Dental hygiene: Here's the ultimate guide to the freshest breath

Routines are definitely important if you want to make sure you are taking the best care possible of your body. From haircare, to skincare and everything in between, it only makes sense to come up with a bullet-proof dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth in top shape!

Which comes first?

We all know that flossing is essential, and brushing your teeth twice a day is a minimum and if you really want to take it to the next level, a mouth wash is always recommended. However, is there an order you should be following to optimize your dental-care routine?

As it turns out, there is order to follow. According to RobRaimondi, a dentist who practices in New York City, starting with a rinse in the morning should be the first step of your routine. He explains that:

When we are sleeping, our salivary glands stop secreting saliva, and opportunistic aerobic bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities increase their activity. A mouthwash can take care of that right away.

But be careful not use a mouthwash right after brushing your teeth as it will 'wash away all the good stuff in the toothpaste.'

Next, you'll want to floss. Although it might sound counter-intuitive to floss before brushing, there's actually a perfectly sound explanation for this one. Flossing removes all the gunk in between your teeth, which is necessary if you want to brush in those tight spots that would otherwise be clogged by leftover food. The expert dentist also explains that:

The purpose of flossing is to use the floss to get deep into the sulcus—the space between a tooth and the gum where bacteria lives—and in an upward motion, bring these bacteria out of the sulcus.

Finally, you'll want to finish everything off by brushing your teeth with a quality toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes should be prioritised and patience should be practised. This means that you should really get in there for a couple of minutes to make sure you're brushing each tooth thoroughly enough. Dr. Raimondi says that:

Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum and brush in a circular motion into the gum. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and then the chewing surfaces of all your teeth.

Don't forget your tongue!

And before we forget; whatever you do, don't neglect your tongue! It is, more often than not, what is primarily responsible for bad breath. According to Dr. Raimondi:

The tongue is made up of lots of little crypts, which can harbor bacteria and debris. If these are not regularly removed, a tongue coating forms, and this is one of the biggest causes of bad breath.