Regular flossing and brushing are both necessary for good tooth care. For best results, floss before brushing. You do not need to be taught how important excellent oral hygiene is. Taking care of your teeth not only combats bad breath but also helps to avoid cavities and gum disease, resulting in a healthy pair of pearly whites. However, if you are like many others, you may not think about the appropriate sequence when flossing and brushing your teeth. This article will explain why flossing before brushing your teeth is ideal, as well as provide advice for getting the most out of flossing and brushing.
Brushing and Flossing In Your Oral Care Routine
Brushing your teeth isn’t enough to practise good dental hygiene. Yes, brushing your teeth is an effective technique to clean them, eliminate dental plaque, and prevent cavities. Brushing alone, however, is insufficient to maintain dental health and avoid gum disease.
Flossing improves oral hygiene by lifting and removing plaque and food between your teeth. Brushing eliminates plaque and food particles, but a toothbrush’s bristles cannot reach deep between teeth to remove everything. Flossing helps to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
Why Is It Best To Floss Before Brushing Your Teeth?
Some people develop a regimen of brushing and flossing. The problem with this sequence is that any food, plaque, and germs that flossing removes from between your teeth stay in your mouth until the next time you brush. However, flossing and subsequently brushing eliminate these discharged particles from the mouth. As a consequence, there will be less dental plaque in your mouth, lowering your chance of getting gum disease. According to a tiny 2018 study, the fluoride in your toothpaste works better to safeguard your teeth when particles are eliminated first.
Good Oral Health Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a mouth infection that damages the soft tissues and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease develops when there is an excess of germs on the surface of the teeth. This can occur as a result of poor dental care, such as not brushing or flossing correctly and failing to schedule routine dental cleanings.
The symptoms of gum disease include:
Symptoms may include poor breath, swelling, redness, and sore gums.
Loose teeth and bleeding gum.
Good Oral Hygiene Gets Rid Of Plaque
Because plaque is the leading cause of gum disease, it is critical to floss and brush every day. Plaque often forms on teeth between 24 to 36 hours. Plaque will seldom solidify on your teeth if you floss them regularly and clean them afterwards. After flossing and brushing, remember to spit out any toothpaste that remains in your mouth. But don’t rinse your mouth. This may come as a surprise because many individuals have been trained to rinse their mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing.
Should You Rinse As Part Of Your Dental Routine
Rinsing your mouth after brushing removes fluoride, a mineral included in many dental products to help strengthen teeth. As a result, the toothpaste is less efficient in preventing tooth decay.
You want the fluoride from your toothpaste to stay on your teeth for as long as possible. So resist the impulse to rinse with water right after brushing. If you are concerned about having too much toothpaste residue in your mouth, swirl in about 1 teaspoon of water and then spit.
If you enjoy using mouthwash for fresher breath and to help prevent cavities, wait a few hours after brushing your teeth. After using a fluoride mouthwash, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything.
What About Your General Oral Hygiene Routine
To keep your teeth clean and healthy, here are some guidelines for regular flossing, brushing, and rinsing.
Floss frequently. Always floss your teeth at least once a day, either in the morning or before bedtime. To floss properly, tear out about 12 to 18 inches of floss and wrap both ends around your fingers. Gently slide the floss up and down each tooth’s sides to remove plaque, germs, and food debris.
Skip the toothpick. To remove food lodged between your teeth, use floss instead of a toothpick. Using a toothpick can harm your gums and cause infection.
Brush twice every day. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush back and forth over your teeth. Brush both the inner and exterior surfaces of your teeth.
Try fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash can help build your tooth enamel and prevent decay.
Be kind. To prevent bleeding gums, don’t floss too aggressively. When the floss reaches your gum line, curl it against your teeth to create a C-shape.
Do not forget to brush your tongue. This also reduces bad breath, eliminates germs, and promotes proper tooth hygiene.
See a professional. Schedule routine dental cleanings at least twice a year.
When To Visit Southside Dental Care
You should visit Southside Dental Care Glasgow not just for periodic tooth cleanings, but also if you have any concerns about your oral health. Your dentist can examine your teeth and take dental X-rays to detect any issues. Signs you should see a dentist include:
Red, inflamed gums.
Symptoms may include bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, sensitivity to temperature changes, chronic foul breath, loose teeth, and receding gums.
Tooth ache
Any of the symptoms listed above, coupled with a fever, may suggest an infection. Make sure to mention any symptoms to your dentist.
