It is a well-known fact that good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining oral health. The two most common oral diseases, caries and periodontal disease, are predominantly interdental diseases since the interdental area is where plaque preferably accumulates and also an area that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Therefore, interdental cleaning in adjunct to toothbrushing are cornerstones in achieving plaque control in daily oral home care.
Several studies have compared interdental brushes and other interdental cleaning devices, especially floss, with respect to their influence on plaque and gingivitis. Patient preference is also a factor that has been evaluated. The research in favour of interdental brushes is convincing. Anna Nilvéus Olofsson, DDS, Manager Odontology and Scientific Affairs, has selected and summarized five especially important studies in support of interdental brushes. You can find the summaries below.
Please also see the extensive compilation of references, Interdental Brushes: A Reference List of Scientific Articles.