Is It Better To Brush or Floss First?

Is It Better To Brush Or Floss First?
Posted on 04/09/2019

As your trusted Griffin and Locust Grove, GA orthodontist, we believe in arming our patients with all the necessary facts to promote great dental health. Good dental hygiene is critical to maintaining a healthy smile, with or without braces. While most people are familiar with the American Dental Association’s recommendation to brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily, how do you know which one you should do first ― brushing or flossing? Some argue that it’s best to floss first, in order to remove food particles and plaque between teeth, allowing the fluoride in the toothpaste to better clean those spaces in between and brush away any particles loosened from flossing. Others believe brushing should always come first, so as to remove a bulk of the plaque, allowing the floss to finish cleaning the spaces between teeth.

This is why you may be surprised to learn that, so long as you are properly performing both hygiene practices, order isn’t really that important! Brushing and flossing work together to remove food particles and plaque build-up from teeth, gums, and all the spaces in-between, helping you achieve optimal dental health.

Proper Brushing for Great Oral Hygiene

Making sure you’re brushing properly is the best way to ensure optimal dental health. Using a soft bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, gently brush your teeth at a 45 degree angle, making sure to get all tooth surfaces ― front and back ― as well as the gum line. Brushing the gum line is imperative to preventing gum disease from developing and causing a multitude of oral health issues. Do this twice a day, each day, and you’re on your way to a lifetime of great dental health!

How to Floss to Promote Better Dental Health

Flossing is the other major hygiene factor which contributes to strong dental health. To begin, start with a piece of floss about 18” in length. Wrap each end lightly around your index fingers and pull it taught. Slide the floss between two teeth by using a gentle back-and-forth motion, then slide the floss up and down the sides of each tooth, making sure to clean along the base of each tooth, too. Slide the floss back out with the same back-and-forth motion and repeat until all teeth have been cleaned. Also, be sure to use a clean section of floss after each tooth. This should be done at least once per day, ideally before bedtime. Following these basic oral hygiene rules is a great way to ensure optimal dental health for decades to come.

Schedule a Visit with Your Griffin and Locust Grove, GA Orthodontist

No matter what order you choose to brush or floss in, the truly important factor is simply to remember to perform each of these oral hygiene practices the recommended number of times daily. If you’re ready to take your dental health to the next level and believe you might be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, it’s time to speak to your Griffin and Locust Grove orthodontist at Lindsey Orthodontics! Contact us today with any questions, or schedule your appointment now. We look forward to helping you achieve your best dental health today!