More particular about order than skincare: even Lisa cares about these tooth-cleaning details — turns out the first step isn’t brushing at all!
So the first step isn’t grabbing your toothbrush! 😳
Summary
- First, use mouthwash to effectively clear away the bacteria that build up in your mouth while you sleep.
- Always floss before brushing to remove food debris between teeth so the toothpaste can reach your teeth more evenly afterward.
- Brush for at least 2 minutes. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently clean the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces using small circular motions.
- For the final step, use a tongue scraper or tongue brush to clean your tongue, which can significantly improve bad breath and reduce that white coating.
Every morning, when you get up and head to the sink, is the first thing you do – like most women – grab your toothbrush, squeeze on some toothpaste, and start brushing? It turns out this familiar routine may have been in the wrong order all along. For fashion-conscious women, healthy, bright teeth and fresh breath are essential before a date, and even BLACKPINK’s Lisa pays close attention to them. Just like your morning and evening skincare routine, proper oral care is all about the order of each step. Experts say that a few small changes to your habits can make an unexpected difference!
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First thing after waking up: Start with mouthwash
Many people use mouthwash as the final step after brushing, but experts recommend using it first.
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While we sleep, saliva production decreases and the mouth becomes dry, creating the conditions in which bacteria are most active. Using mouthwash before brushing can clear away bacteria that built up overnight and leave your mouth feeling especially fresh first thing in the morning.
Should you floss before or after brushing?
This is probably the step people get wrong most often! You should actually floss before brushing.
Even if you brush the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly, it can be difficult to reach every space between them. Flossing first to remove debris between your teeth allows the ingredients in your toothpaste to coat each tooth more evenly. When flossing, gently guide it upward along the gum line to avoid injuring yourself by pulling too hard.
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The details of brushing: a 45-degree angle and 2 minutes
Once you begin brushing, remember one key point: time and technique matter more than force.
Experts recommend brushing for at least 2 minutes each time. Hold your toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle against the gum line and clean with small circular motions. Be sure to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Brushing too hard can irritate your gums, so a gentle touch is best for long-term care.
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Get rid of stubborn bad breath: Don’t forget to clean your tongue coating
You’ve brushed your teeth thoroughly, yet your breath still doesn’t feel fresh enough? The issue may be your tongue.
The surface of your tongue is covered with tiny papillae that easily trap bacteria and dead cells. Over time, this buildup can form a white coating and cause bad breath. After brushing, gently scrape it away with a tongue scraper to greatly improve overall oral cleanliness.
This seemingly complicated 4-step dental-cleaning routine only takes a few extra minutes each day, yet it can genuinely protect your gum health. Rather than blindly pursuing expensive teeth-whitening treatments, this affordable daily routine is a better investment. Tonight, when you head to the sink, try changing up the order of your routine!
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