Is it more beneficial to brush then floss or floss then brush?
493071
Personally I floss first then brush.  Flossing removes all that plaque and food debris that gets in the spaces between your teeth.  Once this is out I rinse really well with water or Listerine and then brush my teeth.  When I am working on people I polish first and then floss.  The polish we use is very gritty and gets easily stuck in-between the teeth.  Therefore, I floss last.  Really it is just a personal preference as long as you are doing both everyday, then whatever pattern you use is okay.  The point is you have to brush and floss or you are not removing all of the plaque that can lead to decay and periodontal disease.
445414
It is crucial that you go back and have your peridontal maintenance done in 3 mos!I don't know the severity of your infection,but your hygienist or dentist will remeasure your periodontal pockets and chart you healing.Dental floss can only go as deep as 4mm,so even after your are first deep scaled,areas of over 4mm will exist.Basically your homecare is missing millimiters of bacteria(millions upon millions of anaerobic pathogens),so another thorough deplaqueing in needed until you readings are 0-4mm.Now I do feel that $180 is a bit high for a perio. maintenance visit,but I live in the south where our fees are less.There is a great product called Arestin,where we place antibiotic directly into any unhealed pockets.It greatly increases your chance of healing and may reduce your need for surgery later.Ask if your office does Arestin therapy.Make sure your dental provider is willing to explain your periodontal disease to you completely,I get the feeling you were not informed of the WHY you needed the 3 mos. cleaning interval.If you are not satisfied,go elsewhere or seek the help of a periodontist(gum disease specialist).80% of tooth loss today is due to gum disease not decay,so it is a serious problem!!It also affects over 80% of people over age 35.Invest in an excellent electric brush such as the Sonicare or Oral B triumph,they remove much more plaque than and manual brush.Also you may get an electric flosser such as the oral b hummingbird or reach access flosser to help you floss more efficiently.
881315
Floss your teeth every day, too.  Once every 24 hours is enough.  Flossing gets the crud a brush can't reach, and that crud supports bacteria that can give you bad breath.
430883
Any thing that you like is the best.  Because you will only use a brush that you like.  We like rotadent tooth brushes.  But you can get the same results from good techniquea and most importantly consistency.
168471
No it does not. Brushing makes your teeth whiter.\n\n       -I know this because my dads a Dentist
34425
Naw, for sure you brush, then floss then mouthwash. It gets rid of the big chunks of stuff, then smaller chunks, then all the other bacteria! Its the Smartest combination, plus, once you brush and floss, the mouthwash can touch all surfaces, without being hindered by plaque and cheerios that you had for breakfast
853628
u dont need them ..efficient brushing , flossing , and using a mouthrinse plus dont forget to include your tongue when brushing , do the trick , unless you hve gastrointestinal disease .
488396
i think its just the toothpaste. i've never read the label to see if it has less flouride or not but why dont you read it...if it has less flouride you should probably use the other one. if its the same go ahead and use anyone you want. it doesnt even matter just as long as you brush your teeth its all good!
774135
I think that kissing is better cause I like more to twist my tongue in other mouth than in mine\n:D
326117
yes, flossing gets into the deep reaches where bacteria festers.  Use the water pik to flush all this away :)
112020
There are several alternatives to flossing for those who find it too difficult, too painful (sensitive gums or gum disease) or ineffective (those people with braces or delicate bridge work. But remember one thing: Never use a toothpick as a substitute for flossing. Toothpicks can tear delicate gum tissue and may damage existing dental restorations. \n\nOne popular flossing alternative is called a water pick, or irrigator. \n\nWater picks use powerful tiny bursts of water to blast away food particles and other debris in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Dentists use professional-grade water picks when preparing a tooth for restoration, or in general cleaning and exams. \n\nPeople with painful gum disease or highly sensitive gums may find water picks useful for supplementing their brushing regimen. And people with orthodontia, including braces, have found water picks quite useful because toothbrush bristles often get stuck. Antibacterial rinses (over-the-counter and by prescription) are somewhat effective. There are also several types of brushes designed specifically to clean in between the teeth.
636303
tongue brushing helps. as does flossing and regular brushing. also eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
514449
I do, I think I brush my teeth better when I'm in the shower because I'm not worrying about where the toothpaste goes, so I'm focusing on getting that deep clean.
404304
You have to do the work.  If you are not brushing properly and using a floss threader and flossing EVERYDAY then your gums will not heal.  Braces are even worse on teeth and gums as they get everything caught in them.  The bacteria and food debris just sits there on those brackets and wires, which in turn your body wants to fight off, hence you get swollen sore gums.  I know that trying to floss with a full-set of braces is a pain.  It is even for me when I have to floss one of my ortho patients, and I am a hygienist. I can't imagine having to do this at home. But you can do it.  You just have to make the time.  An electric toothbrush is a great thing for people with braces, it does not have to be an expensive one, the pulsar by oral-b is a great one and it costs about six dollars at walmart.  You have to take even better care of your mouth then the average person does when you have braces.  The only way to get all of the nasties out of your mouth is to brush, then floss, making sure to go under your wires by using super floss or a floss threader, taking care to wrap each side of the tooth like a "C" shape to clean each side of the tooth and under the gum-line, and then following by a vigorous swish with mouthwash or salt water.  The salt water is a great way to help heal the gums up and make them less sore.  Yes it tastes nasty, but it is a tried and true method.  Just try to remember that you will not have to wear braces forever, and once they are off you will have a great smile, as long as you do the work now.
1163735
Yes, pour some on your toothbrush and brush away.  Be careful not to swallow.  It tastes funny and you'll want to rinse your mouth several times after.
67034
Brushing 2 to 3 times a day is excellent, as long as your brushing correctly. Brush sides of teeth, top of teeth and gently on the gum line for at least two minutes.  Brush your tongue and floss at least once a day.  Listerine is a good but very strong product, use it sparingly.  Continue to see your dentist for treatment, and I promise the health of your teeth and gums will get better.
720793
Take good care of them.  Improvement can be seen from brushing twice daily, flossing once (usually before bed), and maybe using a mouthwash or anticavity rinse.  If you already do these things, maybe consult your dentist.