When it comes to maintaining your good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth regularly should definitely be part of the equation. To prevent any plaque buildup, cavities, and other gum diseases, you should properly clean between your teeth. And while dental floss has long been the go-to tool for this purpose, interdental brushes are also gaining popularity as an effective alternative.
What Are Interdental Brushes and Dental Floss?
Dental floss is a thin string that is usually made of nylon or Teflon. It is designed to slide between your teeth and remove food particles, plaque, and also bacteria. And it is most effective in tight spaces, but it can also be a bit challenging to use, especially for people with limited dexterity or for those with braces. Flossing involves gently inserting the string between the teeth and moving it up and down to clean the surface.
On the other hand, interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes with bristles attached to a thin wire. They actually come in different sizes to fit between different gaps in your teeth. The brushes are designed to be gently inserted between the teeth to remove any food and plaque. These are useful if you have wider gaps between your teeth or with dental work like braces or implants. And they are reusable and can be cleaned easily after use!
Dental floss is a thin string, usually made of nylon or Teflon, that is designed to slide between your teeth and remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. It is most effective in tight spaces but can sometimes be challenging to use, especially for people with limited dexterity or those with braces. Flossing involves gently inserting the string between the teeth and moving it up and down to clean the surfaces.
Effectiveness in Preventing Cavities and Gum Disease
Both of them are effective at cleaning the spaces between your teeth where your regular toothbrushes can’t reach. But studies have shown that interdental brushes may be more effective at removing plaque and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. This is because the bristles on the brush are better at reaching and cleaning between your teeth, especially in areas with larger gaps. But if you have smaller gaps, flossing can be better.
Ease of Use and Comfort
One of the key advantages of interdental brushes is that they’re easy to use, especially for people with limited hand dexterity, like for the elderly or those with arthritis. They also offer a more comfortable cleaning experience, especially for those who find the process of threading floss between teeth a bit uncomfortable or probably difficult. On the other hand, flossing may require you with a bit more skill and technique to use effectively, particularly for cleaning the back teeth.
Cost and Accessibility
Well, this time, dental floss is generally more affordable than interdental brushes. But interdental brushes can be reused multiple times, which can actually offset the higher initial cost.
Conclusion: Which Is Better for You?
Overall, the choice between interdental brushes and dental floss still depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have tight spaces between your teeth or limited dexterity, then dental floss is the right option for you. But if you have larger gaps between your teeth or probably have braces and find flossing uncomfortable, then interdental brushes are a good alternative.
