People need to understand the importance of dental hygiene and the best practices for maintaining a healthy smile. One of the most common questions asked by those looking to improve their oral health is: should you use dental floss before or after brushing?

Brushing and flossing are two significant habits which has to be inculcated in every individual right from being a child to an older adult. These two simple techniques are the best preventive methods to maintain pink of oral health and hygiene in day to day life.

Food, saliva and bacteria work together to make a slimy layer on our teeth called as plaque. These plaque when left unremoved on tooth surface, tends to harden to a yellow deposit called tartar, under the crevices of the gum line. This further leads to weakening of the gums causing disease, inflammation, bad smell, shaky tooth, and ultimately loss of tooth.

Brushing and flossing of teeth regularly, helps to reduce the accumulation of plaque on the teeth surfaces. It helps to strengthen the enamel, which resists the acid attacks caused by the food substances.

So when to floss? Is it before or after brushing of teeth?

Research says that flossing before brushing helps better. Flossing the teeth first removes the food, saliva and debris in between the surfaces of the teeth and in the gum lines. Brushing after this, removes the particles easily away from the mouth. Rinsing with water or a fluoridated mouthwash following this, hardens the enamel better making it strong and impermeable. It also enables the tooth paste to reach the un-accessible areaswhich were earlier occupied by the food debris, more effectively.

Articles also sight that using a fluoridated toothpaste following flossing and brushing, allows the fluoride to be absorbed much better by the enamel. Leaving the enamel undisturbed for about thirty minutes following brushing, is said to enhance the fluoride absorption favouring the enamel hardness.

Benefits of flossing

1) Helps remove food particles and Plaque

• An essential component of any dental hygiene routine is flossing. Flossing helps to scrape away the food particles and Plaque that can become lodged between the teeth and the gum line before they can harden and cause damage to the teeth. This can assist in maintaining the strength and health of your teeth and help avoid other dental issues.

2) Remove bad breath-causing bacteria

• Flossing is a beneficial practice for oral hygiene for those who suffer from bad breath. Flossing helps to reach those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gum line, where foul odor-causing bacteria often accumulate. Additionally, flossing stimulates the gums, aiding in better oral health and fresher breath. 

3) Reduce the risk of cavities

• Flossing also helps to reduce the development of cavities since it removes food particles and sugar residues that can be left behind between teeth. By cleaning these areas, you can prevent the growth of bacteria that cause Plaque and cavities.

4) Reduces soreness and puffiness in the gum 

• Regular flossing is a great way to help reduce the likelihood of infectious conditions in gums. Once the gum tissues get affected due to microbial invasion, it shows abnormalities like inflammation, soreness, puffiness, and the unsightly redness that can come with gums. Flossing helps to remove bacteria that may be lingering between teeth and gums, which can irritate if not addressed. Flossing also helps to stimulate the gums, which can be beneficial for overall gum health. 

5) It May help your heart health

• Flossing isn’t just a great way to keep your smile looking beautiful, But did you know it may also help to improve your heart health? Flossing helps to remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth that could cause inflammation and increase your risk of heart disease. Flossing helps to keep your gums healthy and free of Plaque, which can ultimately lead to a healthier heart.

Types of dental floss

• Waxed and unwaxed thread  
• Super floss (most beneficial to those with orthodontic braces, bridges wide)
• Floss picks (convenient for traveling)
• Air flossers (use air pressure to push out particles between the teeth)
• Water flosser (use water pressure to flush out particles between the teeth)According to the report, only 41% of respondents say they floss at least once a day and 24% of the people floss a few times a week. Although one study found that women are 11 percent more likely than men to floss every day among adults over 30, it appears that men have greater trouble with this than women do.

Brushing and Flossing Technique

It’s often recommended by our dentists to use a soft bristle tooth brush, to brush in circular motions covering all surfaces of the teeth. It’s best not to overdo brushing beyond 2-3 minutes a day.

Flossing can be done using a fork floss or thread floss or interdental cleaners as recommended by our team of dentists at Oris. It’s best to get educated by our team to use a floss effectively before working on it.

So what are you waiting for? Do consult our dentist in Dubai at Oris to know the right flossing and brushing techniques. A regular visit to Oris helps to keep your teeth and gums sparkling clean and healthy.

Other dental hygiene tips

• Use a tongue scraper.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Avoiding foods that are high in sugar.
• Use mouthwash.
• Eat a healthy diet (including fruits and vegetables).
• Consult a dentist twice a year.
• Say no to tobacco products and alcoholic drinks

 

 

 

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