Which Comes First?

It’s a little bit like the chicken-or-egg question: which should you do first, brush your teeth, or floss them? The answer depends on who you ask. At The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City, we think the important thing is that you do both.

Some dentists will tell you it’s better to floss first. That way, you loosen plaque, or food debris from between your teeth, and brush it away. Also, you won’t be tempted to skip flossing after you’ve brushed.

On the other hand, other dentists say it’s better to brush first.

According to one survey, there’s about a fifty-fifty split among Americans, with a slight edge going to those who brush first. We think you should do whichever you prefer. Just be sure to do both!

Our recommendations are in line with the American Dental Association:

  • Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day
  • Use a soft-bristle brush, replaced every three months
  • Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line
  • Brush in circular, half-tooth-wide strokes
  • Be sure to get the back teeth
  • Be sure to get in, outer, and top surfaces
  • Don’t forget your tongue!
  • With flossing, use about eighteen inches of floss, so you’ve got a clean piece for each section

Brushing and flossing are an essential part of your dental health regimen, and so is proper technique.

The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City offers a rull range of dental services, from children’s and family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact The Sugar House Dentist – The Sugar House Dentist:

801-618-0197

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1955 S 1300 E Ste L2
Salt Lake City, Utah
84105