.png)
Why You Should Always Floss Before You Brush
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
From your dental hygienist, Liz
One of the most common questions I get from patients in the chair is:
“Does it really matter if I floss before or after brushing?”
My answer is always the same—yes, it matters, and the correct order is floss first, then brush. Let me explain why this order works best for your teeth and gums (and how it helps you get the most out of your daily routine).
________________________________________
What Flossing Actually Does
Flossing isn’t just a bonus step—it’s essential. Your toothbrush, no matter how fancy, can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth or just under the gumline. That’s where plaque loves to hide.
When you floss, you:
Break up plaque between teeth
Remove food debris your brush can’t reach
Disrupt bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease
Think of floss as doing the heavy lifting in those hard-to-reach areas.
________________________________________
Why Flossing Comes Before Brushing
Here’s the key reason: Flossing loosens plaque and debris—brushing sweeps it away.
If you brush first, you’re cleaning surfaces while plaque is still packed tightly between your teeth. Then when you floss afterward, you dislodge bacteria and food particles… but there’s nothing left to rinse or brush them away.
When you floss first:
Plaque and debris are loosened
Toothpaste can reach freshly cleaned spaces
Fluoride has better access between teeth
Your final clean is more thorough
As a hygienist, I see a real difference in patients who follow this order—healthier gums, less bleeding, and cleaner checkups.
________________________________________
The Fluoride Factor (This Is a Big One)
Brushing after flossing allows fluoride from your toothpaste to:
Coat the sides of teeth
Reach between teeth more effectively
Strengthen enamel where cavities often start
If you brush first, you’re essentially rinsing away one of fluoride’s biggest benefits.
________________________________________
The Correct Order, Step by Step
Here’s the routine I recommend to every patient:
Floss first - Use gentle pressure, curve the floss around each tooth, and go slightly below the gumline.
Brush second - Brush for a full two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Spit, don’t rinse (optional but helpful) - Leaving a little toothpaste residue lets fluoride work longer.
________________________________________
Consistency Matters More Than Perfection
If you’re currently flossing after brushing, don’t stress—you’re still doing something good for your teeth. But switching the order can elevate your routine from good to great.
As I always tell patients: Flossing first isn’t about adding more work—it’s about getting better results from what you’re already doing.
Your future smile (and your hygienist 😉) will thank you.
Comments