A Guide To Interdental Brushes

Discover the benefits, sizes, usage tips, and eco options of interdental brushes, your essential tool for a cleaner, healthier smile and improved oral care.

In Dental Sky's handy guide to Interdental Brushes we will explore all the ins and outs of interdental brushes, looking at some of your favourite brands like TePe and Piksters, as well as alternative options, such as products made with eco friendly materials.

We'll also dive into how to measure interproximal gaps to help you work out what size interdental brush you need.

Choosing the right interdental brush for you is pivitol in maintaining a good oral hygiene routine so you can be sure that you're using the best product in the right way!

Interdental brushes are small, specialised dental brushes designed to clean the tight spaces between your teeth in areas a regular toothbrush can't always reach. Interdental brushes are used to remove plaque and food debris that can contribute to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even bad breath.

More than a third of British adults now use interdental brushes (34%), surpassing traditional interdental floss (31%) as their go-to method for interdental cleaning.

Interdental Brushes provide a smart, simple way to improve your oral hygiene routine as they clean where toothbrushes often can’t, offering easier alternatives to traditional dental floss.

With brands like TePe Brushes offering professional-grade options, it’s easy to find a solution that suits your needs and protects your smile.

How long do interdental brushes last?

Typically, interdental brushes last from a few days up to two weeks, depending on use. Interdental brushes can be reused, but like a normal toothbrush, they have a shelf life.

Using one interdental brush for all your teeth can shorten its lifespan, so using different interdental brushes for the different spaces is generally preferred.

Interdental brushes should be replaced when they show signs of bending, splaying, or wear.

Interdental brushes are often colour coded by size, with each colour representing a different diameter of the brush head and wire core.

Brands like TePe Brushes standardise these colours to help users easily identify and select the right size for their unique interdental spaces, ensuring more effective and comfortable cleaning.

This widely recognised colour chart was popularised by TePe, which is one of the leading manufacturers of interdental brushes.

For example, Pink typically represents the smallest size at 0.4mm, while Black or Grey brushes indicate larger diameters for wider spaces.

Although the TePe colour coded size system system has become widely used,  other big interdental brush brands such as OPTIM and Piksters apply slightly different colour coding size schemes so it's important to check the sizing and colour scheme of the brand you are using.

Interdental brushes vary by thickness and shape to suit different gap sizes between teeth (PHD = Passage Hole Diameter), with an example of Tepes sizing system to help users easily identify the right fit: 

TePe Interdental Brushes Sizing

• Pink – 0.4mm (Very tight gaps)
• Orange - 0.45mm (PHD: <-0.8 mm)
• Red – 0.5mm (PHD: 0.9-1.0 mm)
• Blue – 0.6mm (PHD: 1.1-1.2 mm)
• Yellow – 0.7mm (PHD: 1.3-1.5 mm)
• Green – 0.8mm (PHD: 1.6-1.8 mm)
• Purple - 1.1mm (PHD: >1.9 mm)
• Black – 1.5 mm (Wider gaps)

Here is an example of an interdental brush size guide from Piksters:

Interdental brushes are not only available in a variety of sizes, but also in different shapes and designs to suit diverse oral care needs.

Common types include:

• Conical (pine tree-shaped) brushes: Ideal for cleaning around implants, braces, and wider gaps.
• Straight or cylindrical brushes: Best suited for evenly spaced teeth or those with more uniform interdental gaps.
• Ultra-thin or fine brushes: Perfect for tighter spaces or individuals new to interdental cleaning.

Finding the right interdental brush size

Choosing the right size for your interdental brush is essential for effective cleaning, ensuring a snug fit that removes plaque without causing discomfort or damage.

Interdental brushes should be matched to the size of your interdental space, a dental professional can measure these gaps and even provide a personalised chart showing the correct brush size for each area, ensuring effective and safe cleaning.

How to get the most out of your interdental cleaning step by step:

1. Start with the smallest interdental brush and work your way up until the bristles gently engage teeth and gum tissue.
2. The brush should fit snugly, but not too tightly.
3. Most people require 2–3 different brush sizes, depending on the gap sizes in their mouth.

Using the correct interdental brush sizes will ensure a snug fit without forcing, allowing the bristles to remove plaque efficiently without damaging the gum tissue, and give more reassurance on how to use interdental brushes.

Most people will benefit from using multiple sizes throughout their mouth, as interdental spaces vary. That’s why many brands offer multi-size packs or trial kits, making it easier to find the right combination, like the assorted pack of TePe brushes or assorted pack of Piksters interdental brushes.

Whether you’re looking for a brush to clean tight contacts, orthodontic work, or larger gaps caused by recession or restorative treatment, understanding the size and type of interdental brush will help you maintain optimal oral hygiene and avoid gum damage.

Are interdental brushes reusable?

Yes, many interdental brushes are reusable and can be reused several times before being disposed of. 

Are there eco-friendly interdental brushes?

Yes, eco-friendly interdental brushes are available and are usually made from materials like bamboo or beechwood for the handles. Eco-friendly interdental brushes have gained popularity as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic brushes. These biodegradable options provide the same reliable cleaning performance as plastic-handled brushes while significantly reducing environmental impact. Many handles are made from sustainably sourced materials and are up to 97% biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally over time without releasing toxins into the environment.

These brushes offer a strong ergonomic grip and are available in the full range of sizes, making them just as versatile and effective for cleaning between teeth, around braces, or near dental implants. For dental practices, these brushes will present a dual benefit: they appeal to the eco-conscious patient segment and offer higher perceived value, which can translate into long-term loyalty.

Among the most accessible eco options on the market are Piksters Assorted Bamboo Interdental Brushes. 

Are there recyclable interdental brush options?

As well as eco-friendly interdental brushes, there are also partially recyclable interdental brushes that are made using renewable resources and can be recycled after use. While the bristles are made from mixed materials that aren’t widely recyclable at home, the handles, made from polypropylene, can be separated and recycled in many local systems. This partial recyclability offers an easy first step for patients looking to reduce their environmental impact without changing their routine, especially for those managing long-term oral health concerns like plaque buildup or early-stage gum disease.

To support easier recycling, TePe has also launched the TePe Environmental Recycling Initiative (TERI) in partnership with Canon Hygiene Ltd. This pilot scheme allows dental practices to collect used brushes for specialist recycling, giving patients a clear disposal route and giving practices a credible green initiative to promote to their patients. Participation is free for practices and adds a valuable CSR talking point to in-practice marketing.

Products like Piksters Assorted Interdental Brushes and Display Units remain essential even if they’re not biodegradable, especially when recyclable options are promoted alongside them. Display units like these not only showcase the full-size range but also help increase patient engagement and spontaneous purchases at the front desk.

By choosing products that combine user-friendly design with more sustainable materials, practices can align with patient values while supporting responsible consumption, especially for patients managing periodontal disease, gum disease, or maintaining dental implants, all without compromising on hygiene standards or day-to-day usability. 

Why is sustainable sourcing important for interdental brushes?

Sustainability is becoming more of a priority focus throughout dentistry, with many dental practices looking to align their product purchases with patients' values, marketing themselves as choosing more sustainable inventory. 67% of consumers now consider environmental impact when choosing oral care products. While most interdental brushes are designed for short-term use, eco-friendly alternatives now offer options that are partially reusable or come with refillable components, and are made with more sustainable materials like bamboo. 

When considering eco-friendly interdental brushes, the origin of the materials is just as important as the product itself. FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) ensures that materials like bamboo and beechwood come from responsibly managed forests, which protect biodiversity, support local communities, and promote the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

Several brands now incorporate FSC-certified handles in their interdental brushes to demonstrate transparency and commitment to sustainable sourcing. For instance, some brushes use FSC-certified beechwood handles, combining effective plaque removal with responsible forestry practices. Similarly, bamboo handles from FSC-certified sources offer a durable and biodegradable option, reflecting a growing trend towards environmental responsibility in oral care products.

