Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are two of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy smile. But one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is: do I brush first or floss first? And does the order actually matter?
Most people tend to brush their teeth and follow it up with flossing. It’s possible that flossing before brushing can break up plaque between your teeth and under your gums, making it easier for your toothbrush to remove and thus allowing for a deeper clean. It can also let your fluoridated toothpaste sit on your teeth longer, aiding in remineralization.
However, we recommend you floss at whichever point in your routine that will encourage you to keep flossing every day! No matter if you floss morning, night, before brushing, or after brushing, flossing at least once a day will help curb bad breath and reduce your risk of dental disease.
Proper Flossing Technique
In order to get the most of your daily flossing, you should use the proper flossing technique. First, take a long piece of floss, enough to wrap it around your index and middle fingers. Leaving one inch between your teeth at a time, gently guide the floss down the gum line in a C-shape and rock it left to right. This will help loosen up plaque and food particles to keep your teeth and gums clean. Use a clean section of floss for between your next set of teeth until you’ve flossed between all your teeth.
Affordable Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX
Brushing and flossing are just a couple ways you can keep your smile healthy and clean. Visiting a dentist twice a year is another great way to prevent oral health issues.
At Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we offer comprehensive pediatric dental services for kids and teens, and accept a variety of payment options.
Give your child the gift of a healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule their appointment!