{"id":3593,"date":"2024-12-06T07:52:33","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T07:52:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/?p=3593"},"modified":"2024-12-06T07:53:52","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T07:53:52","slug":"brush-floss-mouthwash-dentists-reveal-what-they-believe-is-the-correct-order","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/?p=3593","title":{"rendered":"Brush, floss, mouthwash: Dentists reveal what they believe is the correct order"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"speakable\">Your dentist may remind you to brush, floss and mouthwash \u2013 but what is the &#8220;right&#8221; order to do it?<\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable\">While all steps of oral hygiene can benefit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/dental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>dental health,<\/u><\/a>\u00a0Dr. Mike Wei, DDS, of New York City, shared with Fox News Digital that he&#8217;d recommend the below order.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Floss<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>2. Brush<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>3. Mouthwash<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Starting with floss helps to remove food debris and plaque between the teeth and along the gumline, which a toothbrush &#8220;may not reach effectively,&#8221; according to Wei.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/343\/192\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/686\/384\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/672\/378\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1344\/756\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/931\/523\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1862\/1046\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/720\/405\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1440\/810\/dental-health-split.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3595 aligncenter\" title=\"dental-health-split\" src=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dental-health-split.png\" alt=\"dental-health-split\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dental-health-split.png 1200w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dental-health-split-300x169.png 300w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dental-health-split-1024x576.png 1024w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dental-health-split-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p>Dr. Ellie Phillips (not pictured) recommends using xylitol gum and mints to promote healthy salivary flow.\u00a0(iStock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;By flossing first, you can dislodge particles and bacteria from these tight spaces, making it easier for the toothbrush and mouthwash to clean the remaining surfaces of your teeth,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>Next, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste can help remove\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/science\/wild-nature\/bacteria\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>plaque, bacteria<\/u><\/a>\u00a0and food particles from the surface of the teeth, the dentist advised.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/lifestyle\/tiktok-video-london-dentist-viral-revealing-3-surprising-times-should-not-brush-teeth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>TIKTOK VIDEO FROM LONDON DENTIST GOES VIRAL FOR REVEALING 3 SURPRISING TIMES YOU SHOULD NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;By brushing after flossing, you are able to remove any particles that were loosened during flossing and ensure that all visible surfaces of your teeth are thoroughly cleaned,&#8221; Wei said.<\/p>\n<p>Following up with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help further kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/343\/192\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/686\/384\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/672\/378\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1344\/756\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/931\/523\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1862\/1046\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/720\/405\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1440\/810\/istock-2156183330.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3596 aligncenter\" title=\"istock-2156183330\" src=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-2156183330.jpg\" alt=\"istock-2156183330\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-2156183330.jpg 1200w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-2156183330-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-2156183330-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-2156183330-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p>A dentist recommended using toothpaste with silica for proper exfoliation of the teeth.\u00a0\u00a0(iStock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mouthwashing at the end can also help freshen the breath and reach areas that brushing or flossing may have missed, Wei noted.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-container desktop ad-h-50 ad-w-300\">\n<div id=\"desktop_desk-art-heal-lb3\" class=\"ad gam\" data-iu=\"lb3\" data-ad-size=\"728x90,300x250,320x50,300x50,1x1,fluid\" data-ad-lz=\"1\" data-hot-unit=\"\" data-ad-init=\"1\" data-ad-slot-rendered=\"1\" data-rendered-size=\"1x1\" data-google-query-id=\"CJeq1KvUkooDFeTPuAgdPJoKBw\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4145\/fnc\/desk\/art\/heal\/lb3_0__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Overall, following this order of flossing, brushing and using mouthwash can help to ensure a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/healthy-living\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>comprehensive cleaning<\/u><\/a>\u00a0of your teeth and gums, leading to better oral hygiene and a reduced risk of dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/women-experience-dental-health-issues-men-experts-say-heres-what-do-about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>WOMEN EXPERIENCE MORE DENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAN MEN, EXPERTS SAY<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This recommended sequence is common practice among dental professionals to achieve optimal oral health, including reduced risk of cavities and gum disease, Wei added.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, an oral health educator based in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/us\/us-regions\/southwest\/texas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Austin, Texas<\/u><\/a>, took it a step further, noting that a mouth rinse can act as a &#8220;cleanser&#8221; for the teeth before brushing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/343\/192\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/686\/384\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/672\/378\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1344\/756\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/931\/523\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1862\/1046\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/720\/405\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1440\/810\/istock-1311977739.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3594 aligncenter\" title=\"istock-1311977739\" src=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1311977739.jpg\" alt=\"istock-1311977739\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1311977739.jpg 1200w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1311977739-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1311977739-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1311977739-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p>Excessive use of mouthwash containing alcohol may lead to dry mouth and irritation, according to one expert.\u00a0(iStock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rinsing with salt water or alternative mouthwashes like chlorine dioxide helps to remove any acidity from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/food-drink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>food and drink<\/u><\/a>\u00a0particles and prevent them from being brushed into the teeth, she told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><strong><u>For more Health articles, visit<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><strong><u>\u00a0www.foxnews.com\/health.<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p>After brushing with toothpaste and &#8220;massaging&#8221; the gums with a toothbrush to stimulate circulation, then it\u2019s time to floss, Phillips said.<\/p>\n<p>Flossing after brushing &#8220;will get toothpaste between your teeth,&#8221; she cautioned.<\/p>\n<p>But the expert also warned that &#8220;a lot of floss contains PFAS chemicals,&#8221; which people should avoid pushing into their gums.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/newsletters?cmpid=fnfirstnl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>After flossing, Phillips recommends rinsing with a traditional mouthwash, which studies have shown can be &#8220;five times more effective than flossing&#8221; just by swishing it through the teeth for a few seconds.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/343\/192\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/686\/384\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/672\/378\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1344\/756\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/931\/523\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1862\/1046\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/720\/405\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1440\/810\/istock-1067037392.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3597 aligncenter\" title=\"istock-1067037392\" src=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1067037392.jpg\" alt=\"istock-1067037392\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1067037392.jpg 1200w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1067037392-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1067037392-1024x576.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/istock-1067037392-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"caption\">\n<p>&#8220;A lot of floss contains PFAS chemical,&#8221; which people should avoid &#8220;pushing into their gums,&#8221; one dentist advised.\u00a0(iStock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rinsing with water, especially with natural fluoride, at the end of an oral care routine can help absorb minerals into the teeth, according to Phillips, author of the upcoming second edition of her book &#8220;Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>While there are &#8220;minimal risks&#8221; to basic oral care, Wei warned that excessive use of mouthwash containing alcohol could lead to dry mouth and irritation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s important to choose products recommended by dental professionals and follow instructions for proper use,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Remember to consult with your dentist for personalized recommendations based on your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>oral health<\/u><\/a>\u00a0needs.&#8221;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your dentist may remind you to brush, floss and mouthwash \u2013 but what is the &#8220;right&#8221; order to do it? While all steps of oral hygiene can benefit\u00a0dental health,\u00a0Dr. Mike&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[260,262],"tags":[1302,498,416,495],"views":67,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3593"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3593"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3593\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3599,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3593\/revisions\/3599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3593"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3593"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/forefrontnews.cn\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}