It may feel like common knowledge that your oral care routine should consist of brushing, flossing and even some mouthwash. But there is much more to it than that! There is a correct order to do these steps in and even some finer points to get the job done right.
First, you floss
When it comes to the order, not everyone gets it right. It’s natural to want to brush first, but in actuality, you should floss first. The benefit to flossing is that you get a thorough sweep of all the spaces in-between your teeth, getting rid of all the gunk that is stuck there so that the brush can easily sweep through and clean those areas. Without flossing, those areas could be blocked during the brush. Plus, flossing first can save you time brushing.
You should floss your teeth twice a day, following the curve of your teeth to avoid harming your gums. If you are new to flossing ‘correctly’ then it best to start with an 18-inch piece of floss. Simply wrap it around the middle finger of each hand, form a c-shape as you carefully move up and down between each tooth, unwinding to new floss for each tooth.
Second, you brush
Now that all of the spaces between are cleared, your toothbrush with all its toothpaste is clear to clean teeth perfection. You should brush for at least 2 minutes each time, giving yourself 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth. In fact, some advanced electronic toothbrushes will time this out for you. Brush in short, circular movements, being sure not to over brush in a day.
Brush your teeth twice a day, being sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, sides and bottoms. It is best to start brushing at the back of your mouth. The ideal toothbrush should have soft bristles, as anything firmer could cause too much abrasion over time. And remember to change your toothbrush every two to three months!
Last, you use mouthwash
The last step in the oral care trifecta is mouthwash. A great finishing touch, mouthwash can be packed with fluoride and freshness to not only feel great but helps to strengthen teeth, prevent cavity and give you some great smelling breath. Every mouthwash can have its own directions, but in general, mouthwash works best when you swish it around for 30-60 seconds before spitting it out. As a rule, you never swallow mouthwash.
Now, everyone has their own order in which they like to start and end their days with the toothbrush, and while there is no exact way you have to do your routine, this one is highly recommended. After doing these three steps, avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes.
