Why You Should Floss Then Brush

As a parent, it is your goal to keep your kids as happy and healthy as possible. Part of keeping any child healthy is their dental routine. Most parents know that a proper oral health routine includes brushing and flossing, but does it matter which is done first? Actually, it does! When it comes to taking care of their teeth, your children (and you!) should floss first.  

Reasons to Floss Before Brushing 

There are a number of reasons that you and your family should be flossing before even touching a toothbrush. According to recent studies, flossing first helps people remove dental plaque more efficiently. This is because, when done properly, flossing can help loosen any food debris or plaque stuck between your teeth and gum lines. By following this up with a thorough brushing, you’re more likely to remove any leftover bacteria and plaque left behind by flossing. Flossing first can also help your teeth better absorb the fluoride from your toothpaste. Fluoride helps keep our tooth enamel strong, as well as resist decay over time. Finally, by properly flossing and brushing, your children may spend less time in orthodontic treatments, such as braces. That’s a reason for parents AND kids to smile about! 

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth? 

Now that we know flossing should be done before brushing, it’s important to ensure that your family’s oral health routine meets dental recommendations. On top of flossing once a day before brushing, brushing itself should happen ideally after every meal or snack. If that’s not possible, brush your teeth at least twice a day, with one session occurring before bedtime. Each session should last for at least two minutes, focusing on the teeth, gum line, and tongue. On top of brushing and flossing, regular dental appointments are necessary to keep teeth clean and free from disease. Aim to see your dentist every 4-6 months.   

Come See Us to Complete Your Dental Routine 

Proper oral care helps you and your children avoid issues like decalcification, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. By creating a cohesive dental routine, you and your family members will have a reason to smile for many years to come. Make your child’s routine dental checkup at your local Cumberland Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics office today! 

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Author: Ryann Luther, DMD – Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Luther was born and raised in western New York. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Science Pre-Professional Studies and was named an Emil Hoffman Chemistry scholar.  She went on to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine where she was an active board member on the national level for the American Student Dental Association. Following graduation, Dr. Luther completed her pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Buffalo, where she was highly involved in many of their unique outreach programs such as Clean Sweep Buffalo and Smile Education Day.

You can read her full bio here. Dr. Luther currently works at our Cool Springs, Murfreesboro, and Smyrna pediatric dentist offices. Book your appointment online today!