Interdental brushes (IDBs) are increasingly recommended as an alternative to traditional floss for cleaning between teeth.
Research comparing the two focuses on how well they remove plaque from interdental spaces and how effectively they improve gum health and reduce bleeding.
What the evidence shows
IDBs tend to improve gum health slightly more than floss in the short term, with more consistent reductions in gum inflammation scores.
Small reductions in bleeding sites are more often seen with IDBs than floss in clinical trials.
Plaque findings are less consistent – some studies show better plaque removal with IDBs (especially where spaces allow brush access), while others show little difference.
Benefits appear greater in people with gum disease or open interdental spaces, where brushes can physically contact more tooth surface.
Technique and regular use matter a lot. In unsupervised “real-world” studies, differences between tools can shrink i… Source by Oral Health Foundation Read More
