Interdental brushes for beginners

Never used one? This is the place to start.

Do I actually need this?

If your gums bleed or feel irritated, it can really help. For adults with gum problems, cleaning between the teeth is one of the most effective things you can do yourself.

Why does it work? Your toothbrush cannot reach the spaces between your teeth. That is exactly where plaque builds up — and where gum inflammation most often begins.

Brush or wooden pick?

Both work. Interdental brushes are small bristle brushes on a flexible handle — available at any pharmacy. Wooden picks (such as Stim-U-Dent) are wooden sticks: moisten them briefly on your tongue first so they become soft and flexible.

Choosing a size: start with the smallest you can find — but not so thin that it bends immediately.

Golden tip: Hold the brush or pick between your thumb and index finger. Rest your other fingers against your chin or cheek. This gives you control and prevents accidentally jabbing your gums.

How do I start?

Slowly and gently. If your gums are irritated and you push too hard, it will hurt — and you will stop. Start with the easiest spots and work from there.

  • A little every day
  • Very gently on difficult spots
  • Give yourself one to two weeks

What to expect? After about a week of gentle daily practice, the gums bleed much less. After two weeks, most people notice a clear improvement. Gums heal quickly — just like a small cut on your finger that heals within a week.

What about floss?

Floss works well but takes more practice. It is useful when there is little space between the teeth. Important: do not snap the floss down — that damages the gums. Guide it gently with a back-and-forth motion along the side of the tooth.

Remember: An imperfect brush that you actually use every day works ten times better than the perfect one you never use.

Summary

  • Brushes and picks are easier than floss
  • Start with the smallest size (not too thin)
  • Always support with your fingers — for control
  • Take it easy: one to two weeks of practice
  • If in doubt: ask your dentist or dental hygienist
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Scientific sources
  1. Marchesan JT, et al. (2018). Interdental cleaning is associated with decreased oral disease prevalence. Journal of Dental Research, 97(7):773-778.
  2. Ng E, Lim LP. (2019). An overview of different interdental cleaning aids and their effectiveness. Dental Journal (Basel), 7(2):56.
  3. TePe Interdental Brush Instructions (2025). "Start with the smallest size."
  4. ACE Dental (2025). How Long Does It Take for Gingivitis to Go Away? "Mild gingivitis may clear up within 7 to 14 days."

mijngebit.info is not a medical device. If in doubt, consult your dentist.