Are You Supposed To Floss Before Or After Brushing Teeth
Most people know that brushing their teeth is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, many are still unsure about the proper order of their oral hygiene routine, particularly when it comes to flossing. Should you floss before or after brushing your teeth? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and why it matters.
Why Is Flossing Important?
Flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It helps remove plaque and food particles that may be stuck between your teeth and gums, preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
While brushing effectively cleans the surfaces of teeth, it does not always reach the tight spaces between teeth and gums, where bacteria can hide. Flossing helps clean these areas, keeping your mouth healthy and fresh.
Should You Floss Before Or After Brushing Your Teeth?
Now that we know why flossing is important let's talk about the proper order of oral hygiene routine. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it doesn't matter whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth, as long as you do both.
Some people prefer to floss before brushing their teeth to remove any food particles and debris that may be stuck between their teeth. Others prefer to brush their teeth first to remove any loose debris from the surface before flossing. Ultimately, the order of your oral hygiene routine is a matter of personal preference.
How To Floss Properly
Regardless of whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth, it's important to do so properly to ensure optimal oral health. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start with about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss between them.
- Hold the floss between your thumbs and forefingers, with about an inch of floss taut between them.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth, using a back-and-forth motion.
- Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure to go beneath the gumline.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, winding the used floss onto one finger and unwinding a fresh section onto the other.
Conclusion
Now that you know the importance of flossing and the proper way to do it, you can incorporate it into your daily oral hygiene routine. Remember, whether you floss before or after brushing your teeth is a matter of personal preference, as long as you do both consistently. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.