Oral Hygiene Routine: Should You Floss Or Brush First?
Oral Hygiene Routine
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of good oral health. Cavities and gum disease can be avoided by
keeping your tooth surfaces clean. Brushing our teeth is one of the first self-care habits we acquire as
kids. Brushing is something we’re taught to do every morning when we wake up and every evening before
going to bed from a young age. And, while we all lose our baby teeth at some point, these practices provide
the groundwork for improved dental hygiene as we become older. Brushing your teeth twice a day is still
an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health, but it’s not the only thing you can do.
Cleaning in between your teeth and rinsing can help you take your dental hygiene regimen to the next
level. Here’s a look at the best oral hygiene routine - including the proper order for brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and rinsing:
• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes using the proper brushing technique, spending one minute
each on the top and bottom. Hold your toothbrush at an angle, aiming the bristles towards the point
where your tooth meets the gum. Brush in a circular motion with brief back-and-forth motions. Brush
your teeth on the exterior, interior, and chewing surfaces, as well as your tongue. Use a toothbrush or a
tongue scraper to clean your tongue, which traps bacteria. Next, rinse your mouth with water, cleaning
between all teeth.
• Never brush your teeth after eating, mainly if you consume something acidic like grapefruit or soda.
• Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits pleasantly in your
mouth. Also, consider using an electronic or battery-operated toothbrush, which is more effective
than manual brushing at reducing plaque and a mild type of gum disease (gingivitis). These gadgets
are particularly beneficial if you have arthritis or other conditions that make brushing difficult.
• It is essential to clean the contacts between all teeth using floss or an interdental brush, depending on
the tightness of the contacts. Using a rubbing motion, move the floss between your teeth. Don’t snare
your gums with the floss. When the floss reaches your gum line, make a c shape with it against one
tooth. Next, insert the floss between your gums and your teeth. Gently massage the side of the tooth
with the floss in an up-and-down motion. As you go on to the rest of your teeth, unwind new floss.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly using an anti-plaque mouthwash
Floss, brush and rinse. That’s the best order to do things because it promotes total cleanliness. Flossing
removes all the debris and plaque in between two adjacent teeth. Then brushing removes plaque on teeth
surfaces and cleans the dislodged debris. Finally, mouth rinsing carries all that loose debris and bacteria
away. You’re left with clean teeth, healthy gums, fresh breath, and excellent oral health.
Also, resist the temptation to use toothpicks or other objects that could injure your gums and let in
bacteria. Finally, if you smoke, try to quit.
It is vital to build your oral hygiene routine as oral care is not one-size-fits-all, so it must be customized to
meet your individual needs. The ultimate dental care routine suits your unique oral health demands while
also aiding you in establishing and maintaining your ideal routine. Therefore, it’s always a smart idea to
talk with your dentist to see if they recommend any tips for your at-home oral care routine.
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