Brushing vs. Flossing: Which Should You Do First?

You probably already know that brushing and flossing regularly is crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But have you ever pondered if flossing or brushing is more important? What difference does it actually make? People have debated the merits of both approaches for decades, but recent studies have shown that flossing first is superior.

First, we’ll examine the ways in which the order can have an impact.

WHAT COMES FIRST: FLOSSING OR BRUSHING?

Ask the typical individual whether they brush their teeth first or floss first, and you’ll probably get a wide range of responses, each with their own set of arguments for why their preferred method is superior. The most typical order of business is to floss after brushing. The typical routine for them consists of brushing their teeth in the morning, and then flossing after a night of brushing. Even after brushing, a lot of people don’t bother with flossing because they say it’s too much work and don’t want to waste time.

Brushing First

Some people think that brushing your teeth first can help get more fluoride from your toothpaste into the crevices between your teeth when you floss. Nevertheless, recent research disproves this. Actually, you’re more likely to get gum disease if you brush your teeth first. Plaque and food particles can be forced into the gums when you brush your teeth first, which can lead to periodontal disease and gum disease.

But if someone is already brushing their teeth before flossing, that’s better than doing neither and does help a little.

Flossing First

Individuals who prefer to floss before brushing have explained that this is due to the fact that flossing takes more time than brushing and that many individuals end up not flossing at all if they put it off until after brushing. Some people also prefer flossing before brushing because they think it helps loosen plaque between the teeth, which makes brushing simpler. And they’re absolutely right about this!

When you floss before you brush, you can get plaque, food particles, and bacteria out of crevices that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing before brushing decreased the amount of plaque between teeth. Furthermore, it was shown that individuals who flossed first had much higher quantities of fluoride. Prior to anything else, flossing helps improve the health of your tooth enamel, lessen discomfort in your gums and mouth, lessen the likelihood that you will swallow more plaque, maintain fresher breath for longer, and lessen the likelihood of gum disease.

Why Are Brushing and Flossing Crucial?

Now that we know which order is better, it’s important to remember that both brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining good oral health. If you want to take the finest care of your teeth and gums, you should learn the proper way to brush and floss.

Here are a few pointers to make sure you’re getting the most out of your dental hygiene routine.

The Best Ways to Brush Your Teeth

The American Dental Association advises cleaning your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Your toothbrush should be your first point of reference when looking for advice on how to properly brush your teeth. Make sure the bristles are gentle and that the toothbrush is the right size for your mouth. A toothbrush that isn’t big enough will prevent you from getting all the way to the back, top, and front of each tooth.

Here are some more tips for brushing your teeth:

• Brush your teeth and gums while holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
• Carefully brush each tooth one by one, using little, circular, up-and-down strokes to cover all surfaces.
• Gently press down. If you brush with too much force, you might hurt your gums.

On each occasion, begin with a different tooth. In spite of your regimen, you probably aren’t paying as much attention to the last teeth as you did to the first. If you want to make sure that each tooth gets good care, try switching up the order in which you brush them.

Bacteria tend to accumulate in hard-to-reach places, so be sure to give your gums and tongue the same attention as your teeth.

Make sure to clean your toothbrush regularly and get a new one every three months. The effectiveness of brushing decreases when you introduce new bacteria into your mouth with a dirty toothbrush. Brush your teeth after each use, and put your toothbrush in an upright position in a sealed container.

Also Read: Dos and don’ts when a dental emergency happens

How Should You Floss Your Teeth?

While flossing on a daily basis may be an annoyance for some, it is essential for healthy gums and teeth. Additionally, it need not be as challenging as you perceive it to be. Here are some tips for flossing:

Many varieties of floss are available, including waxed and unwaxed varieties. Find the floss that works best for you so that flossing becomes easy.

You can use anything other than floss to floss. Oral irrigators that utilize pressured water or air to clean in between teeth are another alternative, as are electric flossers and disposable dental picks.

When you floss correctly, you remove tartar and plaque from between your teeth and you make sure you’re cleaning between each tooth. Making sure you rub against the surfaces of the teeth and not the gumline, gently glide the floss in an up-and-down motion.

Establishing and Updating an Effective Oral Hygiene Program

Flossing offers the greatest benefits to dental health, according to the study, although both brushing and flossing are required for excellent oral health. The most important thing is to floss and remove plaque buildup from between your teeth, regardless of whether you choose to stick to your regimen of brushing and then flossing. But flossing beforehand might be a good idea if you want to maximize the benefits.

Tackling Any Issues You May Have With Your Dental Hygiene

To maintain good oral hygiene, it is necessary to brush and floss daily and to see a dentist regularly. If you want to be sure you’re getting the most out of your at-home dental care regimen, our staff at Palm Tree Dental is ready to assist you. Whether you’re having trouble flossing or just don’t think you’re brushing well, our staff is here to help.

If you want to know more, give us a call, and we can assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy, attractive smile.