Efficacy of Interdental Brushes in Reducing Gingival Bleeding in Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

To evaluate the efficacy of interdental brushes in reducing gingival bleeding in patients undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances.

A prospective clinical study was conducted on patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Gingival bleeding was assessed at baseline, after 1 month, and after 3 months following the introduction of calibrated interdental brushes as an adjunct to conventional toothbrushing. Interdental brush size was individually selected according to the measured interdental space and recalibrated at each follow-up visit to ensure optimal adaptation. Changes in bleeding scores over time were statistically analyzed.

A statistically significant reduction in gingival bleeding was observed after 1 month, with further improvement or stabilization at 3 months compared with baseline. The most pronounced decrease occurred during the first month of use. The individualized selection and periodic recalibration of interdental brushes contributed to effective plaque disruption in interdental areas without causing soft tissue trauma.

The adjunctive use of appropriately sized and regularly recalibrated interdental brushes significantly reduces gingival bleeding in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. In orthodontic patients, conventional toothbrushing alone may be insufficient for adequate interdental plaque control; therefore, the routine use of calibrated interdental brushes should be recommended as part of comprehensive oral hygiene protocols.