For your entire life, you’ve probably been told by dentists and family members to brush and floss your teeth. After all, this is your best defense against daily plaque and bacteria that cause issues like cavities and tooth decay. But have you ever wondered about which integral step for oral health comes first? Is it brushing then flossing or flossing then brushing? Read on to learn the answer as well as some brushing and flossing tips.
What is the Correct Order for Brushing & Flossing?
Here’s the good news: you can practice your oral healthcare routine in the order you prefer—just as long as you’re brushing AND flossing. The key is to clean your teeth daily to remove plaque and bacteria. Brushing takes care of the front, back, and top of each tooth while flossing cleans the left and right sides. By using these key steps together, you can keep your mouth clean, decreasing your risk of issues like cavities and infection.
Why is Brushing and Flossing Important?
Think of brushing and flossing as a protective shield that you wear every day. Without brushing and flossing, your teeth and gums are at risk of oral health problems like decay and disease. That’s why you should brush twice a day for two minutes each session and floss once a day. These steps prevent more extensive and expensive oral health issues from occurring, plus they keep your smile looking and feeling good. Be sure to angle your brush at 45-degrees, especially on the gumline, to effectively remove plaque buildup. By putting some preventive work in during your day-to-day life, you can avoid serious oral health issues entirely.
Additional Steps to Take for a Healthy Smile
Your oral healthcare doesn’t have to stop with brushing and flossing. In fact, another vital part of your routine is visiting your dentist in Arlington Heights for checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow your dentist to prevent and detect any issues before they become more serious. Additionally, your hygienist will be able to clean areas of your mouth you may have been missing at home.
Another way you can care for your smile is to watch what you eat. When sugars interact with the bacteria in your mouth, acids are created, which can eat away at your tooth enamel. That’s why consuming a healthy diet can minimize your risk of cavities and infection. If you want to indulge, try choosing items like chocolate instead of hard or sticky candies that linger in the mouth.
Are you ready to give your smile the protection it deserves? Remember, the order doesn’t matter! Just make sur you’re brushing and flossing daily for a happy and healthy set of teeth.
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, we have a team of 5 dentists who combine their training and expertise to provide exceptional dentistry for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about at-home dental hygiene, or if you want to schedule an appointment, our team can be contacted through our website and by phone at (847) 577-7171.