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Floss, TePe Brushes, Floss Harps and Water Flossers – What Really Works Between Your Teeth?
05 Mar 2026

Floss, TePe Brushes, Floss Harps and Water Flossers – What Really Works Between Your Teeth?

Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The spaces between teeth need interdental cleaning to prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.

Why interdental cleaning is essential

Plaque collects where bristles cannot reach:

* Tightly between teeth.

* Around crowns, bridges, and implants.

* Under the gum line at contact points.

Different spaces, different tools

  1. Floss

* Best for: Very tight contacts where brushes cannot pass.

* Technique: Curve the floss into a “C” shape around the tooth and move it up and down.

  1. TePe / Interdental brushes

* Best for: Open spaces, "black triangles," and around implants or braces.

* Note: You may need different sizes for different parts of your mouth.

  1. Floss harps / Floss picks

* Best for: People with limited dexterity or those who find traditional floss awkward.

  1. Water flossers (e.g., Waterpik)

* Best for: Flushing debris from around braces and bridges.

* Note: These are best used as an addition to mechanical cleaning, not a total replacement.

When and how to clean

For the best results, perform interdental cleaning once a day, before brushing. This loosens plaque so your fluoride toothpaste can reach those surfaces more effectively during your two-minute brush.

Bleeding gums – what to expect

It is common for gums to bleed when you first begin cleaning areas that were previously missed. This is usually a sign of existing inflammation.

* 4 to 8 weeks: The time it typically takes for regular cleaning to resolve minor inflammation and stop the bleeding.

* When to see us: If bleeding is heavy or persists beyond a few weeks, a professional assessment is needed.

FAQs – interdental cleaning in Holborn

Do I really need to clean between my teeth every day?

Yes. Plaque builds up quickly and can cause inflammation within 24–48 hours.

What if my gums hurt when I use interdental brushes?

Ensure you are using the correct size. If it's too large, it can cause trauma; if it's too small, it won't clean effectively.

Can I just use mouthwash instead?

No. Liquid cannot scrape away sticky plaque; physical tools are required.

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