Should You Floss Before or After Brushing?

At Starnes Orthodontics, we understand the value of a healthy smile. That’s why we’re proud to be your Newport Beach orthodontist that specializes in braces and Invisalign. However, you should also know that attaining a healthy smile is about more than just our orthodontic treatments – it’s about maintaining a strong oral hygiene regimen as well. When it comes to oral hygiene, one question that we get asked very frequently is whether you should brush or floss first.

So Which Comes First: Brushing or Flossing?

While you may be expecting a clear answer to this question, the truth is that it really doesn’t matter. Whether you brush first or floss first, as long as you do a thorough job in both areas, which order you do them in is irrelevant. Just remember to brush twice a day and floss daily. If you’re wearing braces, it is very important to take the time to do a thorough job of brushing around your wires and brackets to remove any debris caught among them.

While it doesn’t matter when you floss, the act of flossing is still critical because brushing your teeth alone can’t do the job of removing plaque. While brushing your teeth will remove plaque from tooth surfaces, it can’t get in between the teeth and remove plaque in the way that flossing can. If you’re having a difficult time using standard dental floss, we recommend trying an interdental cleaner to floss instead. Whichever you decide on, just make sure to perform it daily.

Contact Your Newport Beach Orthodontist

If you’re looking for Newport Beach orthodontics with treatments such as Invisalign or braces, we encourage you to give us a call at (949) 720-8145 or fill out our online appointment request form. If you have any questions about proper brushing and flossing technique while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope to see you soon and help you attain a healthier smile!