Many people know on a basic level that brushing and flossing are recommended by dentists as part of a good oral hygiene routine. Some patients however are unclear on the finer details, like what order they should be done in or if one is more important than the other. Today, our Sydney dentists talk about brushing and flossing in detail.
You might have wondered, "Should I be brushing my teeth first, or should I floss first?" before beginning your daily oral hygiene regimen. Our dentists at Sydney hope to address this dilemma in this post. The first thing that needs to be done is to discuss the value of flossing and brushing as well as the benefits of each.
Reasons to Brush
Brushing one's teeth is one of the first lessons in cleanliness that many children learn. We recommend that our patients brush their teeth at least twice a day. Brushing our teeth removes plaque and bacteria that can harm our oral health. Brushing properly cleans the surfaces of our teeth as well as our gums.
Brushing twice a day helps by keeping teeth and gums clean, limiting the buildup of harmful bacteria and; ideally, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. This routine complements your regular visits to the dentist for dental cleanings and exams.
Reasons to Floss
Because brushing sometimes misses certain areas of our mouth, flossing is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. In theory, flossing should prevent bacteria and buildup from accumulating in the spaces between our teeth and just below the gum line. As a result of flossing's contribution to maintaining a healthy mouth, we may experience fewer health issues and a more positive overall oral health experience.
Flossing at least once a day is advised. Because oral hygiene is largely about routine and habit, we recommend keeping your floss somewhere visible, forming an indelible mental link between the acts of brushing and flossing. Where one comes to mind, the other should as well, to ensure that all of your teeth are properly cared for.
Should you brush or floss first?
We recommend flossing before brushing your teeth. What is most important is that you always do both in accordance with your dental care routine.
Due in large part to the potential for flossing to loosen bacteria and food particles both on and between our teeth, we advise flossing first. As a result, brushing may be more effective at removing food residue.
Another advantage is that if you use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a fluorine-containing compound that aids in the cleaning of teeth. If you floss after brushing, the fluoride in your toothpaste may be removed, making it less effective.
When it comes to maintaining a high standard of oral health care, we should always strive to do our best. Sometimes, however, even seemingly insignificant adjustments can have a significant impact on our daily dental hygiene routines. One of those minor adjustments might be choosing to brush after flossing. If you've been flossing after brushing up until this point, we advise trying the opposite and flossing before brushing.