Cleaning between your teeth

Interdental cleaning

Your regular toothbrush only cleans the inside, outside and biting surfaces of the tooth. Don't forget to clean the surfaces between the teeth, where bacteria can multiply if left undisturbed.

Keeping your mouth healthy

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on and between your teeth. It must be removed regularly, or it can cause gum inflammationcavities and bad breath. The area in between the teeth is difficult to reach with a toothbrush and an interdental product is recommended to use in these areas.

It is recommended to start cleaning between your teeth in your early adulthood every day to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.

When you start cleaning between your teeth, your gums can feel sore and bleed but don't stop since bleeding gums are often a sign of gum inflammation. If you don’t notice an improvement within a few days, contact your dental professional.

How to clean between the teeth

There are different interdental cleaning devices such as floss, dental picks or interdental brushes. An interdental brush is the most efficient tool to keep your teeth healthy and prevent gum inflammation and cavities. What product you need is dependent on your individual needs and preferences. Ask you dental professional for advice. 

Read our instruction on how to clean between your teeth with TePe Interdental Brushes.

Daily oral care

Keeping gums and teeth healthy is fundamental to prevent gum inflammation and cavities. Dental plaque constantly forms on all surfaces of the teeth. Adults are advised to complement their daily toothbrushing routine with interdental cleaning.

Step 1: Cleaning between teeth

The choice of interdental cleaning devices depends on individual needs and preferences.

Step 2: Toothbrushing

Softer, high-quality filaments ensure gentle cleaning and a tapered brush head makes it easier to reach the back teeth.

There are several ways of cleaning between your teeth, depending on the size of your gaps and what you prefer yourself. In large gaps the most effective method is to use an interdental brush. 

TePe also offers a gel with chlorhexidine and fluoride for inflamed gums, to reduce the risk of cavities and help protect sensitive root surfaces.

TePe EasyPick™ is an easy and efficient option for cleaning between your teeth (It is convenient to bring along and use on-the-go).

Dental floss can be effective and is often a good option in the late teens when the spaces between the teeth are usually very tight or small. A preloaded floss holder, TePe Mini Flosser™, is an easier way of flossing.

Interdental cleaning for children

Cleaning between the teeth is usually not recommended until all the permanent teeth have emerged completely.

If your dentist or hygienist has advised you to start cleaning between the teeth earlier than that, you should, of course, follow this recommendation.

 

Information material

Read more about your oral health in our patient guide Interdental Cleaning.