Brushing your teeth is essential for keeping your mouth clean, preventing cavities, and avoiding bad breath. Flossing is equally important for many of the same reasons, but the question remains: should you floss before or after brushing? The American Dental Association (ADA) states that the order doesn’t matter, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness. According to Dr. Naomi Lane, a board-certified pediatric dentist, both methods are effective as flossing reaches deeper into the gums and removes food particles where a toothbrush can’t. However, Dr. Chavala Harris, a dentist in Durham, North Carolina, suggests flossing first, arguing that it allows the removal of food debris and plaque buildup between teeth before brushing removes remaining debris and plaque from the front and back surfaces. While this is a logical approach, Lane acknowledges the lack of scientific studies supporting this specific order.
The ADA recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, but the timing of flossing is also debated. While there’s no scientific evidence to suggest one time is better than the other, dentists generally recommend focusing on nightly oral hygiene routines. According to Lane, salivary glands decrease output at night, creating a drier oral environment. This increases the risk of food particles turning into decalcifications or cavities if left overnight.
The key is consistency. If a lunchtime flossing routine works best for you, that’s perfectly effective. Despite the feeling of a clean mouth after brushing, never skip flossing. It targets areas inaccessible to your toothbrush, preventing cavities and their associated complications. Cavities can lead to pain, chewing difficulties, and infections within the mouth, but their effects extend beyond the oral cavity. According to Harris, preventing cavities ensures that bacteria byproducts don’t enter the bloodstream and negatively impact other parts of the body. Therefore, flossing contributes to the overall health of the body, not just teeth and gums.
Remember, this article is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be considered medical advice. If you have any questions about dental health, consult a professional.
