Should You Brush or Clean Interdentally First?

Brushing will only clean 60% of tooth surfaces, so it is important to ensure that you also use an interdental cleaning aid to clean between your teeth to get the spots that brushing misses. 

The key is to ensure that you remove the plaque that builds up on your teeth. If left to build up, this plaque can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.

In this guide, we’re looking at ways you can improve your brushing and flossing technique so you can feel completely confident that your teeth are well taken care of.

Tips for brushing your teeth

You don’t have to invest in an electric toothbrush to care for your teeth – although this might be a good idea if you have limited mobility or are worried about your brushing technique.

You need the right toothbrush and good brushing technique to properly care for your teeth. Choose a toothbrush that feels comfortable in your hand and in your mouth, and use it twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. 

It is recommended that you use a soft bristled brush as this will ensure that you do not cause damage to the teeth and gums by brushing too hard. Plaque, although sticky, is soft so does not require great force to remove it. 

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes brushing the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as the inside surfaces of the front teeth. Follow a set brushing pattern to ensure that you do not miss any areas.

If you’re not sure if you are brushing correctly, try using plaque exposing tablets to see any areas that you have missed. These will stain plaque in your mouth a bright blue or purple so you can see if there are areas that you are missing.

Tips for interdental cleaning

Interdental cleaning is often referred to as flossing. This essential step helps to reach the areas of your mouth that brushing cannot reach. It is possible to use floss, tape or interdental brushes to clean between your teeth.

Using dental floss or tape

Dental floss or tape can be effective when the gaps between your teeth are very small.

Take about 18 inches of floss and wind some around your middle finger of both hands.

Hold the floss between your thumb and your forefingers, with about an inch of floss between them. Use a gentle rocking motion to guide the floss between your teeth. Ensure that you do not jerk or snap the floss into your gums.

When the floss reaches the gum-line, curve it into a c shape against one tooth until you feel resistance. Hold the floss against the tooth and gently scrape the side of the tooth, gradually moving the floss away from the gum. 

Repeat on the other side of the gap along the side of the next tooth.

Using interdental brushes

The dentist or hygienist will be able to advise you on the best size interdental brush, depending on the size of the gaps between your teeth. 

Brushes should never be forced into a space but the bristles need to make contact with the teeth and gums in order to remove plaque.

Hold the interdental brush between your thumb and forefinger. Gently place the brush through the gap between your teeth. Once inserted gently move the brush backwards and forwards a few times to remove plaque and debris.

Always rinse the brush in clean water after use. It is recommended that interdental brushes are changed every week or when the bristles become worn or wires become buckled or distorted. Undue force and bending at severe angles will lead to damage of the wire.

Brushing or flossing first?

Remember in order to help ensure good oral health aim to floss or use interdental brushes once a day, as well as brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day. 

It really doesn’t matter which one you do first, as long as you’re doing it. Some people prefer to brush first, and then floss, and then rinse with mouthwash to remove any debris. In this order, the toothpaste left in your mouth after brushing will be pushed between your teeth.

Some people prefer to floss and then brush, because the flossing will dislodge any food debris and plaque that can then be brushed away.

What happens if you forget to floss?

If you are brushing your teeth but forgetting to floss, you run the risk of bacteria building up between your teeth. You’re neglecting about 40% of the tooth surface if you brush but don’t floss. Despite this fact, many people will admit to only brushing and not flossing.

If you’re struggling to add flossing into your routine, try using a water flosser to make the process more fun while also easing yourself into this routine. You could also visit the dental hygienist for a deep cleaning that will help to get you back on track. 

The first time you floss, you might notice that your gums bleed a little. This isn’t a sign that you should stop flossing – it’s actually a sign that you really need to be flossing. Keep going with your daily flossing routine, and you will soon notice that your gums bleed less often.

Failing to floss between your teeth puts you at increased risk of developing gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss. To protect your teeth, always floss once a day to help remove all traces of food debris and bacteria from your mouth. 

This gets even more important as you get older, as your gums may start to recede, leaving you with larger pockets along the gumline. 

Final thoughts on brushing and flossing

If you need advice and support on the best way to brush and floss your teeth, visit our dental hygiene team. We can offer advice and support personalised to you, including selecting the right products to help you to care for your teeth.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask the dentist on your next visit to the surgery. Call Leigh Dental Centre today on 01702 472929 and book a consultation.