We all know that brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of a healthy oral hygiene regimen, which is critical to maintaining a healthy smile. But there's one aspect of oral hygiene that continues to be a source of debate: is it better to brush your teeth first or floss first? At Olson Orthodontics, our mission is to help patients throughout Litchfield Park and Buckeye, AZ achieve beautiful new smiles through orthodontic treatment, so we'd like to shed a little light on this common issue.
Should I Brush or Floss My Teeth First?
Wondering how you should order your nightly oral hygiene routine? You're not the only one. This is one of the most common questions we hear from patients, but thankfully, there's an easy answer.
Truth be told, it doesn't matter much whether you brush your teeth or floss them first: it’s a matter of personal preference more than anything else. So long as you thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, you'll still be keeping your teeth clean and protecting them from cavity-causing plaque and bacteria.
The most common routine is for people to brush their teeth first and floss second, which is probably why most people refer to it as "brushing and flossing." But there's no rule saying that's how it has to be done. In fact, some dentists would argue it's better to floss first and brush second for two main reasons. First, brushing second will clear away any debris that's kicked up by flossing, and cleaning out the crevices between teeth can help your toothbrush scrub the teeth better. The other reason is psychological: most people are much less likely to skip brushing than they are to skip flossing, so getting flossing out of the way first can help you stay diligent with oral hygiene.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Litchfield Park Orthodontist
Brush and floss or floss and brush, the choice is up to you – what matters most is making sure that you clean your teeth with proper technique and that you're rigorous in maintaining your schedule. Whichever order you choose, we’re here to encourage you in keeping up a strong oral hygiene regimen, and if you're ready to take the next step in caring for your smile by pursuing orthodontic treatment, we're here to help. Request a consultation online to see how orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We can't wait to hear from you!