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Flossing

Should I Brush or Floss First?

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Family Dentistry

Creating an oral hygiene routine at home is important to help maintain your oral health and keep your teeth and gums feeling great. Brushing and flossing each day is extremely important, and the order in which you do these two items is a common question. Many wonder which way gives the most benefit.

Is Brushing First Better?

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing cleans your teeth and removes plaque, as well as prevents cavities from developing. Brushing is not the only thing you need to do to keep your oral hygiene in check. Flossing is another integral part of oral hygiene. The order in which you do these two items is a popular discussion.

Brushing does allow the toothpaste with fluoride to get in-between the teeth and help lift residual plaque when you floss after brushing. Studies show that flossing first is better, and is a more efficient way to keep up with your oral health. Flossing last also leaves particles in your mouth if you do not remember to rinse afterwards.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first before you brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentration between your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particles that are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk of developing gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect your teeth from decay.

What About Flossing First?

Flossing first has many benefits, and recent studies now recommend that you should floss first before you brush. Flossing first helps to loosen that plaque buildup, as well as increase fluoride concentration between your teeth. When you brush after flossing the brushing then helps to remove those particles that are released from flossing. This helps to reduce plaque in your mouth, and lowers your risk of developing gum disease. Brushing after you floss helps the toothpaste to really do its job to protect your teeth from decay.

Benefits of Flossing and Brushing

  • Prevents gum disease that is caused by poor dental hygiene or not brushing and flossing properly. Routine dental cleanings in our office are important and we recommend dental cleanings at least twice a year.
  • Removes plaque that is the leading cause of gum disease. If you floss and brush your teeth regularly plaque does not have the chance to harden on your teeth.
  • Prevents decay and costly dental procedures. If you take care of your oral health you can avoid serious complications or dental procedures in the future.

Overall, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Cavities and gum disease are preventable, and remembering to floss and brush each day will help keep your mouth feeling great. Visiting our office regularly for your cleaning and exam is another way to stay on top of your oral health.

During your dental exam our team will discuss any hygiene recommendations, and review how to keep up with your oral hygiene care at home. Taking care of your oral health is important, and your health is our priority.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home, or to schedule your next dental exam, contact our office and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing

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Flossing (1)

Dentists around the world recommend that one should clean between their teeth using dental floss, especially after a meal. Dental floss is a soft thread made out of silk that is used to clean and remove those food particles between the teeth that are out of reach for a toothbrush. Flossing is a good habit and is practiced by many. It gets rid of very tiny food particles that stay even after a rinse and can become a cause of infection.

How does it Help?

Ever since birth, every meal that people take leaves its mark on the teeth. That mark is known as plaque. Plaque is a yellow thin bacterial film that sticks on the teeth and gives an unpleasant look whenever you open your mouth in front of anyone. If not taken care of frequently, it can also be hazardous for tooth health as it releases an acid that destroys the enamel and can cause cavities. Food stains are not the only cause of plaque; the polluted air that we often breathe in also causes our teeth to stain. Brushing your teeth twice a day, daily can help clean that plaque or prevent it from developing in the first place. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flossing

But brushing doesn’t get you rid of the plaque that is between the teeth. That area is out of reach for a toothbrush. For cleaning the plaque settled in that area, floss can be used. Being very thin, a floss string can reach that tiny gap and clean that sticky bacterial film from the teeth.

When to Floss?

Ideally, the best time to floss is right after a meal, but some suggest that to make it a habit, one should do it at a time that suits their schedule. Some people make it an early morning ritual and do it right after they wake up and brush their teeth while others prefer doing it before going to bed at night.

Does Flossing too much bear Consequences?

Experts have suggested that flossing too much, especially when someone is doing it the wrong way can be harmful. Flossing too much or applying too much pressure while flossing can damage your teeth and gums. Flossing more than once a day is recommended, especially when someone is done with a meal to clean off the food debris stuck between the teeth. Dental care associations from around the globe suggest that one should brush their teeth at least twice a day and every day. And floss their teeth before or after brushing to clean off the hidden plaque and impurities. Flossing and brushing are not enough for ensuring one’s dental health. Visits to a dentist should also be made every once in a while to guarantee that you are taking good care of your teeth.