What should be the preferred practice regarding flossing before brushing the resident's teeth?

Brushing and flossing are both essential components of oral hygiene, but the preferred practice is to floss before brushing. This method allows the floss to remove plaque and food particles lodged between the teeth, which can enhance the effectiveness of brushing by enabling the toothbrush to clean the surfaces of the teeth more thoroughly.

While brushing alone can help maintain some level of dental hygiene, it does not reach the areas between teeth as effectively as flossing, making it less comprehensive. Therefore, saying that brushing is sufficient without flossing overlooks the importance of cleaning those interstitial spaces, where decay often begins.

Flossing being optional and able to be skipped diminishes the overall benefits of a complete oral hygiene routine. It is not about choosing one over the other; both practices work together to promote oral health. Therefore, recommending that flossing always be done after brushing contradicts the well-established practice of improving effectiveness by first removing interproximal debris.

In summary, the most effective dental care involves flossing before brushing to ensure all areas are adequately cleaned, enhancing overall oral health.