Interdental Brushes vs. String Floss: Which Wins for Your Teeth? (2025 Guide)
Table of Contents
What Are The Best Tools To Clean Between Teeth?
Plaque hides between teeth. 40% of bad stuff stays there if you just brush. You need to clean between teeth too!
Let’s look at two top tools:
- Interdental brushes (little brushes)
- String floss (thin string)
Which one is best for you? Let’s find out!
Why Cleaning Between Teeth Matters
Bad stuff can hide between teeth:
- Plaque (sticky stuff)
- Food bits
- Bacteria (tiny bugs)
If you don’t clean between teeth:
- You get holes (cavities)
- Your gums get sick (gum disease)
- You get bad breath
- You pay more money at the dentist
Did you know? 80% of holes in teeth start between teeth!
All About Interdental Brushes
What Are Interdental Brushes?
Interdental brushes are small, round brushes. They look like tiny bottle brushes. They come in many sizes to fit different gaps.
Good Things About Interdental Brushes
- Work better than floss for open gaps
- Easier to use if you have big hands or can’t move well
- Better for braces and metal in your mouth
- Remove 52% more plaque than string floss
- You can use them many times (save trees!)
- Better for gum health by 0.4mm in just 6 weeks
Not-So-Good Things
- Cost more than floss ($8-$15 each month)
- Need different sizes for different gaps
- Metal parts might hurt if your gums are sore
- Hard to find in some stores
Who Should Use Interdental Brushes?
You should pick interdental brushes if:
- You have braces
- You have big gaps between teeth
- You have bridges or implants
- Your hands hurt (like with arthritis)
- Your gums bleed when you floss
Top picks: TePe Angled brushes or GUM Soft-Picks
All About String Floss
What Is String Floss?
String floss is a thin thread made to clean between teeth. It comes in many types:
- Waxed floss (slippery)
- Unwaxed floss (thin)
- Tape floss (flat and wide)
- PTFE floss (super strong)
Good Things About String Floss
- Cheap ($2-$10 each month)
- Fits in tiny spaces where brushes can’t go
- Works for all teeth (front and back)
- Easy to find in stores
- Easy to carry when you travel
Not-So-Good Things
- Hard to use right (only 30% of people do it well)
- Can hurt gums if you push too hard
- Can break on sharp teeth or fillings
- May be bad for oceans (plastic waste)
- Hard to reach back teeth
Who Should Use String Floss?
You should pick string floss if:
- You have tight teeth (close together)
- You travel a lot
- You want to save money
- You care about the earth (get silk floss)
- You have good hand skills
Top picks: Cocofloss (feels good) or Oral-B Satin Tape (for sore gums)
Big Battle: Interdental Brushes vs. String Floss
Let’s see who wins in each area:
| What We Compare | Interdental Brushes | String Floss | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleans Plaque | Removes 52% more in open gaps | Better for tight spaces | Brushes for gaps, Floss for tight teeth |
| Easy To Use | 78% of people find them easier | Only 30% use floss right | Brushes |
| Cost | $8-$15 per month | $2-$10 per month | Floss |
| For Braces | Works great | Hard to get under wires | Brushes |
| For Tight Teeth | Too big for small gaps | Gets in tiny spaces | Floss |
| For Sore Gums | Gentle on gums | Can cut if used wrong | Brushes |
| Earth-Friendly | Can use many times | Often plastic waste | Brushes |
| Dentist Likes | 67% of gum doctors pick this first | Good for tight spots | Brushes |
| People Actually Use | 62% use daily | Only 30% use right | Brushes |
What Dentists Say
Dr. Emma Woods says: “Interdental brushes are a game-changer for people who hate flossing.”
The American Dental Association (ADA) says:
- Use both tools if your gaps change size
- Clean between all teeth, not just some
- Do it once every day
Warning: Don’t use brushes with wire if your gums have pulled back (recession).
Who Should Use What?
Use Interdental Brushes If You Have:
- Braces or retainers
- Implants or bridges
- Big gaps between teeth
- Sore hands (arthritis)
- Bleeding gums
Use String Floss If You Have:
- Tight teeth (close together)
- Small budget
- Good hand skills
- Care about earth (get silk floss)
- No big gaps
Many dentists say use both! Use brushes where they fit, and floss where they don’t.
How To Use Interdental Brushes Right
- Pick the right size – should feel snug but not hurt
- Wet the brush with water
- Slide it between teeth gently
- Move back and forth a few times
- Rinse the brush after each gap
- Let it dry after use
Tips:
- Start with bigger brushes for back teeth
- Use smaller ones for front teeth
- Don’t force if it doesn’t fit
- Try the soft-pick type if metal hurts
How To Use String Floss Right
- Break off 18 inches of floss
- Wrap ends around middle fingers
- Hold tight between thumbs and pointer fingers
- Slide gently between teeth (don’t snap!)
- Make a C shape around each tooth
- Move up and down on each tooth side
- Use clean part for each new tooth
Tips:
- Waxed floss is best for tight teeth
- Don’t saw back and forth (hurts gums)
- Be gentle near gums
- Try a floss holder if it’s hard to reach
Questions People Ask
Can I use both tools?
Yes! Many dentists say this is best. Use brushes where they fit, floss where they don’t.
How often should I clean between teeth?
Once every day is enough. Best time is before bed.
Do interdental brushes make gaps bigger?
No, if you use the right size. Don’t force big brushes in small gaps.
Can kids use interdental brushes?
Yes, but help them. Kids under 10 need help cleaning between teeth.
Is water flossing better than both?
Not always. Water flossers are good but might miss some plaque that brushes or floss can get.
Which is best for people with arthritis?
Interdental brushes with thick handles are best. They need less hand skill.
Final Word: Which Is Best?
The best tool depends on your teeth:
- Best overall: Interdental brushes (if your gaps are big enough)
- Best for tight teeth: String floss
- Best for braces: Interdental brushes
- Best for beginners: Interdental brushes
- Best for the earth: Reusable interdental brushes or silk floss
Remember: The best tool is the one you will use every day!
What To Buy
Top Interdental Brushes:
- TePe Angled Brushes – Great for back teeth
- GUM Soft-Picks – No metal, good for travel
- Oral-B Interdental Brushes – Good size range
Top String Floss:
- Cocofloss – Feels nice, cleans well
- Oral-B Satin Tape – Good for sore gums
- Eco-Dent – Kind to the earth
Talk to your dentist about which size or type is best for your teeth!
