Brushing, flossing, or flossing only after brushing your teeth is the standard order for most people. But does this arrangement also work better for your teeth and gums?
subway asks Dagmar Else Sloot, Professor of Prevention in Oral Care at the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). She was the first dental hygienist in the Netherlands to become a professor.
Should you turn on the stove first or brush your teeth first?
What is better: tidying up, cleaning then heating, or vice versa? According to Slott, almost no research has been done on this matter. “There’s something to be said for both sides. It’s particularly important for people to do something related to tooth cleaning in addition to brushing. The order in which this happens is less important.
Although ranking does not matter to most people, it does matter to a small group. These are people suffering from gingivitis, a more serious form of gum disease that affects about 20 percent of the Dutch population. Slot: “In about a quarter of people with a more serious form of gingivitis, the gums recede so far that so-called radicular cementum is exposed in some places on the teeth. This thin layer is found behind the tooth enamel, but is inherently softer.
The professor mentions that in this case it is not useful to clean first and then light the fire. “This is because the toothpaste always stays in your mouth after brushing. When you use a brush, you often take some of that slurry with you and are more aggressive. You then sand down the cemented roots with the toothpaste.
Stirring, flossing or cleaning?
But when it comes to what you use, there’s a clear answer. Finally: “Research shows that dental floss is not the most effective product. Toothpicks and brushes are best, although which product suits you depends on your teeth.
According to the professor, this depends on the extent of your gum disease. And yes, you probably have that too. “In fact, almost everyone has a mild form of this inflammation, which is what we see in oral care Gingivitis “Name,” she explains. “It’s not everywhere in the teeth and it’s not equally dangerous everywhere, but it’s there more often. These people will benefit more from (wooden) toothpicks.”
Why the (wooden) toothpick? This is because using this product is easy to maintain. “You can use toothpicks anywhere: after dinner, in traffic, in front of the TV. You don’t even have to combine them with brushing your teeth. What’s more, you can use the stick once and then throw it away. You don’t need a mirror or a faucet.” Rubber or silicone toothpicks do almost the same job, but are less environmentally friendly.
What size do you choose?
You’ve probably seen it on the packaging: S, M, or L size bowls. Which should you choose? It is best to seek professional advice – from your dentist – about this. “Sizing is essential,” Slott tells us. “They don’t always fit between teeth and especially small sizes bend quickly. An interdental brush is especially recommended for the group suffering from a more serious form of gingivitis and gingivitis.
In such cases, the inflammation spreads to the jawbone, where your teeth are located. The gums in these people can become more relaxed, creating more space between the teeth. “This also explains why brushing works better for them: more space is created between the teeth, which means the brush bends less quickly.”
How often should you brush your teeth?
If all goes well, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. In the morning and evening, although a dentist recently gave advice on whether it is better to brush your teeth before or after breakfast. In addition, some people brush their teeth immediately after eating, to avoid the smell of garlic, for example. However, this is not a smart thing to do, but there is a better option to have a clean mouth.
Should you also brush your teeth twice a day? According to Slott, this is not the case. “We recommend: brushing your teeth twice a day, and cleaning between your teeth once a day, preferably using a toothpick or interdental brush.” Do you want to know if your gums are inflamed and to what extent and what size sticks you should buy? It is then best to visit a dentist or dental hygienist.
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