What are the best interdental brushes on the market?

Understanding Interdental Brushes

Before diving into the vast ocean of interdental brushes and their endless varieties, it's essential to understand what an interdental brush really is. Also known as an interproximal brush or proxy brush, it's essentially a small brush, typically disposable, that is placed into the gaps between your teeth to clean those tricky, hard-to-reach areas. Dental professionals recommend these little life-savers as a supplement to the regular brushing and flossing we (should) do every day.

So what makes interdental brushes a necessary addition to your oral hygiene kit? Most toothbrushes, even electric ones, can only reach about 60% of your tooth's surface. The remaining 40% — mostly the spaces between your teeth — is left untouched. When staring down at the figures on the chart provided by my dentist during my last check-up, that's when it started to make sense — why I needed an interdental brush. It was like a light bulb flicked on in my brain, followed by the slightly cartoonish thought of tiny toothbrushes scrubbing between my teeth. Amelia couldn't stop laughing when I shared the vision with her.

The Interdental Brush Showdown: Which Ones Reign Supreme?

With a market bursting at the seams with options, finding the best interdental brush can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Fear not, my friends, I have navigated the dental hygiene aisles and online marketplaces in search of the best interdental brushes for you. Let's get right into the list of top contenders.

The first standout in the line-up is the TePe Interdental Brushes. Hailing from Sweden, these superstars are not just ideally designed but tick all the boxes regarding efficiency and comfort. The ergonomic handle provides the convenience of reach, while the plastic-coated wires prevent any metal-to-gum harshness. With a range of nine color-coded size options, they cater to the varying widths of gaps between the teeth.

Next up are the beloved GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens. The angled brush head allows for superior access to reach those tricky back teeth. The antibacterial bristles keep the brush cleaner in between uses, and a nifty ventilated cap included as part of each handle makes storage hygienic and simple.

For the eco-conscious among you, the Oral-B Interdental Brush Refills are a top pick. The refill format removes the need for frequent replacement of the entire handle and thus significantly reduces plastic waste. The high-flexibility wire is also gentle on the gums while still being effective at dislodging nasty bits from your teeth.

The fourth contender happens to be the Piksters Interdental Brushes. As an Aussie product, it holds a special place in my heart (and mouth). Encompassing a wide range of sizes and boasting plastic-coated wires, the Piksters also feature a handy connector on the handle that allows attachment to a longer extension when necessary. Amelia often teases me about using the "mini chimney sweeper," especially when I attach the extended handle!

Quick tips for selecting the right Interdental Brushes

Now that you're acquainted with the crème de la crème in interdental brushes, here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting one for yourself. Tooth shapes and sizes can vary as much as shoes do, so finding your perfect fit is crucial. Try to purchase smaller packs or sample sets if available and try a few sizes before committing to one. The right size brush will fit comfortably, yet snugly, between your teeth. Pay attention to the structure of the handle and ensure it offers a good grip and ease of maneuverability. Be aware of the material of the wire. Plastic-coated ones are gentler on the gums.

Practical Tips for Using Interdental Brushes

Having a Ferrari in your driveway doesn't automatically make you a Formula 1 driver, much the same, owning an interdental brush doesn't magically solve your oral hygiene problems. You need the knowledge of how to use it too. Start by identifying where to use interdental brushes in your mouth. Concentrate on the places where your toothbrush can't reach, usually between the molar teeth.

Introduce the brush gently into these spaces and avoid any excessive force or pushing. The brush should fit snugly, not too tight or too loose. Try to insert the brush from both the outer and inner sides of the teeth to make sure the entire gap is cleaned. Brush back and forth a few times before removing. Make sure to clean the brush under running water after each gap. It sounds like a lot of work, but trust me, the dividends that this small addition to your dental routine will pay is worth it. After all, a smile is the best thing you can wear!

Personal Anecdotes or Tales from the Tooth-Front

On a more personal note, interdental brushes made their way into my life during an enlightening visit at the dentist’s office. Being a bit of a sugar aficionado (come on, who can resist a good Pavlova?), dentist appointments were not uncommon for me. During one such visit, my dentist introduced me to the world of interdental brushes. Ever since then, my interdental brush has become as integral to my tooth care routine as my trusty toothbrush, and the result? Fewer cavities and healthier gums, believe it or not.

In fact, Amelia, my better half, was skeptical about these gizmos at first. One evening while she meticulously flossed, I whipped out my interdental brush and was done in half her time. Curiosity piqued, she tried it out, and since then, there has been no going back. We even got our children started on proxy brushes early on, because it's never too early to lay the foundation for good oral hygiene, right?

So folks, there you have it, my definitive guide to interdental brushes. Don't just take my word for it, though. Wear your explorer hats, be brave and venture into the world of interdental brushing. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Or in this case, the cleaning. Here’s to brighter smiles and healthier gums!