New Study Shows There’s a ‘Right’ Order to Brush and Floss Your Teeth In

It’s no secret that maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to overall well being. The importance of both brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing your teeth has been ingrained in your brain by dentists and advertisements for toothpastes for your entire life.

There are hundreds of products on the market from mechanical toothbrushes, to whitening toothpastes, to germ-killing mouthwashes. Walking into a just to purchase toothpaste can be overwhelming.

At the very least, you know that you need a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and a good mouthwash to maintain a healthy cleaning routine. Cleaning your teeth twice a day and attending regular dental checkups is very important for the well-being of your teeth and gums. Without proper dental hygiene, you are at risk for gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, and other dental issues.

Traditionally, you probably spend more time thinking about whether you should use a manual toothbrush or the mechanical toothbrush that your dentist is selling. You debate choosing the whitening toothpaste over the one that boasts extra cleansing and germ-killing properties. What you may not consider is the order in which you brush and floss your teeth.

Think about your daily routine. Do you reach for the dental floss before the toothbrush? Are you more apt to brush your teeth and then floss? Most importantly, does the order really make a difference? Isn’t brushing and flossing your teeth regularly impactful despite the order?

As it turns out, the order in which you brush and floss does matter.

A recent study aimed to determine the best order for optimal fluoride retention and plaque removal. The study was conducted using a group of dental students as test subjects. Half of whom flossed before brushing and the other half brushed before flossing for a time span of two weeks.

At the end of the study it was found that flossing before brushing is the most effective at removing plaque. Following up with brushing left more fluoride between the teeth than flossing after would have.

Although this study showed that flossing before brushing is most effective, it emphasizes that doing both everyday is imperative.

Cleaning your teeth properly is important whether you have natural teeth or implants. Regular visits to your dentist and prosthodontist help to ensure that you are doing all you can to maintain optimal gum and tooth health.

Contact our office today to see Dr. Hervas and check up on the health of your dental implants.