Interdental Brushes vs. Standard Floss: Which Wins?
By Kent Brushes | The World's Finest Hairbrushes & Combs | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare interdental brushes and standard floss to decide which cleans between teeth better. Learn about sizes like 0.6mm and 0.8mm, benefits, and trade-offs for your oral care routine.
Quick Answer
For most people, interdental brushes are more effective at removing plaque and food from between teeth than standard floss, but floss is better for very tight spaces. Choose based on your gap size and comfort.
Why Interdental Brushes Often Win
Interdental brushes are designed to clean the gaps between teeth more thoroughly than floss. Their super-fine bristles can remove more plaque and food than regular brushing alone, and they are often easier to handle, especially for people with limited dexterity.
However, they may not fit into the tightest contacts where floss can slide through. If your teeth are very close together, floss might be your only option.
Size Matters: 0.6mm vs 0.8mm
Choosing the right interdental brush size is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. The 0.6mm size is finer and suited for smaller gaps, while the 0.8mm size is slightly larger for wider spaces. Using the wrong size can make cleaning less effective or uncomfortable.
If you are unsure, start with the smaller size and move up only if it feels too loose. The goal is a snug fit without forcing.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Effectiveness: Interdental brushes remove more plaque and food than floss in most gaps, but floss reaches tighter contacts that brushes cannot. If you have larger gaps, brushes are the better choice; for tight contacts, keep floss as a backup.
- Ease of Use: Brushes are easier to maneuver, especially for people with braces or limited hand mobility, while floss requires more technique. If you struggle with flossing, try a brush for a simpler routine.
- Size Selection: Choose 0.6mm for narrow spaces and 0.8mm for wider gaps. A wrong size can be ineffective or uncomfortable. Start with the smaller size and adjust based on fit and comfort.
Product Facts
- SMILE Interdental Brushes 6 pack 0.8mm - KO-18: The 0.8mm Smile Interdental Brushes come with super-fine bristles and an eco-friendly PLA handle, plus a cap for travel and hygiene. This size suits wider gaps and the travel cap makes it easy to clean between teeth on the go.
SMILE Interdental Brushes 6 pack 0.8mm - KO-18 - SMILE Interdental Brushes 6 pack 0.6mm - KO-17: The 0.6mm Smile Interdental Brushes feature super-fine bristles and an eco-friendly PLA handle, with a cap for travel and hygiene. The finer size is ideal for tighter spaces, and the cap keeps the brush clean when you are away from home.
SMILE Interdental Brushes 6 pack 0.6mm - KO-17
Which Should You Choose?
Best for
- People with wider gaps between teeth who want more effective plaque removal
- Those who find flossing difficult due to dexterity issues or braces
Not for
- People with very tight tooth contacts where only floss can fit
