At Brace Place, we prefer our patients to practice good oral hygiene between office visits. Part of that process includes flossing, which Dr. Brad Elkin, Dr. Joshua Epstein, Dr. George Sargiss, Dr. Martin Epstein, Dr. Sonalee Kapoor and Dr. Debbie Parnes will tell you, is the process of cleaning between the teeth to remove food and debris from the areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. When food is allowed to remain between the teeth, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause periodontal disease.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

You can floss either before or after brushing, according to your own preference. By flossing first, you can brush away dislodged food debris afterward. On the other hand, brushing first allows you to loosen plaque between the teeth, making it easier to floss more effectively.

Whichever you choose, the most important goal is to floss thoroughly. That means using a fresh strand of dental floss each day, and carefully pulling it back and forth between all of the teeth. Do not skip flossing because your teeth look or feel clean.

When to Floss

Unlike brushing, you need only floss between your teeth once per day. Although you may choose to do it in the morning or afternoon, many prefer to floss at night to prevent food and debris from remaining in the crevices of the teeth overnight. This could prevent the build-up of plaque too, which is a cause of tooth decay.

Help with Flossing

If you have questions about your flossing technique or what type of floss is best for your teeth, contact our office. Our staff will be more than happy to assist you in perfecting your home hygiene regimen. In most cases, you can choose between interdental cleaning picks or flexible floss strands to perform your daily flossing routine. If you have permanent oral appliances or restorations, be sure to follow the flossing instructions provided to you, and contact our Freehold, Manalapan or Hightstown, NJ office with any questions.

Patient Testimonials

"I loved the people. The orthodontists, receptionists, and nurses all were very personable. They made the long wait easier and enjoyable. I always thought braces would be a pain, but Brace Place made it an experience I’ll never forget."

— S. Dabbara

"For two years, the experience at Brace Place for me has been a positive one. The doctors and staff have been very attentive and caring to my needs. I am pleased with the work so far and would definitely recommend Brace Place to others."

— J. Clark

"As a patient, I had an excellent experience at Brace Place. You worked until my adult teeth were perfect. I was always impressed by the staff and doctors' professionalism. Now that my children are patients, I have complete confidence that their orthodontics will be done correctly. Your office is comfortable, the staff is great and I’d recommend you to anybody."

— E. Callery-Colhoun (patient and mother of two patients)
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