The 10 Best Interdental Brushes in 2026

Interdental brushes clean the tight spaces between teeth that a toothbrush and floss both miss. This guide ranks the 10 best interdental brushes sold in the United States for 2026. It also covers sizing, technique, and how these brushes compare with floss.

TL;DR

• Interdental brushes remove plaque that floss and brushing both leave behind

• Sizes run from extra small to extra large, so most people need more than one

• The ADA states interdental brushes may clean better than floss for many patients

• TePe, Piksters, and GUM lead the US market on price, durability, and comfort

What Are Interdental Brushes

An interdental brush is a small, cone-shaped brush on a thin handle. It is sized to fit the gap between two teeth. The brush scrubs away plaque and food debris. A toothbrush cannot reach that space. Toothbrushes clean flat tooth surfaces only. They miss the curved area below the contact point.

Plaque collects in that missed area. It can trigger swollen gums or gingivitis over time. Interdental brushes clean that missed area every day. They help anyone with gaps from gum recession, braces, a dental bridge, or an implant.

Interdental Brushes Vs Floss

Floss and interdental brushes both target the same problem area. They work differently, and each one suits a different type of gap.

Floss is a thin strand pulled tight between two teeth. It scrapes two flat surfaces in a single pass. An interdental brush works differently. Its bristles fill the entire gap in one motion. This matters most for wider gaps, since floss cannot fill that space the same way.

The American Dental Association notes that interdental brushes may clean better than floss for many patients. This finding comes from a 2019 Cochrane review of home interdental cleaning devices.

One clinical study compared the two methods directly. Patients with moderate to severe gum disease used floss on one side of the mouth. They used an interdental brush on the other side. After six weeks, the brush side showed a bigger drop in plaque. It also showed a bigger reduction in probing depth.

Floss still has a role. Very tight gaps between healthy front teeth often cannot fit a brush at all. In those spots, floss remains the only option. Most dentists recommend using both together. A water flosser is another option worth considering alongside either tool.

So, are interdental brushes better than floss? For wider gaps, recession, braces, or implants, brushes usually win. For tight, healthy contacts, floss is still needed. The two tools work best together, not as a replacement for one another.

What To Look For Before Buying

Choosing the right interdental brush comes down to a few practical factors. Getting these right makes daily use easier and more effective.

Every interdental brush is sized by wire diameter, not by brand name. Sizes typically run from 00 up to 8. A dentist can measure gaps directly. This often happens as part of a full dental treatment plan. The dentist can then recommend exact sizes for each gap.

Most people need two or three sizes for a full mouth. Front teeth tend to need a smaller size. Back molars usually need a larger one. A wrong size either falls out or forces its way in, which can damage gum tissue.

Bristle material also matters. Wire brushes last longer and reuse well. Wire-free rubber picks feel gentler on the gums but wear out faster. Anyone with sensitive or receding gums may prefer a wire-free or extra-soft option.

Handle length and shape affect reach. A straight handle works well up front. An angled handle reaches back molars more comfortably. A longer handle also helps anyone with limited hand dexterity keep a steady grip.

• Size range, since most mouths need more than one diameter

• Bristle material, wire-coated or wire-free rubber

• Handle shape, straight or angled for back teeth

• Reusability, since some brushes last about a week and others are single-use

• Safety around braces, bridges, or implants

The 10 Best Interdental Brushes

The following list ranks 10 interdental brushes sold across major US pharmacies, big-box retailers, and online. Pricing reflects typical US retail cost at the time of writing and may shift.

#1. TePe Interdental Brush Original

The TePe Interdental Brush Original is the benchmark most other brushes get compared against. It has been sold since the 1960s. It comes in nine color-coded sizes, ISO 00 through 8. A plastic-coated wire and rounded tip keep the brush gentle on gum tissue.

• Price: About 6 to 10 dollars for a pack of 25 in one size

• Where to buy: Major pharmacies, Amazon, Walmart, and the TePe US site

• Material: Plastic-coated wire with a rounded loop tip

• Sizes: Nine available, ISO 00 through 8, sold individually or in a mixed pack

• Best for: First-time buyers who need to find their correct sizes

Pros:

• Wide size range covering narrow to wide gaps

• Well studied and widely recommended by dentists

• Holds up to repeated rinsing and reuse

Cons:

• No angled head in this specific line

• Only one bristle firmness is available

#2. TePe Interdental Brush Extra Soft

The TePe Interdental Brush Extra Soft uses the same wire and loop design as the Original line. Its bristles are noticeably softer and denser. It suits people with sensitive or receding gums, or anyone healing after gum treatment.

