Once you have selected the correct size brush for the gaps in your teeth, it can take some time to get used to interdental brushing. It might help to stand in front of a mirror at first, until you can do it without looking. Prices are slightly higher than most plastic brushes, as is often the case with environmentally-friendly alternatives, but they are not prohibitively expensive. Wisdom also make a range of ‘Clean Between' rubber interdental brushes. The soft rubber filaments are gentle on gums and safe for use around implants, metal fillings and crowns, and braces. They come in three sizes: fine (blue), medium (green) and large (purple).

Unless advised by your dentist, you shouldn't use toothpaste with an interdental brush. However, you can buy special gels which are suitable for interproximal application, like TePe Gingival Gel. This contains antiseptic chlorhexidine and fluoride to offer extra protection. The best interdental brush brands in the UK

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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. 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.

Read more about flossing in our guide about how to floss and the best products to use. Can interdental brushes damage gums? 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? Bend the wire at an angle (use a brush with a flexible head to reduce the likelihood of the wire breaking) You should use your interdental brush to clean between teeth in this way once a day, while still brushing in the normal way twice a day. See our teeth-brushing guide for more about how to brush your teeth properly.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 There are some interdental brushes made with a sustainable bamboo handle and nylon bristles, which may be a more eco-friendly choice. Are TePe interdental brushes recyclable? You can recycle the plastic handle of interdental brushes. You just have to separate the brush from the handle with pliers or some other tool. How often should you change an interdental brush? 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 Used correctly, interdental brushes should clean plaque from the gumline between teeth but shouldn't cause any damage to the gums. However, it may take a few days to get the hang of it.