Do you brush and floss every day? Do you use mouthwash?
Great! Those healthy habits can help protect your smile for years to come.
Do you wonder, what is the correct order to use mouthwash, brush your teeth and floss your teeth in? Are you supposed to brush or floss first? Do you use mouthwash first or last?
The primary goal of brushing and flossing is to remove plaque, prevent tartar buildup, and give you fresh breath. Mouthwash enhances those benefits.
In this post, we give you our recommended order to brush, floss, & mouthwash.
Suggested order to brush, floss, & mouthwash
First, brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste
By doing this step first, you allow toothpaste to penetrate areas between the teeth that may have food particles stuck between them.
Fluoride helps strengthen enamel. Make sure to avoid gargling with water, as it can wash away the thin coating of toothpaste that helps protect your teeth.
Next, floss your teeth
Flossing is incredibly important as it cleans about 1/3 of your tooth surface that cannot be accessed by brushing alone.
Lastly, rinse with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds
This helps increase the amount of fluoride contact with your teeth. This step is particularly important before you go to sleep since teeth repair themselves from the daily damage at night, uninterrupted.
Summary
Some argue that you can brush first and floss after, but it isn’t incredibly important which one you do first. What really matters is that your brushing and flossing can remove harmful plaque from your teeth.
It is generally agreed that mouthwash should be your final step, regardless of the first two. As the last step, it will help your fluoride contact increase and leave your breath smelling fresh.
Keep up this great habits! Your teeth will thank you.
The Office of Michael E. Sullivan can help you develop good brushing and flossing habits and determine the right treatment for your dental health.
For an appointment with Elmhurst dentist Michael E. Sullivan, CALL 630-530-0770.