• Price: About 7 to 11 dollars for a pack of 25 in one size

• Where to buy: Major pharmacies, Amazon, and the TePe US site

• Material: Plastic-coated wire with extra-soft, dense bristles

• Sizes: Six color-coded sizes, ISO 1 through 6

• Best for: Sensitive gums and the first weeks after a deep cleaning

Pros:

• Gentle on inflamed or receding gum tissue

• Same durable wire core as the Original line

Cons:

• Fewer size options than the Original line

#3. TePe Interdental Brush Angle

The TePe Interdental Brush Angle uses an angled brush head. The angle makes it easier to reach back molars without twisting the wrist. It shares the same plastic-coated wire as the rest of the TePe range.

• Price: About 8 to 12 dollars for a pack of 25

• Where to buy: Major pharmacies, Amazon, and the TePe US site

• Material: Plastic-coated wire, angled head, straight handle

• Sizes: Six color-coded sizes, ISO 0 through 5

• Best for: Back-of-mouth cleaning and anyone who struggles to angle a straight brush

Pros:

• Easier access to back molars

• Less wrist strain than a straight brush

Cons:

• The angle can feel awkward on front teeth

#4. Piksters Interdental Brushes

Piksters Interdental Brushes use a stiffer, plastic-coated wire than many competitors. The wire resists bending and buckling. This gives each brush a longer working life than several rival brands.

• Price: About 15 dollars for a 40-count pack, or roughly 37 cents per brush

• Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, and the Piksters US site

• Material: Reinforced plastic-coated wire, standard bristle

• Sizes: 11 color-coded sizes, one of the widest ranges sold in the US

• Best for: Durability and value across narrow to wide gaps

Pros:

• Strong wire that resists buckling

• One of the widest size ranges on the market

• Includes a connector cap for extended reach

Cons:

• A stiffer feel than TePe for people with tender gums

#5. GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens

GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens use a nylon-coated wire and a triangular soft bristle head. Sunstar, the brand behind GUM, states the triangular shape removes more plaque than a round bristle. Each brush is rated for about seven to ten days of reuse.

• Price: About 5 to 8 dollars for a 10- to 15-count pack

• Where to buy: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Amazon, and the GUM US site

• Material: Nylon-coated wire, triangular soft bristle

• Sizes: Four core sizes, from ultra tight to wide

• Best for: Convenient in-store restocking without ordering online

Pros:

• Widely stocked in US drugstores

• Reusable for about a week per brush

• Supports daily gum health

Cons:

• The handle is short for reaching back molars comfortably

#6. GUM Soft-Picks Original

GUM Soft-Picks Original replaces the metal wire with a flexible rubber pick. There is no wire to bend, snap, or catch on metal dental work. Sunstar's own product guidance confirms these picks are single-use and not meant for reuse.

• Price: About 5 to 8 dollars for an 80- to 100-count box

• Where to buy: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Amazon, and the GUM US site

• Material: Flexible rubber, latex-free and wire-free

• Sizes: One universal size per pick

• Best for: People who dislike wire brushes or have a lot of metal dental work

Pros:

• Comfortable around fillings and crowns

• No metallic feel against dental work

• Travel case included

Cons:

• Single-use only

• Less durable than a wire brush

#7. Curaprox CPS Prime Interdental Brushes

Curaprox CPS Prime brushes are a premium Swiss line built around a very fine, dense bristle. Curaprox calls its CURAL wire ultra-thin and extra strong, designed for a single smooth pass through each gap.

• Price: About 13 to 14 dollars for a starter set or an 8-piece refill

• Where to buy: The Curaprox US site and select US dental retailers

• Material: CURAL surgical wire, dense fine bristle

• Sizes: Five CPS Prime sizes, plus a mixed starter set with holders

• Best for: People who find standard wire brushes too rough on the gums

Pros:

• Very gentle on soft tissue

• Click-in refill system reduces waste

Cons:

• Fewer sizes than TePe or Piksters

• Refills need a separate holder

#8. DenTek Easy Brush Interdental Cleaners

DenTek Easy Brush is a budget, mostly single-use option. A tapered, flexible wire bends to fit tight to standard spaces. Bristles carry a fluoride coating and a mint flavor.

