If you don't like the idea of using so much disposable plastic, there are some more sustainable between-teeth cleaning options to consider. Replaceable brush heads

So, now you know how to use interdental brushes, but which is the best brand and type for you? Below we cover some of the biggest brands in the UK, as well as some lesser-known ones which offer different features. TePe interdental brushes

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Looking for an environmentally responsible way to clean between your teeth? These specially designed interdental brushes by Truthbrush are carefully made from sustainably sourced bamboo and finished with plant oil for a smooth feel and water resistance. Carefully remove the brush and move onto the next gap. Change interdental brush sizes as you move around your mouth to ensure you're using the right size.

The Oral Health Foundation recommends interdental cleaning before brushing, based on research which found that doing it this way around removed more plaque overall. Other bodies say that brushing teeth first is just as effective. Can you reuse interdental brushes? Do your gums hurt after using interdental brushes? It's normal for your gums to bleed a little when you first start using them. This is a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis), but your new cleaning habits will help improve your gum health. Keep up your brushing for a few days, and the bleeding should subside. The best time to clean between your teeth is in the evening. This way, you know that there is no food left between your teeth while you sleep (a common cause of bad morning breath). However, if the morning suits you better, the important thing is that you're doing it at least once a day. Should you use interdental brushes before or after brushing? Using an interdental brush on a daily basis, as an addition to tooth brushing, is an easy and efficient way to keep your gums and teeth fresh and healthy. When used every day, these brushes are effective in reducign the build-up of plaque. Cleaning with an interdental brush prevents gum inflammation, cavities and bad breath.

Just like your toothbrush, interdental brushes can be used every time you clean your teeth until they start to wear out. Yes, absolutely. You only need to change your interdental brush when the bristles start to show signs of wear or the wire gives way. Each brush might last 1-2 weeks or more, depending on how much you use it. Certain manufacturers market their brushes as having better durability, so you might want to try a few and see which lasts longest for you. If you're unsure whether to use interdental brushes or floss (or both!), it's best to ask your dentist. Their answer may depend on your current oral health and the positioning of your teeth, or they might just recommend using whatever you find easier. Try inserting the brush from the inside (next to the tongue or the roof of the mouth) rather than the outside However, if you dismantle the interdental brush, you can recycle the polypropylene (plastic) handle.