The intraoral biofilm requires mechanical removal due to its physical properties. When exposed to the biofilm, interdental areas need special devices to be used. The most effective ones and the first choice are interdental brushes. However, they may not be adequate in the case of very narrow interdental spaces. Despite the difficulties in handling, dental floss may have some advantage in subgingival cleaning. Data are present for gingivitis and periodontitis, but almost no information has been published on gingivally healthy individuals. With respect to interdental caries there is evidence that floss only has a protective value when used professionally and without sufficient fluoridation. There are no such data available on interdental brushes.
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