Should I Brush or Floss My Teeth First?

No matter how busy you are, remember to floss and brush your teeth every day. Some people brush, floss, and use mouthwash every day. Others brush their teeth and skip flossing and mouthwash. According to dental professionals, you should not skip any steps as it is most effective to do all three. 

Brushing and Flossing

Among dental professionals, there is no debate about whether to perform both dental hygiene tasks. It is essential to brush your teeth every day to get rid of disease-causing plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing, on the other hand, will remove deposits of bacterial film wedged between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. 

Importance of Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth to remove plaque and food particles stuck to your teeth is essential. According to the American Dental Association, people should brush their teeth twice daily for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste. That will help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the likelihood of cavities or the formation of tartar.

Furthermore, the ADA recommends daily flossing to reduce gum disease and cavities risk. Doing so will improve your oral health. It will remove plaque and food particles from the gumline and surfaces of your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach.

Should You Brush First or Floss First?

According to dental health professionals, there is an ideal sequence for one’s dental hygiene routine. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, you should floss before brushing your teeth. That is the most efficient way to remove dental plaque. 

Also, this sequence can help increase the concentration of fluoride you get from your toothpaste. It will strengthen your tooth enamel, in addition to preventing tooth decay. 

Flossing loosens the plaque, bacteria, and residue between your teeth. When you brush your teeth and rinse with clean water, more particles from hard-to-reach spaces will flush out. This simple sequence can help minimize time spent in your orthodontist’s office. When it comes to oral hygiene, you should play your role to reap the benefits. 

How to Make it a Daily Routine

Many people brush their teeth first thing in the morning and before bed at night. This routine is second nature to them. According to a survey conducted by the ADA, only about 16 percent of respondents said they floss at least once daily. About 20 percent said they only floss when they feel something between their teeth or when they need to. Eight percent of respondents said they never floss. 

Choose the ideal time to do it daily to make flossing a daily habit. It is all about your personal preference. You may choose to floss in the morning, at night, or even after lunch. Also, it would help if you kept your floss next to your toothbrush and toothpaste to make it visible.

Do your best to floss every day or at least a week. Once you keep it up for a week, set a goal to maintain the routine for another week. Soon, you will not even need to think about your routine anymore.

The first thing to understand is that brushing and flossing work in tandem. These tasks help prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth clean and your breath smelling fresh.

For more dental care tips, visit The Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at our offices in Destin, Panama City Beach, or Navarre, Florida. Call 850-810-0300, 850-810-0600, or 850-409-6400 to schedule an appointment.