An interdental brush is one of the best tools for cleaning between the teeth, but to keep doing its job it needs a quick clean of its own. The rule is simple: rinse it well after every use, let it air dry, and replace it once the bristles wear out. Looking after your interdental brush keeps it hygienic, helps it last longer, and means each clean between your teeth is as effective as possible.
Key takeaways
- Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water after every use.
- Shake off excess water and let it air dry, do not seal it away wet.
- Store it upright in an open, clean spot, not a sealed container.
- Replace it when the bristles splay, flatten or the wire bends, usually within a week or two.
- Never share an interdental brush, and use a fresh one if you have been unwell.
Step by step: cleaning after use
The whole routine takes only a few seconds and matters as much as the brushing itself. If you are new to using one, our guide to using an interdental brush covers the technique.
1. Rinse under running water
Hold the brush under a running tap and gently rotate it so the water flushes plaque and debris from between the bristles. Avoid scrubbing the wire against the basin, which can bend it.
2. Wipe and shake off water
Gently wipe the bristles if needed and shake off the excess water. The aim is to remove trapped debris and leave the brush as dry as practical.
3. Air dry in the open
Let the brush dry in open air rather than sealing it straight into a case. A damp, enclosed brush is a friendlier home for bacteria. If you use a travel cap, only put it on once the brush is dry.
Storing your interdental brush
Store the brush upright in a clean, open spot where air can circulate, much as you would a toothbrush. Keep it away from the toilet area and from touching other people's brushes. Avoid sealed containers for daily storage, as trapped moisture encourages bacteria. The same principle applies to other oral care tools, as our guide to cleaning a retainer or night guard explains.
When to replace it
Interdental brushes wear out, and a worn brush cleans poorly and can damage the gums. The table below is a simple guide.
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bristles splayed or flattened | Time to replace, it no longer cleans well |
| Wire bent or kinked | Replace, a bent wire can scratch the gum or tooth |
| Bristles falling out | Replace promptly |
| After illness | Consider a fresh brush to avoid reintroducing germs |
As a general rule, most people replace an interdental brush within one to two weeks, though it depends on how often you use it and how tight the spaces are. A fresh brush is inexpensive and far more effective than a worn one. If your interdental brush bleeds or the space feels different, our guide to bleeding gums may help, though early bleeding often settles as the gums get healthier.
What about disinfecting it?
For everyday use, a thorough rinse and proper drying is enough. There is no need for harsh chemicals, which can damage the bristles or wire. If you prefer, you can occasionally rinse the brush in an antibacterial mouthwash, then rinse again with water, but this is optional rather than necessary. Good drying does most of the work. For people who prefer a different tool, our comparison of a water flosser versus floss and interdental brushes is worth a read.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my interdental brush?
Rinse it after every use. A few seconds under running water plus air drying is all that is needed for daily hygiene.
Can I reuse an interdental brush?
Yes, the same brush is reused for one to two weeks with daily rinsing, then replaced once the bristles wear. They are not single use.
Should I use hot water or mouthwash?
Lukewarm running water is fine. Very hot water can damage some brushes. An occasional mouthwash rinse is optional, not essential.
How do I know when to throw it out?
Replace it when the bristles splay or flatten, the wire bends, or bristles start falling out, typically within one to two weeks.
Can a worn brush damage my gums?
A bent wire or worn brush can scratch the gum or clean poorly. Replacing it on time protects your gums and keeps cleaning effective.
The takeaway
Cleaning an interdental brush is quick and simple: rinse it well after every use, shake off the water, let it air dry in the open, and replace it once the bristles wear out, usually within one to two weeks. This keeps it hygienic and makes every clean between your teeth count. For more on daily cleaning between the teeth, contact the team at Lumi Dental or see our current deals page.