• Price: About 4 to 6 dollars for a multi-pack

• Where to buy: Major US pharmacies, Walmart, Amazon, and the DenTek site

• Material: Flexible coated wire, fluoride-treated bristles

• Sizes: Two main widths, extra tight and standard

• Best for: Light daily use on tight to standard gaps

Pros:

• Low cost compared with premium brands

• Widely available at major US retailers

• Antimicrobial cap included

• Useful for daily braces care

Cons:

• Fewer size options than premium brands

• Shorter bristle life than premium brands

#9. Oral-B Precision Clean Interdental Brushes

Oral-B Precision Clean Interdental Brushes come from a brand most US shoppers already trust for toothbrushes. Oral-B markets the brush as a way to reach gum inflammation in hard-to-reach spots that brushing alone can miss.

• Price: About 5 to 7 dollars for 20 brushes

• Where to buy: Major US pharmacies, Walmart, Amazon, and the Oral-B site

• Material: Soft, flexible bristles on a comfortable-grip handle

• Sizes: One standard width, sold in a 20-count box

• Best for: People who prefer sticking with a familiar oral care brand

Pros:

• Familiar, trusted brand name

• Comfortable grip for everyday use

• Safe around crowns, implants, and bridges

Cons:

• Only one size, so it may not fit every gap

#10. Piksters Interpik Interdental Brushes

Piksters Interpik swaps the wire core for a soft rubber, tapered pick. One end is thicker for back teeth, and the other is thinner for the front. It gives a one-size-fits-most option for anyone who wants to skip sizing altogether.

• Price: Sold in 30- and 60-count packs, priced close to standard Piksters wire brushes

• Where to buy: Amazon and the Piksters US site

• Material: Soft rubber, wire-free, tapered at both ends

• Sizes: One size, with two usable ends for front and back teeth

• Best for: One gentle, wire-free option for the whole mouth

Pros:

• No wire to bend or snap

• Gentle on sensitive gums

• No sizing needed before use

Cons:

• Less precise fit than a sized wire brush in narrow gaps

Quick Comparison Of The 10 Best Interdental Brushes

This table lines up all 10 picks side by side. Use it to compare material, sizing, and price at a glance.

How To Use Interdental Brushes

Using an interdental brush correctly takes less than a minute per gap. The technique stays the same across brands and sizes.

1. Pick the right size for each gap, one that slides in with light resistance

2. Insert the brush at a slight angle, right at the gum line

3. Move it back and forth, or give it a gentle quarter turn

4. Never force a brush that will not fit. Switch to a smaller size instead

5. Rinse the brush with water after each use

6. Clean once a day, ideally before bed

Over time, plaque left behind hardens into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar during a cleaning. Daily interdental brushing helps prevent that buildup before it starts.

Are Interdental Brushes Reusable

Most interdental brushes are reusable, with limits. The material and design decide how many times a single brush can be used.

Wire brushes from TePe, Piksters, and Oral-B typically last three to seven days with daily rinsing. GUM Proxabrush brushes carry an antibacterial coating rated for up to ten days. Wire-free rubber picks, like GUM Soft-Picks, are built for single use only.

Replace any brush once the bristles fray or the wire bends out of shape. A bent wire will not hold its size, and it can slip or scratch soft tissue.

A quick rinse under warm water after each use extends the life of a reusable brush. Storing the brush in its cap keeps the bristles from bending inside a bag or drawer. Most people go through one wire brush per gap size every week with normal daily use.

Bottom Line

Interdental brushes fill a real gap in daily oral care. Floss and brushing alone miss the curved space between teeth. TePe covers the widest range of sizes and bristle textures. Piksters offers strong value for durability. GUM keeps a reusable option on nearly every US drugstore shelf. Curaprox suits anyone who finds wire brushes too harsh.

Picking the right size matters more than picking a specific brand. Most mouths need two or three sizes for a full, comfortable clean. Add interdental brushing to a daily oral hygiene routine. Pair it with brushing and regular dental visits. Over time, this habit helps prevent cavities and supports long-term gum health.