You may find these easier to use if you struggle to grip the regular brushes, because of the longer handle. There is no evidence to suggest you will get any benefits from using toothpaste on your interdental brushes on a daily basis. I found these to be relatively strong, enough to be able to rinse and reuse several times. The bristles didn’t show any damage after two to three days use. Brands making wood handled interdental brushes include (not all options available in all countries): I have only had hands on with a couple of brands. They have shorter bristles and do feel softer to touch. Be aware that the difference in bristle length may make them less effective at plaque removal compared to the regular version of the same size. Why are my gums bleeding when cleaning?

The basic design of these is identical to the original TePes. They have a short plastic handle with the brush attached. They also come with a lid. The plastic lid can also be used as an extension to the handle thanks to the way in which the products have been designed. TePe Angle Interdental Brush – a longer plastic handle and the attached wire and nylon bristles are at a right angle Cleaning between the teeth removes food debris and plaque, the direct causes for both tooth decay and gum disease. We all have different sized gaps between our teeth. Even in one mouth, the size of the gap will vary depending on the teeth.

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You should use interdental brushes wherever possible, instead of floss. Only use floss for the narrowest gaps where interdental brushes do not fit. Do I need to use toothpaste with interdental brushes? They are the most widely known brand for interdental products, with the TePe brush being used interchangeably with interdental brush by many dental professionals. I can’t say as yet I have come across a really large interdental brush that is more eco as yet. So far brands have focused on the more common smaller sizes. I am sure it is only a matter of time before we see these larger ones come in more sustainable formats too. Reply

The difference here is that it has a longer handle. Also, the brush part is at a right angle to the handle. We discuss the environmental impact of interdental cleaning methods in our article on the best sustainable interdental cleaning options, but to summarise, these may be a better option if you have composting facilities. Seeing as TePe is arguably the best known manufacturer of interdental brushes, I have put together a guide specifically for its products.

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Using the brushes before toothbrushing means you do not wipe away the toothpaste in between your teeth. Do I still need to floss?

TePe is the most well known brand, but it is worth considering other brands that offer what are essentially identical products but may be cheaper.You will have noticed that cheaper alternatives have made it to our best of list. It is designed to be just as effective as regular interdental brushes, and the evidence supports this. They are more than good enough for mild gum disease (gingivitis). A recent study has shown these to be as effective as regular interdental brushes when it comes to removing plaque and reducing bleeding. A 2022 study focussed on only patients who have more advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and found both interdental brushes and the rubber based interdental brushes to be better than toothbrushing alone or toothbrushing and flossing. The plastic used is bio-based plastic – a castor oil based polyethylene. This PET is easily recycled once you remove the wire and bristle part of the brush. The TePe product range This section sums up my personal thoughts and experiences testing a number of different interdental brushes. Standard interdental brushes

The TePe angled brushes use the same sizing and bristles as their regular brushes, the only difference is the long handle and that the bristles are at an angle to the handle. There are fewer sizes offered compared to their regular range. Generally there is nothing wrong with these brushes, but in my opinion there are better options available. Bacteria build up on bristles between use – Whilst they can be rinsed off and reused for about a week, bacteria can build up on the bristles.