Is flossing necessary if you use interdental brushes?

Flossing has long been a gold standard in dental hygiene. But with the rise of interdental brushes, many patients at McLevin Dental Clinic are asking, “If I use interdental brushes, do I still need to floss?” It’s a great question—and the answer depends on your mouth’s unique needs.

Let’s break it down together.

What Are Interdental Brushes?

Interdental brushes are small, cylindrical brushes designed to fit between the teeth. They come in various sizes and are especially useful for cleaning wider gaps where traditional floss might struggle. Think of them like tiny bottle brushes for your teeth!

How Does Flossing Compare?

Floss is a thin string that slips between tight spaces in teeth. It’s excellent at removing plaque and food particles where teeth are close together and a brush can’t fit. Floss wraps around the tooth’s surface in a C-shape, allowing it to clean just under the gumline—a critical area for preventing gum disease.

Are Interdental Brushes Better Than Floss?

In some situations, yes—but it depends. Interdental brushes are often more effective for people with:

Larger gaps between teeth

Bridges, crowns, or braces

Receding gums exposing more tooth surface

For tight contacts between teeth, floss is still the winner. Interdental brushes can’t squeeze into those super tight spaces where plaque loves to hide.

Should You Use Both?

Absolutely. Many dental professionals—including our team at McLevin Dental—recommend a combination approach:

Use interdental brushes where they comfortably fit.

Use floss for the tight spaces the brush can’t reach.

This combination gives your teeth and gums the most thorough clean, reducing plaque, preventing cavities, and keeping your gums healthy.

What Happens If You Skip Flossing?

Even with diligent brushing—including interdental brushing—plaque can still accumulate in spaces where brushes can’t reach. This can lead to:

Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)

Tooth decay between teeth

Bad breath caused by bacteria buildup

Tartar formation that requires professional removal

Skipping floss (or its equivalent) is one of the most common reasons people develop cavities between their teeth.

Who Might Benefit More from Interdental Brushes?

Patients with orthodontics: Braces make flossing harder. Interdental brushes slide under wires easily.

Those with dental implants or bridges: Brushes navigate around prosthetics better than floss.

People with gum recession: Gaps widen as gums recede, making brushes more effective than floss alone.

But Don’t Forget the Gumline!

One thing floss does exceptionally well is clean just under the gumline. Interdental brushes don’t always reach into the curve where the tooth meets the gum. This is why flossing remains crucial in maintaining gum health—especially in tight spaces.

McLevin Dental’s Professional Advice

Here’s what we tell our patients:

If interdental brushes fit easily, use them. They’re efficient, easy to handle, and excellent at plaque removal.

If you have tight spaces, floss daily to reach areas a brush cannot.

For optimal oral health, combine both techniques.

Not sure which sizes or tools are right for your mouth? Ask us during your dental visit—we’re always happy to demonstrate the best technique for you.

Your Oral Hygiene Routine Should Look Like This:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.

Use interdental brushes where they fit.

Floss daily in tight spaces.

Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Visit McLevin Dental regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Final Thoughts

So, is flossing necessary if you use interdental brushes? In most cases, yes. While interdental brushes are fantastic for cleaning wider gaps and dental work, floss remains essential for tight spaces and along the gumline.

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we believe that every smile deserves personalized care. Whether you’re a fan of floss, an interdental brush convert, or somewhere in between, our dental team is here to help you craft the perfect routine for lifelong oral health.

Need advice on the best tools for your smile? Book an appointment with us today—and let’s keep your teeth and gums in the healthiest shape possible.