The Effectiveness of Interdental Brushes for Biofilm Microbiocenosis Control: A Comparative Analysis and Practical Recommendations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33295/1992-576X-2026-2-PRVD-1Keywords:
biofilm, interdental hygiene aids, interdental brushes, floss, individual oral hygiene, periodontiumAbstract
Introduction. Biofilm accumulation in proximal tooth areas remains a key etiological factor in the development of gingivitis, periodontitis, and proximal caries. Despite the regular use of manual or electric toothbrushes, up to 40% of tooth surfaces remain insufficiently cleaned — predominantly in the interdental spaces. Consequently, the implementation of auxiliary interdental hygiene aids is critical, and interdental brushes demonstrate the highest clinical efficacy among them in the routine control of microbiocenosis.
The aim of the study. The aim of this work is to analyze current scientific data on the effectiveness of interdental brushes in biofilm control compared to other interdental hygiene aids and to formulate practical recommendations for dentists and dental hygienists.
Results. An analysis of current scientific publications has shown that interdental brushes are an effective tool for biofilm control in proximal areas. Most studies demonstrated a significant reduction in both the plaque index and the gingival bleeding index compared to using a toothbrush alone. Comparative data indicate that interdental brushes are more effective in reducing gingival inflammation than dental floss in patients with open interdental spaces. Our own clinical observations confirmed a positive dynamic of clinical parameters and an increase in patient compliance, provided that the size of the brush was individually selected.
Conclusions. Interdental brushes are an effective tool for biofilm control in proximal areas, contributing to the reduction of gingival inflammation and playing an important role in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Their use is appropriate provided there is an individual selection, proper patient training in application techniques, consideration of the clinical situation, ergonomics of the product shape, and regularity of use. Interdental brushes are of particular importance for patients with dental implants, orthodontic appliances, and orthopedic restorations as an essential component of supportive individual oral hygiene.
Downloads
References
Blyzniuk, H. O. (2006). Justification of the principles of rational oral hygiene in patients with acute generalized periodontitis. (Unpublished dissertation abstract). Institute of Stomatology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Odesa, Ukraine. [Близнюк, Г. О. (2006). Обґрунтування принципів раціональної гігієни порожнини рота у хворих із загостреним перебігом генералізованого пародонтиту. Автореф. дис. … канд. мед. наук. Інститут стоматології АМН України].
Hodovana, O. I. (2009). Periodontal diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontosis): A textbook. Dzhura. [Годована О. І. (2009). Захворювання пародонту (гінгівіт, пародонтит, пародонтоз): Навч. пос. Джура].
Dereiko, L. V., Babych, N. O., & Babych, T. V. (2004). Organization and implementation of supportive therapy measures in patients with periodontal diseases in dental practice. Novyny Stomatolohii, (2), 20–23. [Дерейко Л. В. , Бабич Н. О., Бабич Т. В. (2004). Організація та проведення заходів підтримуючої терапії у пацієнтів із захворюваннями пародонту у стоматологічній практиці. Новини стоматології, 2(39), 20-23.
Mazur, I., Ventsuryk, Y., & Mazur, P. (2022). The role of interdental hygiene in supporting oral health. Oral and General Health, 3(4), 26–30. [Мазур І., Венцурик Ю., Мазур П. (2022). Роль інтердентальної гігієни в підтримці здоров’я порожнини рота. Oral and General Health, 3(4), 26–30]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22141/ogh.3.4.2022.134 [in Ukrainian].
Petrushanko, T. O. (2001). Integral individual approach in the prevention of periodontal diseases. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation abstract). Institute of Stomatology, Kyiv, Ukraine. [Петрушанко Т. О. Інтегральний індивідуальний підхід у профілактиці захворювань пародонта. Автореф. дис. … д. мед. наук. Інститут стоматології, К., Україна].
Tonetti M. S., Eickholz P., Loos B. G. et al. (2015). Principles in prevention of periodontal diseases: Consensus report of group 1 of the 11th European Workshop on Periodontology on effective prevention of periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 42(16) S5–S11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12368.
Takashima K., Nakajima M., Kato T. (2018). Evaluation of dental plaque using the Navy Plaque Index: A visual disclosing method for plaque quantification. J Oral Sci, 60 (1), 71–77.
Voronina H., Mostovyi A., Afonina V. (2025). A modern view of dental biofilm detection. Modern Medicine, Pharmacy and Psychological Health, 2(20), 133–137. [Вороніна Г., Мостовий А., Афоніна В. (2025). Сучасний погляд на виявлення зубної біоплівки. Сучасна медицина, фармація та психологічне здоров’я, 2(20), 133–137]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32689/2663-0672-2025-2-19 [in Ukrainian].
Chumakova Yu. G., & Antoshchuk V. O. (2023). Biofilm visualization as a component of the procedure of individual and professional tooth brushing. (Literature Review). Actual Dentistry, (5), 12. [Чумакова, Ю. Г., & Антощук, В. О. (2023). Візуалізація біоплівки як складова процедури індивідуальної та професійної чистки зубів (Огляд літератури). Cучасна стоматологія, (5), 12]. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33295/1992-576X-2023-5-12 [in Ukrainian].
Marsh P. D., Zaura E. (2017). Dental biofilm: ecological interactions in health and disease. J Clin Periodontol, 44(18), 12–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12679
Sälzer S., Slot D. E., Van der Weijden F. A., Dörfer C. E. (2015). Efficacy of inter-dental mechanical plaque control in managing gingivitis—a meta-review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 42 (16), 92–105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12363
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 “VYDAVNYCHYY BUDYNOK EXPERT” LLC

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.