Interdental Cleaning Aids: A Dentist’s Guide to Recommending Floss & Interdental Brushes

No toothbrush, regardless of the brushing method used, can completely remove the plaque biofilm present between teeth. Even individuals with large interdental spaces or periodontal patients with wide-open embrasures require interdental aids—not just to remove food debris but also to eliminate plaque biofilm effectively. The choice of these aids should be based on factors such as the size of interdental spaces, the presence of furcations, tooth alignment, orthodontic treatment, fixed prosthodontics, as well as the patient’s ease of use and cooperation. In this blog, we will explore different types of interdental cleaning aids, with a primary focus on flossers, to help you make better recommendations for your patients.

What are Interdental Cleaning Aids?

Interdental cleaning aids are additional oral hygiene products that help remove plaque and food debris stuck between the teeth. These typically include threader floss, interdental brushes, picks, water flossers, etc. They are used in conjunction with regular toothbrushing, as even proper brushing techniques cannot fully clean the interdental spaces.

Types of Interdental Cleaning Aids:

Thread Floss:

These are the most traditional types of dental floss and are considered the gold standard in flossing. They consist of a string of thread that is slid between the teeth, into the interdental spaces, to remove food accumulation and plaque. Different sections of the string can be used one by one between the teeth. The thread length can be customized as per the patient’s needs. Regular use reduces the chances of plaque build-up, cavity formation, and gingival inflammation. The only challenge some patients face is that it requires dexterity, but with frequent use and practice, one can make the most of it.

Nowadays, thread floss can be waxed (slightly thicker) to adhere to debris better or unwaxed for those who require thinner thread floss. These can be flavored, such as cupcake or mint, to make flossing more pleasant for patients. The material can be biodegradable or all-natural, like silk, and can be braided or woven, expanding when in contact with water—helpful for cleaning larger interdental spaces. 

Top Dentist Recommended: ICPA Thermoseal Dental Floss 50mtr,   LD Dental Floss

PTFE Floss:

Another type of floss is PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is the same material used in Gore-Tex fabric. It slides easily between tight spaces, making it ideal for crowded teeth. The main advantage of using this material for a string of floss is that it does not shred or break easily. However, perfluorooctanoic acid, a possible carcinogen, should be considered carefully before recommending PTFE floss to patients. 

Floss Picks:

Floss picks are an alternative to dental tape, combining the functionality of dental floss with the convenience of a handle for a better grip and easier maneuverability. They are best suited for children and older individuals who lack the dexterity required for traditional flossing. While not as effective as regular floss, they offer ease of use and portability.

Floss picks make it easier to reach the posterior regions of the mouth and navigate tight spaces due to the handle’s better grip. They can be easily carried in pockets or bags and are less messy, as the length of the floss tape is controlled. However, one major disadvantage is that the same section of floss is often used repeatedly, potentially pushing bacteria back between the teeth. Also, the fixed length can be a drawback for patients with larger hands who prefer customized floss lengths.

Top Dentist Recommended: Stim Flosal (Pack Of 10),    Icpa Younifloss Pack of 10 (1 Box Contains 50pcs)

Floss Threaders or Super Floss:

This is a special type of floss designed for patients who cannot use traditional flossing methods, such as those with braces, crowns, bridges, or fixed retainers. It includes a stiffened-end dental floss threader, providing a convenient grip for maneuvering between teeth. Super floss comes in pre-cut form, eliminating the need for measuring and cutting, ensuring a hassle-free experience. However, it offers limited flavor options and may require some practice to get used to its stiffened end.

Top Dentist Recommended: Stim Threader Floss (5 mts Floss & 5 Pcs Threader Tip)

Platypus Ortho Flossers:

Used primarily by orthodontic patients, these flossers function similarly to floss threaders. The key difference is that one side of the flosser is thinner and flatter, allowing easier use between teeth. Platypus Ortho Flossers are superior to floss threaders because their design provides a better grip and ease of use.

Proxa Brush:

Also known as an interdental brush, this is used in the interdental spaces to remove accumulated plaque and food particles. It is often categorized as both a toothbrush and a flosser. Interdental brushes are especially beneficial for patients with grip issues, undergoing orthodontic treatment, or having undergone procedures such as implant-supported dentures or bridges. These brushes effectively clean larger interdental spaces, are easy to use and are gentler on the gingiva than traditional flossing. However, a major disadvantage is that they do not last long and, if too much pressure is applied, can cause gingival bleeding.

Top Dentist Recommended: ICPA Thermoseal Proxa Interdental Brush (WS),   Stoddard Interdental Brushes

Powered Interdental Brushes:

These are high-tech powered versions of proxa brushes. Their indications are the same as those of proxa brushes, but an added advantage is that they can be adjusted for different intensities, and different time settings can be configured. Available in various sizes, they can cater to different gaps with adjustable settings.

Vibrating Flossers:

Vibrating flossers are similar to dental floss picks but are battery-operated. The handle vibrates, increasing cleaning efficiency. However, these flossers are not yet widely popular, and dentists do not frequently recommend them to their patients.

Water Flossers:

Water flossers are commonly recommended after traditional proxa brush and dental tape methods. These devices release a stream of water with adequate force to clean food particles stuck between teeth and within gingival pockets. Water flossers provide superior cleaning, reaching even hard-to-access areas of the mouth.

A variety of tips can be attached depending on the patient’s needs, whether for basic cleaning or orthodontic patients with braces. These interchangeable tips cater to diverse oral care requirements.

Top Dentist Recommended: MyOra Cordless Water Flosser (MY01),   Oracura OC450 Dental PRO Countertop Smart Water Flosser

Blizzflossers:

A lesser-known type of flosser, Blizzflossers resemble a mouth guard or an impression tray with attached strings that engage between all teeth simultaneously. However, these flossers only move up and down in one direction, which limits cleaning effectiveness. As a result, they are not widely recommended by dentists.

Wooden Plaque Removers or Toothpicks:

Often used by patients without dental recommendations, wooden plaque removers and toothpicks help remove food particles stuck between teeth. However, they have several disadvantages: they cannot reach tight interdental spaces, posterior regions and can cause gingival bleeding. These should only be used occasionally and not as a primary flossing method.

Top Dentist Recommended: Round Wooden Toothpicks (Pack of 10 Jars)

Conclusion:

Interdental cleaning plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene, as plaque and food debris often accumulate in areas that toothbrushes cannot reach. With various options available—such as thread floss, floss picks, interdental brushes, water flossers, and advanced powered flossers—dentists can recommend the most suitable interdental aid based on a patient’s specific needs, including dexterity, interdental space size, orthodontic appliances, or fixed prosthodontics.

For dentists looking to provide their patients with high-quality flossing solutions, DentalKart offers a wide range of interdental cleaning aids. Explore the collection today to ensure your patients have access to the best tools for maintaining a healthier smile!

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