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If a person had to choose only 1 method of oral hygiene, what would be the most effective for achieve health gums and teeth: 1- brushing with toothpaste 2- flossing 3- rinsing with mouth wash

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    It isn't difficult to do some research and present what you've found when asking here; doing so would be helpful in getting a response. Please see How do I ask a good question? Knowing what you know about brushing, flossing, and mouth wash, can you share why one might be the best? Thanks. – anongoodnurse Feb 01 '16 at 21:43
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    Sounds like a hypothetical question actually... I'm surprised those are even allowed in this community/site. I'd go with number 1 and number 2 BOTH... Please give a reason other than hypothetically why you would only be able to do one of the three. – Facebook Feb 01 '16 at 22:11

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From a medical/dental standpoint, flossing and brushing with or without toothpaste is the best way of eliminating plaque, which can cause cavities and gum disease.

For the philosophical aspect of your question: If you had to chose between the two (and you should be doing both!), I would floss, since floss reaches more easily between the teeth than the toothbrush, while being able to remove plaque on the surfaces of the tooth which the tooth brush can reach.

Mouthwashes are not useful without prior mechanical removal of plaque.

It should be noted that your question was already somewhat answered in another post: Is brushing teeth without toothpaste actually harmful?

References:

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