What came first: bamboo toothbrush or bamboo floss?

Brushing and flossing are two of the best ways to maintain good oral hygiene and are known all over the world. However, sometimes ask yourself: should I brush first or floss first?

You may not think the answer to this question is very relevant, but choosing to brush or floss at the beginning or end of your oral hygiene routine can have a major impact on your dental hygiene and health. Taking care of your teeth and gums will not only fight bad breath, but also prevent cavities, gum disease and tartar. So, what's the correct order for brushing and flossing?

Why is it important to use bamboo dental floss?

Before understanding why one activity should be performed before another, it is important to first understand the importance of flossing.

Tooth decay usually forms in the hidden areas between our teeth, where food particles accumulate. These are called "interproximal caries," and most cavities start between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles can't really reach.

Unfortunately, many people brush their teeth twice a day without even thinking about flossing. However, flossing is actually just as important as brushing, if not more important to maintaining good dental hygiene.

But do you need to floss between or after brushing?

Floss should be used before brushing.

According to recent research, flossing before brushing is the most effective way to remove plaque, bacteria and food debris from your mouth.

Why?

Flossing is all about removing food particles that get stuck between your teeth -- hard-to-reach debris that the bristles of your toothbrush can reach. These debris often can't be removed with regular brushes because the bristles can't penetrate the spaces between the teeth -- the bristles are either too soft, too short, too thin, too thick, or not strong enough. This means that when flossing after a thorough brushing, debris won't be brushed off and spit out.

It was also found that flossing before brushing increases the concentration of fluoride released in the toothpaste, which makes the enamel stronger and less prone to decay.

So it's best to start with a bamboo dental floss like our uBamboo, which is built to last to ensure your flossing experience is as efficient, enjoyable and effective as possible. Next, you can continue brushing your teeth, ideally ending your dental hygiene routine with your favorite mouthwash.

But how to properly floss?

When flossing, you need to move gently between each tooth below the gum line to remove the dirt hidden between the teeth. Slide the floss on the outside of each tooth, taking your time to ensure your teeth feel cleaner and fresher.

Whether you need to brush first or floss first, there's a simple answer: Focus on flossing at the beginning of your daily oral hygiene routine. Not only does it remove debris from teeth, it also prepares them for a thorough cleaning with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. There are many benefits to following proper oral hygiene habits like this, mainly if you remember to floss and brush twice a day. For best results, this should be done in the morning and evening.