The right tool for cleaning between your teeth depends on the spaces, your gum health and any restorations or appliances. Floss can suit tight contacts. Interdental brushes can be useful where there is enough space for a suitable size. You may need different tools in different areas.
For a busy London routine, a simple method you can use correctly each day is more useful than buying several products without knowing where they fit.
What does brushing miss?
A toothbrush cannot reliably clean every contact between teeth. Interdental cleaning targets areas that need separate attention. The NHS tooth-cleaning guidance explains the role of cleaning between teeth alongside regular brushing.
It is a complementary step, rather than a substitute for cleaning the other tooth surfaces.
When might floss be appropriate?
Floss may be practical where contacts are too tight for a brush to pass comfortably. Ask for a demonstration of how to guide it gently and clean along the tooth surface. Snapping it into the gum can cause soreness and makes the routine harder to sustain.
If a contact repeatedly shreds floss or catches, tell the dentist. A restoration edge or another local issue may need attention.
How do I choose a brush size?
Have a hygienist show which sizes fit each area. A brush should not be forced into a gap. Using the smallest size everywhere can also leave larger spaces poorly cleaned.
Our dental hygiene service can help you turn product choice into a practical method. Write down the recommended sizes or take a photograph of the packaging so replacement purchases are straightforward.
What if I have implants or a fixed retainer?
These can change the access needed for cleaning. Bring your current tools to the appointment and ask for a demonstration around the actual restoration or wire in your mouth. Advice should account for the material and shape, rather than assume that all devices need the same approach.
Do not push a brush under a fixed wire if you are unsure where it should pass.
What if my gums bleed?
Mention bleeding, soreness or swelling when arranging an appointment. These symptoms deserve assessment, particularly when persistent. The aim is to identify the reason and establish a comfortable cleaning technique.
Our check-up frequency guide explains recall planning, but a new problem may require attention before the next planned visit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use both tools?
Possibly. Different contacts can need different approaches.
Is a bigger brush always better?
No. The suitable size is the one recommended for that space without force.
Can I clean between teeth only when food gets stuck?
Ask your clinician about a regular routine, rather than relying on visible food as the only prompt.
Can a hygienist show me the technique?
Yes. A demonstration using your own teeth makes the advice easier to follow at home.
Build a manageable hygiene routine in Marylebone
For advice on floss, brush sizes and cleaning around dental work, book a dental hygiene appointment at Montagu Dental.
