Brushing And Flossing, Which Comes First?

Brushing and flossing teeth work in conjunction to keep teeth clean, prevent plaque, and, of course, promote fresh-smelling breath.

Are you wondering what the most effective sequence for your oral hygiene routine is? A study found that flushing before brushing with a fluoride-based toothpaste is more effective in removing plaque than brushing first and flossing second.

Flossing before brushing teeth results in greater fluoride retention between the teeth. When you brush your teeth, all the particles are flushed out from those hard-to-reach areas.

If you thought that brushing before flossing was the correct way to aid in your oral health, you were doing it wrong.

Important Of Brushing And Flossing

Maintaining good oral care routine is more than just brushing of teeth. However, brushing is an excellent way to clean your teeth, remove dental plaque, and ensure cavity-free teeth.

But brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your teeth healthy and disease-free. Flossing also contributes to good oral hygiene because it lifts and removes plaque and food particles from your teeth.

Brushing also removes plaque, but the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach deep down between teeth to remove all the hidden food debris. Therefore, flossing is an important factor to keep your mouth as clean as possible.

Benefits Of Flossing Your Teeth Before Brushing

A disciplined oral care routine is crucial to maintaining oral hygiene. When it comes to cleaning your mouth, flossing and brushing your teeth are the most important parts that help prevent dental health problems.

Orthodontic appliances do not damage the teeth but make it challenging for you to clean your teeth. These hidden spots can accumulate plaque and food particles, leading to cavities, swollen gums, bad breath, and even periodontal disease.

Target And Cleans Hidden Areas

Having braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances makes flossing difficult, as they create numerous small hidden places that are difficult to clean with toothpaste alone.

In this case, flossing plays an important role, reaching the hidden spots and areas to prevent plaque buildup.

Prevent Gum Disease

It not only removes plaque and cleans your teeth, but it also helps to maintain your gum health. Plaque formation between teeth and along the gumline can lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

Regular flossing helps to reduce plaque accumulation and buildup over time and prevents gum diseases early.

Promotes Fresh Breath

If food particles caught in orthodontic appliances are not removed properly, they can lead to persistent bad breath. Flossing helps remove these food particles, prevent bad breath, and keep breath fresh for longer.

Preserves Tooth Enamel

Plaque and tartar formation can erode the enamel of teeth and gums. Flossing contributes to preserving enamel by eliminating plaque and its harmful hidden particles and bacteria from between teeth.

Protects Your Overall Oral Health

Flossing regularly at least once helps in effectively cleaning your teeth and gums that protects and improves your overall oral health.

How To Effectively Brush Your Teeth After Flossing

Most people do not consider brushing of teeth an important part of their daily routine, and they just do it because they have to. To maintain your oral hygiene, you must keep these things in mind.

Brush Twice Regularly

You must brush at least two times, one in the morning and one at night before going to bed, but most people cut it short.

Gently brush on all surfaces of your teeth in circular motions, especially if you have dental implants, to achieve clean and shinier teeth every day.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Dentists recommend choosing fluoride-based toothpaste, and that too in a small amount because taking too much toothpaste on your brush is not good for your oral health.

But it is important to take the right amount of toothpaste, brush in circular motion, and reach every surface and inner corner of your teeth to have clean teeth and gums.

Clean Your Tongue

Neglecting your tongue when it comes to oral hygiene is the most common problem seen in most people.

You must remember to clean your tongue while brushing. Regularly clean your tongue to remove bacteria deposits and prevent bad breath.

Guide To Brushing Dental Implants

If you have dental implants, you must know these effective ways of brushing dental implants to aid in oral health.

• Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush angled at 45 degrees towards the gum line.

• Gently brush in small circular motions, paying attention to the areas where the implants meet the gums. Clean your teeth and implants at least two times a day.

• Choose a low-abrasive tartar control toothpaste that is specifically designed to clean implants.

• Floss regularly with a Waterpik flosser to reach every inner corner and tight space.

• Avoid and reduce your sugar intake, and remember to clean your mouth with water after every meal, and don’t forget to schedule your next dental cleaning.

When To See A Dentist

You must see a dentist if you address any problems with your oral health that are –

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Bad breath
• loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Tooth pain

Key Takeaways

Common dental issues like cavities and mild gum disease are easily preventable if you maintain good oral hygiene with daily habits such as flossing, brushing, and cleaning your tongue.

Maintaining a good dental care routine by brushing and flossing teeth daily not only prevents bad breath but also prevents gum diseases, contributing to healthier teeth and gums and overall oral health.

Healthy Habits For A Healthy Smile

Referral Sites –

Orthodontic Treatment Options  [American Association of Orthodontist]

Periodontal (Gum) Disease  [CDC] May 15, 2024

A Guide to Optimal Oral Hygiene  [American Association of Orthodontist]