Can interdental brushes remove plaque? How effective are they?

With oral health becoming increasingly important, interdental brushes, once only seen in dental clinics, are increasingly becoming part of daily oral hygiene. Many people are curious: Do interdental brushes really remove plaque? How effective are they? Will they damage the spaces between teeth? This article will discuss the characteristics of plaque, the working principle of interdental brushes, suitable users, and correct usage methods to help you truly understand whether interdental brushes are worth using consistently.

1. What is Plaque? Why is it Essential to Remove It?

To determine the effectiveness of interdental brushes, it's essential to understand the nature of plaque. Plaque is not simply "dirt" or food debris, but a complex biofilm composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, and polysaccharides, firmly attached to the tooth surface. It acts like an "invisible protective shield," allowing bacteria to remain on teeth and multiply continuously. Plaque produces acidic metabolites that corrode teeth, leading to cavities; it also irritates the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding, and can even lead to periodontitis. More seriously, plaque can regenerate rapidly within 24 hours, so it must be thoroughly removed daily. A regular toothbrush can only clean about 60% of the area; the remaining 40% lies hidden between teeth and in the gingival sulcus, which is where interdental brushes come in.

2. Can interdental brushes really remove plaque?

Interdental brushes are currently recognized as one of the most effective tools for cleaning between teeth. Their metal wire frame and fine bristles can reach deep into the gaps between teeth, removing plaque adhering to the interproximal surfaces and gum line. Compared to dental floss, interdental brushes have a larger contact area, covering recessed areas of the tooth surface that are usually difficult to reach with brushing and floss. Many dentists and periodontists strongly recommend interdental brushes, not only because they effectively remove plaque, but also because the cleaning effect is visible to the naked eye. When you use an interdental brush correctly for the first time, you can usually see the removed plaque and debris, meaning it has indeed reached areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. In principle, it combines mechanical friction with physical stripping, making it ideal for cleaning firmly attached plaque layers.

3. How effective are interdental brushes?

Numerous clinical studies have shown that interdental brushes are significantly more effective than dental floss in certain areas, especially in areas with receding gums, larger gaps between teeth, and exposed proximal surfaces common in patients with periodontitis or adults. Interdental brushes can reduce plaque index, decrease gingival bleeding, and effectively shorten periodontal pocket depth, making them an important tool for periodontal treatment and maintenance. In comparative experiments, people using only a toothbrush had significantly more plaque on their teeth than those using a combination of toothbrush and interdental brush. Furthermore, long-term use of interdental brushes can maintain gum health, gradually reduce inflammation over time, and even improve bad breath. The cleaning effect of interdental brushes comes not only from the large contact area of ​​the bristles but also from the bristles' ability to conform to the proximal surfaces of teeth, creating effective contact pressure to ensure that plaque is broken down and removed.

4. Which is better, interdental brushes or dental floss?

Interdental brushes and dental floss are not substitutes; rather, different tools are chosen based on the size of the gaps between teeth, the condition of the gums, and the structure of the teeth. In young people with tightly spaced teeth, dental floss is more effective because interdental brushes cannot reach the gaps. However, for those with widening gaps, receding gums, or periodontitis, interdental brushes are far more effective at cleaning than dental floss. In adults, especially those over 30, gum recession is common, making it difficult to clean root depressions with dental floss. Interdental brushes, on the other hand, can reach deep into the interproximal surfaces and gingival sulcus, removing accumulated plaque. Therefore, periodontists generally recommend that adults, especially, use interdental brushes as their primary tool for cleaning between teeth, and dental floss as a supplementary tool. Combining both is essential for truly complete oral hygiene.

5. Will interdental brushes widen the gaps between teeth?

Many people worry that interdental brushes will widen the gaps between their teeth, but this is a common misconception. Widening gaps are usually not caused by the interdental brush itself, but rather by the fact that swollen gums and a large accumulation of plaque make them appear "tight." When plaque is removed using an interdental brush and the gum inflammation subsides, the gums return to their natural shape, and the gaps may appear "wider." However, this isn't because interdental brushes widen the gaps between teeth, but rather a sign of improved inflammation. Furthermore, periodontal disease leads to alveolar bone resorption, which naturally causes gaps to widen, unrelated to interdental brushes. Proper use of interdental brushes not only avoids damage but can actually reduce periodontal destruction and slow gum recession, protecting rather than damaging the gaps in the long run.

6. Are interdental brushes effective?

The advantage of interdental brushes is that their effects are quickly noticeable. Most people can observe noticeable changes such as reduced gum bleeding, a fresher mouth after brushing, and improved breath after 3-7 days of consistent use. With continued use for more than a month, the gum color gradually changes from red and swollen to a healthy pink, the gum line becomes tighter, plaque decreases, and periodontal disease symptoms are relieved. Long-term use of interdental brushes can also reduce tartar formation because plaque that is promptly removed cannot mineralize into harder tartar. Many dentists say that if users consistently use interdental brushes for more than a month, their oral health will show a visible improvement, with significant improvements in periodontal health.

7. Who are interdental brushes suitable for?

Interdental brushes are suitable for a wide range of people, especially those with larger gaps between their teeth, receding gums, periodontal disease, braces, implants, bridges, or dentures. In these cases, dental floss often cannot reach deep enough to clean the area, while interdental brushes can easily access and conform to the tooth surface. Furthermore, people who experience bleeding gums when brushing, have bad breath, or food easily gets stuck between their teeth are also very suitable for interdental brushes. In short, if an interdental brush can easily enter the gap between teeth, it means that using an interdental brush in that area will be more effective. Dentists even recommend that most adults should use at least two to three sizes of interdental brushes to accommodate the different widths of the gaps between their teeth.

Interdental brushes not only remove plaque, but in most adults, those with periodontal disease, and those with receding gums, they are more effective than dental floss in cleaning. They can reach the hard-to-reach "dead corners" of the mouth, effectively reducing the risk of gingivitis, bad breath, and periodontal disease, making them an oral care tool that toothbrushes cannot replace. If you want to achieve truly comprehensive oral hygiene, prevent periodontal disease, and maintain fresh breath, then using an interdental brush daily will be one of the simplest, most efficient, and scientific ways.