Brush or floss first? Dentists reveal the order that supercharges your oral hygiene

Global Desk Brushing and flossing every day is very important for healthy teeth. Many people still wonder which one they should do first. Dentists say it is better to floss before you brush. This helps remove the big food bits between your teeth, so brushing becomes easier afterward.Dentist Dr. Brittany Seymour says consistency matters more than the order. She said, “I can’t tell the difference between [patients] who floss first or brush first, but I can tell the difference between patients who do both of those daily and those who do not”, according to the report by Today.Simple oral care tipFlossing cleans out plaque and food stuck between your teeth. This helps stop cavities and gum problems, so experts say you should always floss. Dr. Mia Geisinger from the American Academy of Periodontology told NBC News that many people find it easier to remove big food pieces when they floss first.Dr. Erin Lobo-Marwah from UCLA School of Dentistry told TODAY.com that most people do floss first, which may be why it feels like the better routine. Dr. Seymour told TODAY.com that the order doesn’t really matter as long as you brush and floss correctly and regularly. Best brushing and flossing routineThe American Dental Association (ADA) agrees the order is personal choice, as long as both brushing and flossing actually happen. ADA warns that people who brush first may skip flossing later because they feel “clean” or are tired or rushed, and then flossing never happens.Live EventsDr. Geisinger also said that brushing becomes easier after flossing because the big debris is gone and the brush can reach better, as stated by NBC News. Experts say a good oral routine has two main steps: brush twice a day and floss once. Mouthwash is optional but can help some people. These habits only work if done properly: good technique + regular schedule. For people who want a clear morning routine, Dr. Kami Hoss suggests:Rinse with mouthwash before breakfast,Floss or use a water flosser,Brush with safe toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush,Repeat the routine before bed. Some dentists have different opinions because different orders give different benefits, which is why there is still debate, as per the report by TODAY. Experts say that if you’re confused, ask your dentist, who can show proper flossing and may recommend a water flosser if needed. FAQsQ1. Should I floss before or after brushing?Flossing before brushing can make cleaning easier, but dentists say the order doesn’t matter as long as you do both every day.Q2. Why is flossing important for oral health?Flossing removes plaque and food between teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum problems.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onoral care tipsflossing before brushingimportance of flossingbest oral hygiene routinebrushing and flossing orderprevent tooth decaydentist recommendationsteeth cleaning techniques (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onoral care tipsflossing before brushingimportance of flossingbest oral hygiene routinebrushing and flossing orderprevent tooth decaydentist recommendationsteeth cleaning techniques(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless