Ragers, Stokers of Floss? De Ultieme Gids voor een Gezond Gebit | Consumas

Brushes, Picks, or Floss? The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Teeth | Consumas

Did you know that brushing alone only reaches 60% of your tooth surface ? The remaining 40% is between your teeth, precisely where plaque and food particles like to hide. The result? Cavities, bad breath, or inflamed gums.

At Consumas, we often get asked: "Should I use interdental brushes, floss, or dental floss?" Supermarket selections are often limited, but in our webshop, you'll find everything dentists and dental hygienists use.

In this blog, we explain exactly what you need for a radiant smile and a healthy mouth in 2026.

Why isn't brushing enough?

Plaque is your teeth's biggest enemy. If it's not removed daily, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis (gum inflammation). An electric toothbrush is a great starting point, but the bristles simply don't reach deep enough between your teeth.

To reach those difficult spots, interdental cleaning is essential. But which tool is right for your teeth?

Ragers, Stokers or Floss: The Difference

Not all teeth are the same. Below are the pros and cons of the three most commonly used methods.

1. Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes are small brushes that you slide between your teeth. Most dental hygienists consider them the most effective tools for removing plaque, provided you have sufficient space between your teeth.

  • Advantage: The bristles fill the space well and remove plaque thoroughly.
  • Brands: We recommend the professional lines from TePe , Interprox or GUM .
  • Tip: Always choose a brush where the bristles offer light resistance, but the wire does not touch the teeth.

2. Toothpicks

Do you have very close-knit teeth? Then a floss is often more comfortable. A good floss is triangular, so it fits perfectly in the space between your teeth.

  • Benefit: Massage your gums at the same time, which stimulates blood circulation.
  • Material: Choose wooden sticks or the modern rubber soft picks (very popular!).
  • Tip: Check out our extensive range of Toothpicks & Soft Picks .

3. Dental floss

Floss is ideal for those tightest spaces where even the smallest brush or floss cannot fit, often around the front teeth.

  • Advantage: Gets everywhere.
  • Disadvantage: It requires proper technique to be effective without cutting your gums.

What size brush do I need?

This is the most frequently asked question. Brushes are available in a wide range of sizes, from very thin (e.g., ISO 0, pink) to very large for braces or implants.

  • Too small: The brush does nothing because the bristles do not touch the teeth.
  • Too big: You will damage your gums or enamel.

Many brands use fixed color codes. Not sure? Order a Mix Pack first to try out which size fits where at home.

Don't forget the finishing touch: Mouthwash and Toothpaste

In addition to mechanical cleaning (brushing and flossing), the right toothpaste and mouthwash are a good addition, especially if you have specific complaints.

  • Inflamed gums? Look for products containing chlorhexidine, such as those from Dentaid/Perio-Aid .
  • Bad breath? Use a tongue scraper and a special mouthwash that tackles bacteria.
  • Sensitive teeth? Choose a toothpaste that seals the canals in your teeth, like Vitis.

👉View all our professional toothpastes and mouthwashes here.

Why buy dental care from Consumas?

You can buy your toothbrush at the supermarket, but you often don't find the right specialty products there. At Consumas, you'll find the range normally only found at the pharmacy or dentist, but at a competitive price.

  • ✅ Professional quality: Brands such as Oral-B, Lactona, Vitis, Bluem and TePe.
  • ✅ Buy in bulk = Save: Ideal for families or if you don't want to go to the store every month.
  • ✅ Fast delivery: Orders placed before 4pm are usually shipped the same day.

Ready for a healthy start?

Don't wait until you get a toothache. Prevention is better (and cheaper!) than cure.

View the complete Oral Care Range
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