Interdental Brush
A small, cylindrical or conical brush designed to clean between teeth and around orthodontic appliances, implants, and bridgework; a frequently recommended home-care adjunct in dental hygiene instructions.
Full Definition
Interdental brushes (also called interproximal brushes or proxy brushes) are oral hygiene devices that consist of a handle and a small bristled head. They are particularly effective for patients with open embrasures, furcation defects, fixed orthodontic appliances, or dental implants, where standard floss may be insufficient. Evidence supports their superior efficacy over floss for plaque removal in Type II and Type III embrasures. Dental hygienists document size recommendations (commonly expressed in millimetres of wire diameter, e.g., 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm) in oral hygiene instruction records. Editors should note 'interdental brush' is the preferred formal term; 'proxy brush' is colloquial.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'interdental brush' in formal clinical documentation. 'Proxy brush' and 'bottle brush' are acceptable in patient-facing materials but not in chart notes or insurance narratives.
In Context
- "The hygienist recommended a 0.6 mm interdental brush for use in the posterior embrasures where furcation access was required." — Oral hygiene instruction record
- "Patients with dental implants are advised to use an interdental brush rather than traditional floss to avoid catching the material on implant threads." — Patient education pamphlet