Daily oral hygiene is a systematic process aimed at mechanically removing bacterial plaque and delivering protective agents, primarily fluoride, to the tooth surface. Plaque is a sticky, colorless biofilm that constantly forms on teeth, and its accumulation is the primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Since brushing alone only cleans three of the five surfaces of each tooth, a structured, multi-step routine is necessary to reach all areas of the mouth. The sequence of these steps is highly significant, as performing them in the correct order maximizes the efficacy of each tool and product.
Establishing the Optimal Sequence
For maximum cleaning and protective benefit, the recommended order for your daily routine is interdental cleaning first, followed by brushing. The logic behind this sequence is that you must first disrupt the plaque barrier in the tight spaces between teeth. Interdental cleaning effectively loosens and removes the debris that collects where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Clearing these interproximal areas prepares the entire tooth surface to receive the full benefit of toothpaste. When you brush afterward, the fluoride can more effectively penetrate these newly cleaned surfaces and the tiny gaps between teeth. Studies have shown that performing interdental cleaning before brushing leads to a cleaner mouth and allows a higher concentration of fluoride to remain on the teeth, strengthening the enamel against decay.
Mastering Interdental Cleaning
The process of cleaning between the teeth targets the narrow spaces that account for a significant portion of the tooth surface area. Traditional string floss must be guided gently between the teeth using a slight sawing motion. Once the floss reaches the gumline, it is crucial to wrap it around the side of one tooth to form a distinct “C” shape.
This C-shape technique allows the floss to hug the contour of the tooth, enabling it to reach just below the gumline where plaque often accumulates. The floss should then be rubbed gently up and down the side of the tooth before being wrapped around the adjacent tooth and repeated. This method is far more effective than simply sliding the floss straight in and out, which only cleans the contact point.
While string floss is a common tool, interdental brushes offer an alternative, particularly for individuals with larger gaps or specific dental work. These small, bristled brushes are designed to be inserted into the space between teeth and moved back and forth to remove plaque. Research suggests that interdental brushes may remove a higher percentage of plaque than flossing, especially in larger interproximal spaces. Regardless of the tool chosen, the goal is to remove the loosened debris, making the subsequent brushing step more productive.
Proper Tooth Brushing Technique
Brushing must be performed for a minimum of two full minutes, twice daily, to ensure adequate mechanical removal of plaque from all surfaces. The most widely recommended method is the modified Bass technique, which focuses on cleaning the area where the tooth meets the gumline. This technique involves placing the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, allowing the soft bristles to gently enter the sulcus, the shallow pocket between the tooth and gum.
Once positioned, a gentle circular or short back-and-forth stroke is used, focusing on two or three teeth at a time. The aim is to vibrate the bristles to dislodge the biofilm, not to scrub aggressively, which can damage gums. It is necessary to ensure coverage of the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth in the mouth.
For the inner surfaces of the front teeth, hold the brush vertically and move it with a gentle up-and-down motion. The chewing surfaces of the molars require a short, scrubbing motion to clean the grooves and pits. While both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective when used correctly, the effectiveness of the cleaning ultimately depends more on the consistency and technique applied, rather than the type of brush used.
Finalizing the Routine
After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing the mouth with water. Rinsing immediately after brushing dilutes and washes away the concentrated fluoride that remains on the teeth. Leaving a thin film of fluoride on the enamel allows it to continue strengthening the tooth structure, which enhances its protective effect against decay.
The final supplementary action is cleaning the tongue, which harbors a significant amount of bacteria that can contribute to bad breath. This can be done gently with the toothbrush bristles or a specialized tongue scraper, moving from the back of the tongue toward the tip. If mouthwash is part of the routine, it should not be used directly after brushing, as it can also wash away the beneficial fluoride layer. Instead, wait for at least 30 minutes after brushing to use a mouthwash, or use it at a different time of the day entirely.