When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day is just the beginning. To maintain good dental health, you also need to clean between your teeth. But what’s the best time to do it? Should you floss or use interdental brushes before or after brushing your teeth? In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each approach.
Before Brushing
Some people prefer to clean between their teeth before brushing. The idea behind this approach is that by removing food particles and plaque from between your teeth, you’ll be able to brush away more bacteria when you brush your teeth.
One advantage of cleaning between your teeth before brushing is that you’ll have a better view of your teeth and gums. This can help you spot any problem areas that need extra attention. You’ll also be less likely to miss any spots since you haven’t yet brushed away any plaque or food debris.
However, one downside of cleaning between your teeth before brushing is that you may not be able to remove all the plaque and food particles. This is because some of the debris may be dislodged during brushing, and end up in areas that are harder to reach with interdental cleaning tools.
After Brushing
Alternatively, you can clean between your teeth after brushing. The advantage of this approach is that you’ll have already removed some of the plaque and food debris from your teeth, making it easier to reach the remaining particles with floss or interdental brushes.
Another advantage of cleaning between your teeth after brushing is that you’ll be able to remove any fluoride or other beneficial ingredients from your toothpaste that may have been left behind in the interdental spaces.
However, one downside of cleaning between your teeth after brushing is that you may be more likely to miss areas that need extra attention, since you’ve already brushed away some of the plaque and food debris.
Conclusion
So, what’s the best time to clean between your teeth—before or after brushing? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It really depends on your personal preference and what works best for your teeth and gums.
However, most dental professionals agree that the most important thing is to clean between your teeth regularly, whether you do it before or after brushing. Flossing or using interdental brushes at least once a day can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
If you’re not sure which approach is best for you, try both and see which one you prefer. And don’t forget to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for advice on the best interdental cleaning tools and techniques for your teeth and gums.