Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

For many kids, brushing their teeth is a time-consuming waste of energy and completely unnecessary in their opinion. While this idea is common among children, it is also the belief of some adults. Not that they neglect to brush their teeth altogether, it’s more about the regularity and technique utilized that causes concern. 

Stats show that around 30% of Americans only brush their teeth once a day. Dentists recommend twice daily. 

The science 

We have all heard of plaque and tartar, but what are they? 

Plaque is a sticky substance, and sometimes yellow. It forms when food and saliva are combined, causing it to stick to your teeth and gums. Within the plaque, bacteria and acids form. 

After some time, the chemicals begin to change in the plaque, causing it to become hard. This is known as tartar, which can be difficult to remove once it has turned to this hardened state. 

Bacteria and acid found within plaque and tartar can cause decay and gum disease. Both are very unpleasant and can be uncomfortable. A lack of good mouth hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth and can be very expensive in tooth removal or implants, and also comes with the cost of a self-conscious smile or bad breath. 

Brushing and technique 

Dentists recommend brushing teeth twice per day. Always be sure to replace your toothbrush after 3–4 months. Over time, the bristles on your toothbrush begin to bend and fray, causing them to lose strength. This, in turn, makes them less effective at doing a thorough job of cleaning your teeth and tongue. Yes, that’s right, don’t forget to brush bacteria from your tongue when you brush!

Always use a fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association. 

The most effective technique for brushing your teeth are short circular motions, being sure to brush all three sides of your teeth, back, top (or bottom), and front. It’s best to spend 2–3 minutes brushing your teeth per cleaning for the fluoride to do its job removing plaque build-up. 

Be sure to tilt your toothbrush at a slight angle to reach behind the tiny flaps of gum at the bottom of your teeth line. It is also recommended not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after brushing your teeth. This will allow the enamel of your teeth to harden again after being brushed. 

To floss or not to floss?

Another concern is flossing, or I should say the lack of it. Around 30% of people do not floss. This is concerning for patients and dentists since brushing is not enough to achieve good dental hygiene. 

So, what are the benefits of flossing? 

Like a car engine or a swimming pool with filters, our mouths are the first filter leading into our body, crushing and breaking down food so that our body can process it. Our teeth have all kinds of crevices and gaps, allowing food to be trapped and hidden, leading to chemical reactions that have damaging effects. 

Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from sitting between our teeth. It is vital that flossing is done. Brushing is half the job. Would you be happy to get an oil change on your car but not change the filter? If we are only brushing our teeth and not flossing, we leave food and bacteria on our teeth for hours and hours while it does damage. 

People often wonder should you floss before or after brushing? 

Flossing before brushing will remove food, plaque, and saliva from the gum line and between the teeth. Then when brushing, these particles are removed. This also allows fluoride and toothpaste to get into those now-vacant areas where food was trapped. 

The benefits of flossing are something we should consider when performing our teeth brushing routine. Also, consider rinsing with a mouthwash which is another weapon against tooth decay and gum disease.

If you have questions about brushing, flossing, or your oral health and you live or work near Southfield, Berkley, or Lathrup Village, please contact us at Fortson Dentistry to set up an appointment at one of our Southeast Michigan locations.