Are Interdental Brushes Better Than Floss? Comparison Guide (2024)

Home > Blog > Are Interdental Brushes Better Than Floss?

Are interdental brushes better than floss? Choosing between these two cleaning methods depends on specific needs, dental structure, and personal preferences.

In this article, we'll compare floss against interdental brushes, exploring the unique advantages of each. You'll learn about interdental brush design, how to use them effectively, and when floss might be the best fit.

We'll also provide step-by-step instructions for both tools, so you can choose what works best for your routine.

Let's explore these options.

What this article covers:

• Floss vs Interdental Brushes
• What Are Interdental Brushes?
• How to Use Interdental Brushes
• What Is Dental Floss?
• How to Floss

Floss vs Interdental Brushes

Both floss and interdental brushes serve essential roles in reaching areas where brushing may fall short. Floss is a thin, flexible thread that slides into narrow spaces to dislodge plaque and food particles, making it ideal for tightly spaced teeth.

While do you have to floss is a common question, professionals emphasize its importance for optimal oral health.

On the other hand, interdental brushes are designed for larger gaps. Their soft bristles clean around braces, bridges, and wider spaces, providing a gentler alternative for people who find floss challenging or uncomfortable.

No matter your choice, SNOW's portable Water Flosser is an excellent companion, with three tailored pressure modes that remove plaque while being gentle on sensitive gums. This travel-friendly device offers up to 70 uses per charge and pairs perfectly with SNOW's Teeth Whitening Drops.

Understanding in what order do you brush, floss and use mouthwash is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your oral care routine. We advise flossing, brushing, then using mouthwash.

What Are Interdental Brushes?

Our findings show that interdental brushes are small tools designed for cleaning spaces between teeth. These small brushes come with bristled heads in various sizes, resembling miniature bottle brushes.

Many parents ask when should kids start flossing, and the answer depends on when their teeth begin touching.

To further enhance your cleaning, SNOW's Advanced Whitening Electric Toothbrush reaches deeper than traditional bristles, helping to polish teeth and remove plaque more effectively.

Interdental brushes can be a practical choice for individuals who find flossing challenging. Available in different diameters, they're chosen based on the size of gaps between teeth.

How to Use Interdental Brushes

1. Start with a brush that fits snugly into the gap without forcing.
2. Position the brush at the gum line and gently insert it into the space, avoiding excessive force to prevent gum damage.
3. Gently push the brush back and forth within each gap to dislodge any plaque or debris.
4. If gaps vary, use smaller brushes for tighter spaces and larger ones for bigger gaps.
5. Rinse the brush after each use and replace it when the bristles show signs of wear.

What Is Dental Floss?

Dental floss is a thin thread, typically made of nylon or Teflon, made to slide between teeth and remove plaque and trapped food particles. Based on our observations, it's one of the most widely used tools for interdental cleaning, particularly effective for tightly spaced teeth.

Our research indicates that floss works by gliding between each tooth and gently scraping along the gumline to eliminate buildup that toothbrush bristles might miss.

If your teeth hurt after flossing, you may be applying too much pressure or using improper technique.

For whitening benefits, SNOW's Activated Charcoal Whitening Floss is an ideal choice. Made with activated charcoal, it gently whitens teeth while removing plaque and debris. Plus, it's vegan, eco-friendly, and free from harmful chemicals, offering a safe and refreshing clean with every use.

How To Floss

1. Cut a piece of floss approximately 18 inches long and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches to work with.
2. Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss gently between your teeth, taking care not to snap it against the gums.
3. Curve the floss around the base of each tooth to ensure it reaches beneath the gumline.
4. Move the floss up and down along the side of each tooth, dislodging plaque and debris.
5. Shift to a fresh piece of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring plaque from one area to another.

Conclusion

The answer as to whether interdental brushes are better than floss comes down to individual dental care needs and comfort.

This article covered the unique benefits of floss and interdental brushes and provided a guide on their effective use. From understanding the function and flexibility of floss to the versatility and ease of interdental brushes, we've laid out all the insights to help you make an informed decision.

Ready to take your oral hygiene to the next level? Explore our SNOW teeth whitening range today for a comprehensive approach to a healthier smile with SNOW.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

• What Happens If You Don't Floss?
• What Is Floss Made of?
• What Are the Benefits of Flossing
• What Is Floss?
• Does Floss Expire
• Does Flossing Whiten Teeth
• Does Flossing Create Gaps in Teeth
• Does Not Flossing Cause Bad Breath
• Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?
• Gums Hurt When Flossing
• Will My Gums Stop Bleeding If I Keep Flossing?
• Why Do Gums Bleed After Not Flossing for a While
• Is Flossing Necessary
• Is Flossing More Important Than Brushing?
• Is Waxed or Unwaxed Floss Better