Cleaning Between Teeth: Tools, Techniques, and Benefits

Published by Daniel Ilyabayev, DDS Updated On: 09/09/2025

Contents

1 Why Cleaning Between Teeth Is Important
2 Methods of Cleaning Between Teeth
3 Dental Floss
4 Interdental Brushes
5 Water Flossers
6 Dental Picks
7 Best Way to Clean Between Teeth: Choosing the Right Tools
8 How to Clean Between Teeth: The Most Common Questions
9 Additional Resources

While cleaning your teeth with a toothbrush is essential, it is also crucial to use some further cleaning methods and tools. Cleaning between teeth is something that you should do after using a toothbrush to get rid of the rest of the food particles and dental plaque. Teeth cleaning is a complex process that you should do correctly to avoid developing certain unpleasant conditions in the future. Improper care of your teeth might lead to the development of cavities, gum diseases like gingivitis, and more. Read along to learn more about how to clean between teeth properly and maintain your dental hygiene.

Why Cleaning Between Teeth Is Important

It is crucial to clean between your teeth in addition to regular brushing. Here are the main reasons to do so:

Avoiding plaque buildup: Dental plaque appears on our teeth constantly, and it is important to clean it. Using a toothbrush does not help with removing the plaque between your teeth. Special tools are needed in this case.
Preventing dental conditions: Because of the food stuck between your teeth and dental plaque, bacteria can spread and cause various dental conditions. Your teeth, gums, and general health might be affected. In addition, it will require professional treatment.

Make sure to learn how to clean in between teeth to avoid such issues.

Methods of Cleaning Between Teeth

You can learn how to clean between teeth at home by using special tools to help you with this task. Here are the key tools that you can use for interdental cleaning.

Dental Floss

Flossing helps with cleaning your teeth thoroughly and reaching places where a toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is a common solution to interdental cleaning as it can be convenient even for people with tight gaps between teeth. However, it is important to know the proper cleaning technique to achieve the desired result. You can watch tutorials online or ask your dentist to show you how to use floss properly.

Interdental Brushes

These brushes are easy to use and provide thorough cleaning. They are most fitting for people with larger gaps between teeth and come in different sizes. Interdental brushes are used like a normal brush but for spaces between teeth. It is important to use these brushes carefully though as you can damage your gums unintentionally. Make sure to learn about interdental brushes beforehand to avoid poking or damaging your gums in other ways.

Water Flossers

It is more pleasant to use water flossers, and they have a massaging effect on your gums. They are incredibly effective and can get even to the deepest parts where bacteria can gather. People with braces or bridges might find water flossers especially convenient as it is difficult to use floss or brushes with systems installed in your mouth. However, they are more expensive than floss or brushes. In addition, they require electricity and water to work. It is rather inconvenient to use such devices in the office, for example, after having your lunch break.

Dental Picks

These are like dental floss but with a convenient handle. They might be more convenient for some people than regular floss because it is easier to hold them. While people need to know the proper technique for using regular floss, dental picks are much easier to use. On the other hand, these picks might be less effective than regular floss. They might not reach some places that still need cleaning. It might be inconvenient to use dental picks for particularly tight teeth gaps.

Best Way to Clean Between Teeth: Choosing the Right Tools

It is essential to pick the tools that will be convenient and beneficial for you. Consider their convenience and price, the size of the gaps between your teeth, the sensitivity of your gums, etc. For example, it is better to use interdental brushes if there are wider gaps between your teeth and food gets stuck in there easily. For tighter spaces, floss or dental picks are optimal. Water flossers are convenient for people with braces and other dental systems, although they are not fitting for use on the go.

Keep in mind your preferences and sensitivity of teeth and gums to pick an effective and comfortable option. It is often recommended to try out different tools to find the best options for you or even use a combination of solutions. You can use a water flosser regularly and carry floss or picks to use them away from home. Or you can prefer dental picks for convenience only to switch to classic floss when you need to reach a particularly difficult place. You can always discuss this topic with your dentist to receive some valuable professional advice.

How to Clean Between Teeth: The Most Common Questions

How often to clean between teeth?

It is recommended to clean between your teeth once a day to remove the plaque that cannot be reached with a toothbrush.

What is the best time of day to clean the interdental spaces?

It is advised to clean your interdental spaces in the evening before going to bed. This way, you will be able to remove all the buildup that appears during the day.

What should I do if my gums bleed when I clean between my teeth?

Bleeding gums might be a result of an underlying dental condition. Try seeing a dentist to examine your teeth and gums. You can also use mouthwash for sensitive gums and choose an appropriate toothbrush that will not be too harsh for you.

Can interdental cleaning help with bad breath?

Yes, bacteria tend to build up between the teeth, and it is essential to brush your teeth twice a day and clean between the teeth once a day to keep your mouth clean and eliminate bad breath.