Should I Brush Or Floss First?

Posted on 01/08/2019

Omaha orthodontists and dentists everywhere will give impassioned speeches imploring their braces patients to floss around their braces every day. Too much research confirms the advantages of taking the time to floss as a strategy for avoiding plaque build up which can lead to tooth decay – an act made even more critical for patients with braces. And brushing at least twice a day is a standard for any oral hygiene program. But have you ever wondered if you should floss or brush first? Does it matter? What are the advantages of one over the other? Our exceptional doctors at Pedodontics P.S. offer some food for thought on this question.

What Does Flossing Do?

To floss first, or to brush first? That is the question on many of our Omaha braces patients’ minds these days. Everyone knows the benefits of brushing your teeth. But, to answer that question, it might be a good idea to clear up what flossing actually does. Why floss at all? Clearly many Americans either don’t believe flossing is important or simply don’t take the time needed to floss. In fact, according to a recent survey, only 40 percent of Americans floss at least once a day, and 20 percent never floss.

Flossing actually is quite important, especially for those with braces, because:

1. It loosens the small pieces of plaque that usually grow between your teeth. If you don’t get rid of plaque it will cause decay, and your oral health will undoubtedly suffer.

2. It removes the food that your toothbrush can’t reach. It is often stuck around and under your braces wires so it does’t have time to combine with your saliva to form plaque.

3. Eliminating plaque and bacteria from your mouth is proven to affect your overall health and well-being.

The Floss-First Thought

This is the most traditional approach to oral hygiene. The thoughts or, proof, if you will, surrounding the “floss-first” camp is that flossing will loosen and, in some cases, remove the small particles between your teeth. And after these particles are loosened up, brushing your teeth can whisk them away. Makes sense, right?

The Brush-First Thought

Not so fast. Others will argue that brushing your teeth first with a soft-bristled brush will automatically remove move of the plaque on your teeth. Then, when you floss after brushing you can push the fluoride from the toothpaste down in between all your teeth where your brush was unable to get into.

So… Brush First Or Floss First?

By now you may have figured out that the answer to the whether you should brush or floss first is a trick question. You should use BOTH strategies for the most effective oral hygiene. You can ask your friends, parents, or Omaha orthodontist for advice, but in the end it comes down to your individual choice. Whichever one works best for you to do first, go with that. If you’re not sure which will work best, try brushing then flossing and see how that goes for a week. Then, switch it up and try flossing first before you brush. You’re bound to have a preference about which one works best for you.

Visit Your Omaha Orthodontist Today!

Do you have more pressing questions that aren’t answered on our FAQ page? Don’t hesitate to call our Omaha, NE, Orthodontist office at (402) 330-5913 and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you have about dental or orthodontic treatments. We may even talk you in to making an appointment for your first visit. Only then can you experience all the qualities that make Pedodontics P.S. the best orthodontist in the Omaha area. See for yourself and welcome to our family!