Interdental Brushes Make Oral Care Easier with Braces

Posted on August 14, 2025

When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy, most people think brushing twice a day and flossing is enough. While those are important steps, there’s one small but mighty tool that can take your oral hygiene to the next level—the interdental brush. These tiny, specialized brushes are designed to clean the spaces between your teeth and around orthodontic appliances like braces, bridges, and implants. And if you’re wearing braces right now, they may just become your new best friend.

At SmileyVille Braces, led by Dr. Art Wickson in Louisville, KY, we’re passionate about helping our patients achieve not just a beautiful smile, but a healthy one too. That means teaching you about the tools and habits that make oral care easier and more effective. So today, we’re diving deep into what makes interdental brushes so helpful, how to choose the right one, and why they might be the missing piece in your daily routine.

What Are Interdental Brushes?

An interdental brush is a small, reusable brush designed to fit between your teeth, cleaning spots your regular toothbrush can’t reach. Think of it as a miniature bottle brush for your smile. It consists of a thin handle and a bristled tip, which comes in different widths and shapes to suit various gaps between teeth.

These brushes are especially helpful for:

• People with braces, where food and plaque love to hide behind wires and brackets.
• Those with bridges or implants, where flossing may not be enough to keep the area clean.
• Anyone who has larger gaps between teeth, which floss may not effectively clean.

While floss is still important, interdental brushes have been shown to remove more plaque in certain situations, making them a valuable addition to your toolkit.

Why They’re Especially Important with Braces

Braces do a fantastic job of straightening teeth, but they also create a lot of tiny nooks and crannies for plaque to hide in. Traditional flossing becomes trickier when you have to maneuver around wires and brackets, which means some areas may not get fully cleaned.

Here’s why interdental brushes are perfect for braces wearers:

1. Easy to Use Around Wires – The slim, pointed bristles slip right under and around wires without fraying or breaking.
2. Better Plaque Removal – They scrub the sides of teeth, braces, and wires more effectively than floss in certain spots.
3. Reduced Risk of White Spots – Plaque buildup around braces can lead to permanent white marks on your teeth. Interdental brushes help prevent this.
4. Quick and Convenient – You can clean your teeth in between meals without a full flossing session.

For many of our orthodontic patients, learning to use an interdental brush has been a turning point in keeping their smiles fresh and healthy during treatment.

Benefits Beyond Braces

Even if you don’t have orthodontic appliances, interdental brushes still have a lot to offer. Some of their biggest benefits include:

• Better Gum Health – By removing plaque and food particles from between teeth, they help reduce gum inflammation and prevent gingivitis.
• Effective for Sensitive Gums – Some people find flossing uncomfortable or difficult. Interdental brushes can be a gentler alternative.
• Great for Dental Work – If you have crowns, bridges, or dental implants, these brushes can clean around them more effectively than floss.
• Fresh Breath – Food particles stuck between teeth are one of the biggest causes of bad breath. A quick sweep with an interdental brush can make a big difference.

Types of Interdental Brushes

Like toothbrushes, interdental brushes aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right type is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Here are some of the most common options:

1. Straight-Head Brushes – The classic style, great for most general cleaning needs.
2. Angled-Head Brushes – Perfect for reaching the back teeth or tricky angles.
3. Wire-Coated Brushes – Have a plastic-coated wire core that’s gentle on braces and dental work.
4. Eco-Friendly Brushes – Made from bamboo or recycled materials for a sustainable choice.
5. Extra-Small to Large Sizes – The size you choose should match the width of your gaps—too small, and it won’t clean effectively; too large, and it may cause discomfort.

How to Choose the Right Size

Using an interdental brush that’s too big can irritate your gums, while one that’s too small won’t remove enough plaque. The best way to find your ideal size is to ask your orthodontist or dentist for a recommendation.

At SmileyVille Braces, we help patients choose the right size and even show them how to use the brush correctly. Many people benefit from having two or three different sizes to cover all the spaces in their mouth.

Step-by-Step: How to Use an Interdental Brush

1. Pick the Right Size – It should fit snugly between your teeth without forcing it in.
2. Insert Gently – Don’t push too hard; let the bristles do the work.
3. Move Back and Forth – A few gentle motions will dislodge plaque and food particles.
4. Clean Around Braces – Slide under the wire and between brackets to sweep away debris.
5. Rinse After Use – Wash the brush under running water and store it in a clean, dry place.
6. Replace Regularly – Most interdental brushes should be replaced every week or when the bristles start to wear out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the Wrong Size – Comfort and efficiency go hand in hand.
• Skipping Certain Areas – Plaque doesn’t discriminate—clean between all your teeth, not just the front ones.
• Pushing Too Hard – This can damage gums and bend the brush.
• Not Replacing Often Enough – Old brushes lose effectiveness and may harbor bacteria.

Interdental Brushes vs. Floss: Do You Need Both?

The short answer: yes, if possible. Floss can reach tight spaces that brushes can’t, while brushes are better at removing plaque from larger gaps and around appliances. Many people find that combining both tools gives them the best results.

If you’re short on time, using an interdental brush at least once a day can still make a noticeable difference in your oral health.

Interdental Brushes for Kids and Teens

If your child or teen has braces, getting them into the habit of using an interdental brush can save them from a lot of future dental issues. The key is making it simple and quick so it becomes part of their daily routine.

At SmileyVille Braces, we often show younger patients fun ways to “race” through cleaning their braces with interdental brushes so it feels less like a chore.

The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Health

Keeping your gums healthy isn’t just about avoiding cavities—it’s about protecting your whole body. Gum inflammation has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of dementia. By using tools like interdental brushes, you’re not only protecting your smile but also supporting your long-term well-being.

SmileyVille Braces: Your Partner in Oral Health

Located in Louisville, SmileyVille Braces is led by Dr. Art Wickson, a skilled orthodontist who combines expert care with a friendly, budget-conscious approach. Our team takes pride in guiding patients through every step of their orthodontic journey—not just with treatment plans, but with the tools and tips that keep smiles healthy along the way.

We offer:

• Personalized hygiene guidance to make daily care easier and more effective.
• Regular check-ups to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout treatment.

Ready to Upgrade Your Smile Care?

If you’ve been relying solely on a toothbrush and floss, now’s the perfect time to give interdental brushes a try—especially if you’re wearing braces. With the right size and technique, you’ll be amazed at how much cleaner and fresher your mouth feels.

At SmileyVille Braces, we’re here to help you choose the right tools, perfect your technique, and keep your smile in top shape from start to finish.

Schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile!