Oral care guide
5 min readFlossing and interdental cleaning
Cleaning between teeth helps remove plaque from areas a toothbrush may miss. The best method can differ between people.
Toothbrush bristles may not clean fully between teeth. Floss, interdental brushes or other aids may be recommended depending on spaces, gums, dental work and dexterity.
Floss is not automatically the best tool for everyone. A dental professional can show the safest and most effective method for your mouth.
At a glance
Choose a suitable aid
Personal fit
- Interdental brushes suit some spaces better than floss.
- Floss may suit tight contacts where brushes do not fit.
- Implants, bridges and braces may need specific cleaning aids.
Be gentle
Avoid trauma
- Use a gentle technique and avoid snapping floss into the gum.
- Bleeding may happen if gums are inflamed, but continuing bleeding needs advice.
- Stop if an aid gets stuck and ask for help.
Get advice
Ongoing bleeding
- Regular bleeding when cleaning between teeth should be assessed.
- Pain, swelling, loose teeth or bad breath needs dental advice.
- Seek prompt help if swelling spreads or symptoms are severe.
Contents
Interdental cleaning fills a gap brushing can miss
Cleaning between teeth can help control plaque in areas a toothbrush may not reach. The method should fit comfortably without causing repeated trauma.
Possible causes or contributing factors
- Plaque and food trapped between teeth.
- Gum inflammation or periodontal pockets.
- Crowding, dental work, braces or implants that make cleaning harder.
What you can do now
- Use the interdental aid recommended for your mouth if you have been shown one.
- Clean gently and steadily rather than forcing an aid through.
- Book advice if you cannot clean certain areas comfortably.
What not to do
- Do not force interdental brushes into spaces that are too tight.
- Do not ignore bleeding that continues.
- Do not use sharp household items to clean between teeth.
When to ask a dental professional
- Bleeding continues when brushing or cleaning between teeth.
- You have gum pain, swelling, bad breath or loose teeth.
- You need help cleaning around bridges, implants, braces or retainers.
When prompt dental advice is needed
- A gum swelling, abscess, severe pain or facial swelling develops.
- A stuck object cannot be removed gently.
- Bleeding does not stop or symptoms are worsening quickly.
What a dentist or relevant professional may assess or do
- Assess gum health and plaque control.
- Recommend floss, interdental brushes or other aids that fit safely.
- Provide periodontal or hygiene treatment if clinically appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Is floss the best option?
No. Interdental brushes or other aids may suit some mouths better. Ask a dental professional what fits your spaces safely.
Should I stop if my gums bleed?
Do not ignore bleeding that continues. Gentle cleaning is important, but regular bleeding should be assessed.
Can interdental cleaning help bad breath?
It can help remove plaque and food debris, but continuing bad breath can have several causes and may need assessment.
Need help cleaning between teeth?
A dental hygienist or dental professional can show cleaning aids that fit your mouth and dental work.
View dental hygienist informationOfficial sources
These links open external official guidance pages for further help.
Content reviewed by Dr Majid Saeed · 13 July 2026
References used for this guide are listed above.
Was this page helpful?
Your response is saved on this device for now.