Should You Floss Your Teeth Before Or After You Brush
Oral hygiene is an essential part of our daily routine. We brush our teeth twice a day, and some of us even use mouthwash to keep our teeth and gums healthy. But what about flossing? Is it necessary to floss your teeth? And if so, should you floss before or after brushing your teeth?
What is flossing?
Flossing is a dental hygiene practice that involves using a thin, nylon or plastic string to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. Flossing helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Why should you floss?
Brushing alone cannot remove all the food particles and plaque from your teeth. Flossing helps to clean the areas between your teeth and along the gumline that your toothbrush cannot reach. Failing to floss can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Should you floss before or after brushing?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing, while others recommend flossing after brushing. The most important thing is to floss at least once a day.
Benefits of flossing before brushing
Flossing before brushing helps to loosen and remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. This makes it easier for your toothbrush to remove them during brushing. Flossing before brushing also allows fluoride from your toothpaste to reach between your teeth and along the gumline, further protecting your teeth from decay.
Benefits of flossing after brushing
Flossing after brushing helps to remove any remaining food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. This ensures that your teeth are thoroughly clean. Flossing after brushing also helps to dislodge any fluoride from your toothpaste that may have become trapped between your teeth, making it more effective in protecting your teeth from decay.
The bottom line
Whether you floss before or after brushing, the important thing is to floss at least once a day. Flossing helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. If you have trouble flossing, speak to your dentist or dental hygienist for advice on the best flossing technique for you.