919-682-5327 Everyone knows that brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is vital for good oral health. This one practice removes plaque and oral debris from the tooth’s flat surfaces and gumline. However, your toothbrush can’t reach those in spaces between teeth. And that’s where flossing comes in. Unlike brushing, you only need to floss once a day.
When to floss?
Technically, it doesn’t matter whether you brush in the evening before bedtime or earlier in the day. But consider this; every time you eat, oral debris collects around your teeth and gums. The foods we eat often have sugars and starches that feed oral bacteria and cause them to release harmful acids. Acids erode tooth enamel and allow tiny holes to develop which can result in cavities. Many people choose to floss at the end of the day so that plaque and bacteria don’t hang around in your mouth overnight.
To floss or brush? Which comes first?
Flossing before you brush loosens food particles between the teeth that you can just brush away. But as you brush first, you loosen plaque which makes it easier to brush. It doesn’t so much matter when you floss, but that you floss. Choose a method that works best for you and do it. There are dental flosses, dental waxes, interdental brushes, oral irrigators, and dental picks to help you get the job done. If you need help finding a floss that works for you, or how best to use it, your dentist can help so that you don’t injure your gums.
Please call 919-682-5327 for questions or to schedule a visit with our dentist, Dr. Alex Fleming. At the dental practice of Fleming Dental in Durham, North Carolina, we look forward to helping you smile!