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Should I Floss or Brush My Teeth First? 5 Commonly Asked Questions About Brushing
Pearl Dental Care in Hamden, Connecticut, is committed to ensuring you and your loved ones maintain healthy smiles for life. However, achieving this milestone involves at-home dental care, and brushing plays a big part. Although simple, many individuals don’t get brushing right. We are here to answer commonly asked questions about brushing so that you can maintain the healthy smile you deserve.Â
1. What is the best way to brush teeth?
You should brush your teeth at least twice daily, although doing it three times won’t hurt. While consistency is good, doing it right is even better. The best way to brush your teeth is to use circular and gentle motions instead of scrubbing back and forth. This helps clean the tooth surface and gumline without causing damage.
Ensure to brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too—it helps keep your breath fresh. Aim for at least two minutes each time.
2. Should I brush or floss first?
Flossing is one of the best ways to keep our teeth healthy. Flossing removes plaque and food debris between teeth, areas your toothbrush can’t clean effectively. But when should you floss? Is it before or after brushing? Some studies suggest flossing first to loosen plaque and food particles to ensure brushing sweeps them away. Other people prefer to brush first so their mouth feels clean before flossing. It doesn’t matter which you do first, as long as both get done daily. What matters most is consistency.
3. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
The standard is to replace your toothbrush every three months. The bristles wear out over time, making them less effective at their job. If you notice the bristles fraying sooner, replace your toothbrush right away. Changing your toothbrush after being sick is also a good idea to avoid reintroducing germs.
4. Should I brush before breakfast or after?
It’s best to brush after breakfast. This way, you remove any food particles and acids that can harm your teeth. If you brush before breakfast, wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing again. Brushing too soon after acidic foods, like orange juice, can wear down enamel.
5. Is my manual toothbrush enough?
Electric toothbrushes are easier because they do more of the work for you and can be more effective at removing plaque. However, a manual toothbrush is enough if you use the correct technique to brush your teeth. The most important thing is not the type of brush, but using it correctly and regularly.
Pro-tip: Remember to clean your toothbrush holder. It accumulates toothpaste gunk, saliva, and bacteria, making it one of the dirtiest places in the bathroom. To clean it, disassemble the holder, remove toothbrushes, and wash it weekly with hot, soapy water. You can also run it through the dishwasher and use a small brush to scrub crevices.
Would you like to learn more?
Partnering with a trusted dental office like Pearl Dental Care is key to maintaining optimal oral health. Drs. Gary R. Pearl, Scott A Pearl, and Adam R Abel bring a wealth of experience and skills to ensure you achieve your best smile. Call (203) 285-8245 to talk to our dental team today!
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.