You may already be aware of the importance of daily brushing and flossing for your overall oral health. But does the sequence of your oral hygiene routine make a difference? Which comes first, the brushing or the flossing? Believe it or not, it does make a difference, and your Wilmington, DE, dentist is here to help you understand why.
Why It Matters: Floss First, or Brush First?
We recommend flossing before brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Doing so will help mitigate the risk of developing the following oral health issues:
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Infections
- Bad Breath
Additionally, brushing and flossing after meals can help lower your risk of tooth stains, potentially eliminating the need for professional teeth whitening in Wilmington, DE.
Recent studies have shown that flossing before brushing is more effective for removing plaque and tartar. Flossing removes food particles and dislodges debris from between teeth, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste cleans the teeth and protects them against cavities. Flossing before brushing also helps increase the likelihood that fluoride toothpaste will effectively strengthen tooth enamel and combat tooth decay.
If you brush before you floss, the particles and debris dislodged from flossing can remain in your mouth until the next time you brush. However, if you floss and then brush, the brushing removes these particles from your mouth, and there’s less dental plaque, which can lower your risk of developing gum disease.
Beyond Brushing and Flossing: How to Keep Your Smile Healthy
Having a healthy smile means more than simply brushing and flossing every day. To keep your teeth and gums in great condition, you must also visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings. Typically, patients visit us for their routine dental exams twice a year, but the frequency of your visits depends on your unique oral health needs. During your oral exam, we will check for any abnormalities or signs of decay or disease, including periodontal checkups. We also take periodic x-rays, clean your teeth, and offer any additional treatments that are needed, such as tooth-colored fillings, periodontal treatment, or elective options, including cosmetic dentistry in Wilmington, DE.
So, to keep your smile at its best, be sure to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily.
- Floss your teeth at least twice daily.
- Visit your dentist every six months for dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Please let us know if you notice any changes in your oral health between visits.
Comprehensive Family Dentistry in Wilmington, DE
The dental office of Dr. Bruce Matthews, DDS, helps patients of all ages protect their teeth and gums from tooth decay and gum disease. Not only do we treat oral health issues, but we also strive to prevent them before they become a problem. However, your oral health care doesn't end when you leave the dental office. It’s also important that you do your part to keep your smile healthy.
To learn more about how to keep your dental health on track, please don’t hesitate to contact our Wilmington, DE, dental office.
We look forward to welcoming you to the dental office of Dr. Bruce Matthews!