Should You Floss Before or After Brushing? Your Guide to a Healthy Gum Care Routine
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Most people are aware that brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining oral health, but there’s still one question that many are unsure about: Should you floss before or after brushing?
The answer may surprise you, and it’s an important part of your gum health. Find out the best order for your oral care routine, why brushing and flossing are so important, and some practical tips for maintaining healthy gums.
“If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re missing about 35% of your tooth surfaces – and that’s a big opportunity for bacteria to thrive.”
A Quick Review of Brushing: What It Is, What It Does, Why It Matters
Brushing your teeth is the foundation of a healthy oral routine. When you brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste, it removes the sticky film of bacteria, or plaque, from the surface of your teeth and tongue. This helps keep your mouth clean and prevents cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Brushing alone can’t reach all the tight spaces between your teeth, however, and that’s where food particles and bacteria can hide.
A Quick Review of Flossing: What It Is, What It Does, Why It Matters
Flossing involves using dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline. It hits the places your toothbrush can’t reach.
Without flossing, plaque can build up between your teeth and lead to gingivitis (early gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease). If periodontal disease progresses, you could end up with bone and tooth loss.
Flossing daily reduces your risk of gum inflammation, bleeding, and recession by keeping bacteria in check. If you’re not flossing regularly, you’re missing about 35% of your tooth surfaces – and that’s a big opportunity for bacteria to thrive.
So, Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?
Now for the question: Do you floss before or after brushing?
Dental professionals are a bit divided on the topic, but according to recommendations from dental professionals, flossing before brushing is the better option for most people. Here’s why:
More effective plaque removal: Flossing first loosens plaque and food debris, making it easier for your toothbrush to sweep it away.
Improved fluoride exposure: Brushing after flossing allows fluoride from toothpaste to reach between your teeth more effectively, enhancing its protective effects.
Better cleaning: if you brush first, then floss, you may leave loosened debris between your teeth without rinsing it away thoroughly. Flossing first loosens the gunk and gives you a more thorough cleaning.
Of course, the most important thing is to floss and brush daily, but doing them in the correct order – flossing before brushing – can maximize the benefits you get from both. If you prefer to floss after brushing, it’s still effective as long as you do it properly and thoroughly.
5 Tips for Healthy Gums
Brushing and flossing are important, but there’s a lot more you can do to keep your gums in great shape. Here are five tips to protect your gum health:
Floss Once a Day, Every Day
Consistency matters more than timing. Make flossing a daily habit to prevent plaque buildup between the teeth. Don’t rush! Take time to gently work the floss below the gumline and curve it around each tooth for a deep cleaning.
Use the Right Technique
When flossing, avoid snapping the floss into your gums. Instead, use a gentle sawing motion and slide the floss along the side of each tooth. Curving the floss into a “C” shape helps reach more surface area under the gumline.
Choose a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your gums while still being effective at removing plaque. Brush in small, circular motions, and don’t press too hard. Aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession.
Rinse with an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Look for options with active ingredients like chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, peroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing to get the rinse into all the crevices of your teeth.
Visit Your Periodontist or Dentist Regularly
Routine dental visits are essential for catching gum issues early. Professional cleanings remove tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t, and your periodontist can screen for early signs of gum disease.
Protect Your Smile with Routine Gum Care
Flossing first is an important step in your oral health. But a comprehensive routine that includes proper flossing, effective brushing, and professional care is necessary to protect your gums. At Central Texas Periodontics, we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Schedule your gum health consultation with Central Texas Periodontics today!