Brush, floss, and mouthwash are the three pillars holding your oral health. You may not believe the gravity of it, but the well-being of the mouth is interlinked to overall health. It has been a regime for 2 centuries and was first developed by an American dentist – Levi Spear. But why did he think of it in the first place? What is the need to floss before or after brushing?
Even with heavy emphasis, dentists have not yet unanimously concluded which should be done first, brushing or floss?
If you are also one of those who are intrigued to know the correct pattern, then this blog is meant for you. Stay with us till the end to know your justified answer.
What Should You Do, Floss Before Or After Brushing?
Our pick is floss first and brush later.
We understand this answer is quite surprising for you. How can floss before brushing be better than after? Well, all three components of this dental regimen are crucial; their functions intertwine to help achieve one goal – a healthy mouth. However, does a particular order for floss, brush, and mouthwash make any difference? Yes, it is significant, and let’s look at why that is so.
Why Should You Floss Before Brushing rather Than After It?
People think that floss, before or after brushing teeth does not impact much, but it actually does, and definitely more shocking for people who entirely skip this part. Studies prove that floss before brushing teeth rather than after it serves the purpose better.
Flossing post meals can aid in getting rid of coarse food debris stuck between the teeth. After that, brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps in proper retention as well as absorption of the element (fluoride) on the teeth’ surface. But what is the need for this?
- Floss is a tedious task, so do it first because otherwise, it will likely get skipped later.
- Brush so that the fluoride from toothpaste is spread evenly between the teeth.
- Floss first so that it breaks up tartar between the teeth for the brush to remove.
Effects of Floss Before Brushing
Here’s how floss first and then brush helps in keeping dental health normal:
Gum Disease Prevention
Mouth infections such as periodontal disease harm the soft tissues of the gums and bones that they encapsulate. Gums are structures that function to handle the teeth on your jaw bone.
When the bacterial quantity overloads, it starts spreading from the origin, which is the teeth’ surface, to the gums.
The bacterial accumulation is a result of bad oral hygiene due to improper regime. It also arises because of skipping deep dental cleaning via a professional. Few signs and symptoms associated with gum disease are:
- Halitosis or bad mouth odor.
- Red swollen gums, which are tender on touch.
- Teeth hanging loosely.
- Bleeding gums.
Removal of Plaque
Plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) are not avertable when there is a bacterial load on the teeth, which serves as the leading factor of gum diseases. It is important to eliminate food debris and bacteria in between the teeth using floss and brushing after a thorough cleaning.
Most of the time, plaque requires around 24 to 36 hours to complete its film formation cycle correctly; therefore, floss first and brushing after can significantly reduce buildup chances.
Floss First Should be A Part of Your Routine
The norm is flossing after brushing, both times, first thing in the morning and last thing before popping in the bed. Many people cannot go on, either start or end their day in any other way.
Still, most Americans do not consider flossing an integral part of their oral regime. According to a study, only 16% of the total people under observation have floss each day; whereas 20% of people said they do it but under one case scenario– in case any food particle, tiny or big, gets stuck in between the teeth huge enough to cause pain.
When they were asked the reason behind it, many answered that floss requires extra time, and since no one can afford to be late, it is a nuisance.
Complete Your Oral Hygiene Regime by Adding Floss
Now that you are fully aware of its importance, it is the first step to acceptance. Now, all you need to do is get into the habit of flossing.
For starters, choose a time that would not make flossing feel like a task on a daily basis. You can choose whichever time is suitable; it may be morning, right after lunch, or even before bedtime.
Personal preference is essential in this regard since it will get rid of the reluctance factor of doing it and will feel like a routine.
Here’s a trick. Keep the floss right beside your toothbrush so that you do not have to think twice and can always choose floss first and brushing after. Once you go through the week, keep doing it, and the next thing you know, floss rather will be your voluntary step.
Tips for Better Dental Hygiene
Never Pick Out Food with Toothpicks
Do not use a toothpick in any case, even if anything gets stuck between your teeth. Always floss instead in such a situation. Picking food particles out in this manner results in gum damage.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride helps in remineralization and strengthens the enamel from within, preventing decay.
Gentle Maneuver
Aggressive brush or floss causes gum damage, making them recede from their line.
Always Make Time for Professional Dental Cleaning
Make sure to set an appointment with your dentist at least every quarter per year for deep dental cleaning. Dentists possess tools that surpass regular cleaning resulting in a healthy mouth.
Do You Prefer To Floss Before Or After Brushing?
If your regime is not brushing after, consider changing it to maximize results. Floss first and brushing after is a great tool for overall oral health. However, with that, do not skip professional teeth cleaning. Contact the best dentist in Houston, TX, from Pearl Shine Dental at (281) 477-7200.