Flossing your teeth is just as important as brushing them. Why? Because bacteria can easily make its way in between your teeth and your gums. If it remains in your mouth, your chances of developing cavities and gum disease significantly increases. Flossing can reach areas of your teeth that a toothbrush simply cannot.
Recently, we’ve had some patients ask us when they should floss their teeth. They were wondering whether they should floss before brushing their teeth or after. Here’s our take on this very popular question:
When you floss your teeth before you brush them, you can get rid of the small pieces of plaque that brushing won’t completely remove. Flossing before brushing can also allow for toothpaste to reach your teeth more easily. On the other hand, when you floss your teeth after you brush them, there will be less plaque to floss, saving you time on brushing.
We believe that as long as you floss your teeth properly, at least once per day, it doesn’t really matter whether you floss before or after you brush your teeth. As long as you rinse your mouth after flossing, you’ll get the same results either way.
There are various types of floss on the market for you to choose from. Unwaxed floss, waxed floss, floss picks, irrigation devices, threadrs, and more. We can help you determine the ideal type of floss for your particular teeth and lifestyle.
In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, make sure you schedule regular trips to the dentist for exams and cleanings. We suggest these trips every six month or so to ensure your teeth and gums are in optimal condition.
Contact Costa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
For more information on when you should floss your teeth and the type of floss you should use, don’t hesitate to contact our Ashburn, VA office. Call us at 703-757-0833 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!