The Gap Between Your Teeth Is Costing You—Here's the Simple Fix Most People Miss

Cleaning between your teeth removes plaque and food debris from spaces a toothbrush cannot reach, including the gaps between teeth and just under the gumline. Most people focus on brushing their front and back tooth surfaces, but they're missing a critical area where tooth decay and gum disease actually start. Daily interdental cleaning helps prevent tooth decay, protects against gum disease and bleeding, and reduces bad breath.

What Are the Best Tools for Cleaning Between Your Teeth?

You don't need to choose just one method—many people use a combination of tools to cover all the gaps in their mouth. Your dental team can help you find what works best for your specific tooth spacing and comfort level. The two main options are straightforward to use once you understand the technique.

• Interdental Brushes: Small brushes designed specifically to fit between teeth, often easier to use than floss, especially if the spaces between your teeth are larger.
• Floss: A thin string that works best for tight spaces where brushes may not fit comfortably between teeth.
• Combination Approach: Using both methods on different teeth or gaps ensures you're reaching every space in your mouth effectively.

How Do You Use Interdental Brushes Correctly?

Interdental brushes are often the easier choice for people with larger gaps between their teeth. The key is using the right size for each gap—if the brush bends or splays when you insert it, you're using one that's too large. Here's how to use them properly:

• Frequency: Use them once a day to remove plaque before it hardens and causes problems.
• Size Selection: Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the correct brush size for each gap in your mouth.
• Gentle Insertion: Hold the brush gently between your thumb and forefinger, then carefully guide it between your teeth without forcing it through.
• Maintenance: Rinse the brush during use and replace it when the bristles become worn.

What's the Proper Flossing Technique?

Floss is your best option for tight spaces where interdental brushes won't fit. The technique matters—snapping floss into your gums can cause bleeding and damage, so a gentle, controlled approach is essential. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one finger on one hand and the rest around the same finger on your other hand.

Hold the floss firmly, leaving a small section to work with between your teeth. Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a slow, rocking motion—never snap it into your gums. When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape around one tooth, then gently slide it up and down the side of that tooth. Repeat on the other side of the gap, and don't forget the back of your last tooth. Start at the top left and move across, then clean the bottom teeth from left to right.

Should You Clean Between Your Teeth Before or After Brushing?

The timing of your interdental cleaning matters more than most people realize. Clean between your teeth before brushing, not after. This allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to reach between the teeth more effectively, giving you better protection against decay.

If you're new to interdental cleaning, start slowly and build the habit gradually. Mild bleeding is common at first and usually improves with regular cleaning as your gums become healthier. However, if bleeding continues after a few weeks of consistent cleaning, speak to your dental team—it could signal an underlying issue that needs attention.

The most important factor in choosing a method is picking one you're actually willing to use every day. Consistency matters far more than perfection. Whether you prefer interdental brushes, floss, or a combination of both, the key is making it part of your daily routine. If you're unsure which method is best for your mouth, ask your dental team—they can show you the right technique and help you protect your teeth and gums for years to come.