You know that the age-old question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? The same type of question could be asked when it comes to brushing and flossing: which should come first in your at-home oral hygiene routine? Although many people envision flossing first as a way to remove icky plaque and bacteria from between teeth, and then using the toothbrush afterwards to whisk germs away, did you know this is actually incorrect? In fact, even though you’ve been brushing and flossing your whole life, there may be other technique points you’re missing. That’s why the team at Distinctive Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Hiram, shares their tips on how to brush and floss properly in the Brushing 101 lesson.
Should I Brush Or Floss First?
Dr. Jack Bickford and Dr. Bobby Shirley advise patients to brush their teeth and reserve a little bit of toothpaste in their mouths, rather than spitting all of this out. Then, floss after you brush – this will spread the vital fluoride in between teeth and under the gum line, protecting about 40% more of the surfaces of your teeth.
When Should I Floss?
Although we suggest patients floss twice a day (once after breakfast and once before bed), if you’re only able to floss once a day, do this before bedtime. Since bacteria thrives when your mouth becomes dry while you sleep, flossing right before you rest is the best practice.
How Long Should I Brush?
Most people only brush their teeth for about half of the time that they should, so be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Play a fun song or set a timer on your phone to make sure you brush long enough.
How Much Pressure Should I Use When I Brush?
Did you know that if you’re squashing the bristles of your toothbrush against your teeth and gum – even a little bit – this is too much pressure? You should make the gentlest contact possible with your teeth since plaque is soft, and use short, back-and-forth strokes when brushing. Overbrushing and brushing too hard can cause irreversible gum recession, tooth decay, sensitivity, and tooth root cavities, so go easy on your smile.
What If I Need A Refresher On Brushing & Flossing?
A picture is worth a thousand words, so take advantage of this short, helpful brushing and flossing tutorial videos. And, if it’s been longer than six months since your last professional cleaning, or you’d like to have a personal lesson in getting the most out of your oral hygiene routine at home, schedule your appointment with Distinctive Dentistry today!
