of consistent care. If the bleeding persists, a dental check-up should be carried out.
Which products support interdental cleaning?
Dental floss and interdental brushes are suitable for daily cleaning. Additionally, fluoride-containing toothpaste, a gentle sonic toothbrush, and consistent oral hygiene support the health of teeth and gums.
When should you use dental floss?
Dental floss is particularly suitable for very tight gaps between teeth where interdental brushes cannot fit. It can help remove plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Can cleaning between your teeth reduce bad breath?
Yes. Bacterial deposits and food debris often accumulate in spaces between teeth, which can cause bad breath. Regular cleaning can help to reduce the cause of bad breath.
Professionally checked by
Dr. med. dent. Lorenza Dahm
Dentist, Master of Science in Oral Implantology
Founder of SNOW PEARL®
About the author
Dr. med. dent. Lorenza Dahm is a dentist with over 30 years of clinical experience and founder of SNOW PEARL®. As a Master of Science in Oral Implantology, she has been focusing intensively for many years on prevention, remineralisation of tooth enamel, and modern concepts of dental and oral health. The recommendations described in this article are based on scientific findings and her many years of practical experience in treating patients.