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Should I Floss Before or After I Brush?

People have often wondered whether it is best to brush their teeth first and then floss, or the other way around.  If you were to ask a group of dental professionals, you will probably get 50% of them that say they floss before they brush and 50% that say they floss after they brush.  In other words, it doesn’t really matter, as long as you floss! 

Why should you floss?  Flossing removes bacteria that lives in your mouth.  That bacteria can destroy your teeth, gums and the bone that supports your teeth.  Bacteria also has a very bad odor.  If you’re not flossing, you probably have halitosis, or bad breath.  Brushing alone does not remove the bacteria from between the teeth; only flossing can do that.  So the question could be, why not floss?

If you need a review on proper flossing technique, don’t hesitate to ask any of us at Commerce Drive Dental.  We would be happy to assist you in that!  The recommendations are to floss at least once a day and brush two times a day.  I personally floss every time I brush, which is three times a day. 

I will close with the 10 Common Flossing Mistakes:

  1. Not flossing the sides of both teeth.
  2. Using the same section of floss between all of your teeth.
  3. Snapping the floss down hard between your teeth.
  4. Not flossing behind your back teeth.
  5. Flossing aimlessly without a plan.
  6. Not flossing around dental appliances.
  7. Quitting when your gums bleed.
  8. Not spending enough time with your floss.
  9. Not applying pressure to the tooth surface.
  10. Only using floss to remove food.

– from Stephanie E. (Dental Hygienist)

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