You've got your paintbrush, your hairbrush, and of course, your toothbrush. Some are for aesthetic reasons and another for hygienic. But what about interdental brushes? These little known guys are used to clean between your teeth. If you're not into wrapping floss around your finger, interdental brushes may be right up your alley. As a matter of fact, a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information has shown that when used together with toothbrushing, interdental brushes are more effective in removing plaque than floss. You can stick with flossing, or you can see if interdental brushes are the right fit for your teeth.
Goto Buletedan to know more.
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 regulartoothbrush 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.
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.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Dental Toothpick Brush.
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:
Yes, many interdental brushes are reusable and can be reused several times before being disposed of.
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.
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.
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.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Disposable Tongue Scraper. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.