By choosing interdental brushes made from FSC-certified materials, patients and practices alike can be reassured that their choices contribute positively to oral healthcare but also to preserving global forest resources. For patients at risk of periodontal disease or those with dental implants, using eco-conscious brushes adds an extra layer of value to an already essential daily hygiene practice. 

Key benefits and challenges when choosing interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are essential dental tools used alongside regular toothbrushes to deliver targeted cleaning and promote healthier gums. Below presents an insightful summary of key benefits and common concerns, as well as how choosing the right products can naturally address these issues.

Benefits of Interdental Brushes

• Healthier gums: Regular use helps reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, and other oral issues by removing plaque and preventing buildup between teeth.
• Fresher breath: Removes the trapped food between teeth, interdental brushes help eliminate one of the main causes of bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling cleaner and fresher.
• Easier than floss: Dentists often highlight that interdental floss can sometimes cut or irritate the gums, whereas interdental brushes provide a gentler alternative. In the UK, many patients shy away from interdental floss altogether due to past frustrating or fiddly experiences.
• Reaches tight spaces: Ideal around braces, bridges, and wider gaps where floss frays or shreds.
• Easy and convenient: Interdental brushes are often easier to use than floss, especially for reaching the back teeth, simplifying patient compliance.

Common Challenges of Interdental Brushes and how to solve them

• Multiple sizes needed: Different gaps and dental work require different brush sizes, which can increase the purchasing complexity. Stocking assorted packs makes it easier for practices to guide patients to their correct size during consultations. Using a solution like TePe Interdental Brush Practice Box, a compact holder with a built-in size guide, makes storage and selection easy. This approach reduces waste and supports consistent use, turning a potential barrier into a straightforward, confident choice for both patients and practices.
• Potential for irritation: One of the most frequent concerns individuals raise is gum sensitivity, often caused by using the wrong size or pressing too hard, leading to gum irritation, minor bleeding, or even injury. Oversized brushes can irritate or damage soft tissue, while undersized ones miss debris and plaque. Choosing the right size and using a gentle technique is key to easing patients into the habit safely, recommend brushes with a softer approach. TePe Angle Interdental Brushes feature a pre-angled neck and ergonomic handle, allowing for better control and easier access to molars without force, making it essential for safe and effective interdental cleaning. For those seeking a natural feel and added comfort, Piksters Bamboo Brushes offer a gentler brushing experience with softer wire and smaller diameters, which is ideal for sensitive areas and first-time users.
• Possible initial bleeding: First-time interdental brush users may experience some initial bleeding, often due to pre-existing inflammation rather than the brush itself. This early response typically resolves within a few days of consistent use. To ease users into the routine, softer, fine-bristled options like TePe Extra Soft Interdental Brushes offer gentle plaque removal without irritating sensitive gums. This brush style helps reframe early bleeding as a temporary step towards healthier gums, encouraging continued use with greater comfort and confidence.

Interdental Brushes - Final thoughts

Interdental brushes have now become an important tool in modern oral hygiene, offering a more effective and user-friendly alternative to traditional flossing methods and to Interdental Sticks that individuals were using for their oral health care routine, with eco-friendly and recyclable variations.

Brands like TePe Interdental Brushes are leading the way in innovation, standardised sizing, and sustainable design for interdental brushes, making it so much easier to find a brush that fits your unique needs. Whether you're aiming to reach tight gaps or larger interdental spaces, these dental brushes improve cleaning efficiency, help prevent gum disease, and contribute to long-term oral health.

Incorporating interdental brushes into your daily routine is a small step that produces big rewards for your teeth, gums, and overall well-being. Start your journey toward a cleaner, fresher smile today by exploring trusted brands like TePe Brushes, designed with both performance and the planet in mind!

Discover Dental Sky’s full range of interdental brushes, including trusted brands like TePe, Piksters, Wisdom and OPTIM—available in all sizes right here.