Interdental Brush Sizes

Interdental brushes come in a variety of different sizes to fit different sizes of gaps between teeth.

For more information, please visit our website.

The smallest brush diameter is 0.32mm and is designed to clean extremely fine-tooth gaps and inside gum pockets.

The biggest diameter is 1.5mm and is intended for large tooth gaps and cleaning orthodontic appliances.

The size of the brush is identified by the colour of the handle, however there is not much commonality between the different diameters and colour codes on the market.

To make things easier, the table opposite shows the different sizes and colours of Acclean brushes and the nearest TePe equivalents.

TePe vs Acclean Interdental Brushes

TePe is the UK's most famous interdental brush brand, known for their distinctive small and colourful handles.

Before using an interdental brush, it is important to determine that it is the right size. It is often a case of trial and error when it comes to finding the right size. The brush should fit snug and be comfortable without being too tight. Patients should avoid trying to force the brush into spaces, as advised by the NHS. Once the correct fit had been found, the brush should be inserted between teeth and moved backwards and forwards a few times to remove plaque and debris. The whole of the mouth should be worked around so not to miss any spaces, Some small interdental brushes can be slightly bent at the neck to reach the back of the mouth, but continuous bending at severe angles can lead to damage to the wire. Purchasing angled brushes like Acclean can remove the need for bending. Patients should aim to clean their teeth with interdental brushes once a day before brushing.

The right interdental brush ' which size do I use?

Updated November

There's so much choice! Which is the right interdental brush for me?

There's no set answer to that question, as everyone needs different brushes. Our teeth are as individual as we are! Moreover, we all need a few brushes, as one size doesn't fit all!

It's those gaps between the teeth, where teeth and gums meet, that can trap particles. Once that happens, then bacteria form a sticky biofilm and inflammation begins. So interdental spaces are important places to keep clean. Yet it can be hard to choose the right interdental brush, let alone use them regularly and properly.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Buletedan.

Manufacturers of interdental brushes have colour-coded them, so that we can easily choose, purchase and use the sizes that we need. The smallest sized ones are pink, and have a diameter of 0.4mm and the widest brush is black and measures 1.5mm.

Whether you have a wide space caused by a missing tooth, or slight gaps between teeth, there's an interdental brush that will help keep the edges of your teeth plaque-free.

Your dental hygienist can recommend the right interdental brushes so that all the planes of the teeth are reached. Alternatively, you can experiment with a mixed pack at home which will range from pink to black through a rainbow of colours. But there's nothing like reliable professional advice.

Interdental brushes are handy, and a really useful tool to help clean the spaces between our teeth that a regular toothbrush can't reach.

Tips on using interdental brushes:

• Gum tissue responds to care, so give them lots of attention.
• Never push! Try a smaller sized brush instead.
• To clean thoroughly, you will most likely need to use a few different sizes.
• Once through the gap, move the brush horizontally.
• Use floss or tape between the very close planes of your teeth.
• Interdental brushes work best when used as often as a regular brush.
• For the back teeth bend the wire gently ' be careful, or it may snap!

'Visited the dental hygienist ' I was welcomed into the foyer by the lovely receptionist, straight into the surgery to see the hygienist who welcomed me, made me comfortable and always during the procedure ensured that I was ok. All done with expertise and calmness. Teeth cleaned and polished and after some words about care I left the surgery. All done and dusted quickly and efficiently including paying the bill and purchasing some TePe brushes which I find so good at keeping my mouth in good shape.' BM ' a SpaDental Chard patient

Our practice sells a range of interdental brushes and other oral health products

If you're not sure what would suit your requirements, then please ask us for advice. As we're aware of how one-use plastics impacts on our environment, we now stock brushes with bamboo handles.

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Dental Therapist Thomas Wardiell at SpaDental Plymouth, has recorded this short video (apologies for the flickering) for you to see how to use these clever little brushes. It will really help you to keep the gap between your teeth and gums clean, and is so important for the health of your gums. It can be hard to know which size or type is the right interdental brush, so our team can help you choose.

Remember, it's possible to arrange a direct access visit to your dental hygienist

Direct access means you don't have to make an appointment with the dentist before you can see the hygienist. If your gums are bleeding a bit, or feel a little uncomfortable, your hygienist can help you to sort it out. A visit to the hygienist is also great if you have an important date coming up, and want a polished look for the occasion!

Are you interested in learning more about Interdental Brush Manufacturers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Did you know?

• Good oral hygiene can help prevent antibiotic resistance.