The age-old dental debate continues: should you floss before or after brushing? While both approaches offer benefits, the answer might surprise you—and understanding the reasoning behind each method can help you make the best choice for your oral health routine.
The truth is that both flossing sequences have their advocates among dental professionals, with research supporting benefits for each approach. At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we believe the most important factor isn’t necessarily the order but ensuring that both flossing and brushing are performed thoroughly and consistently.
The Case for Flossing First
Many dental professionals, including the American Academy of Periodontology, recommend flossing before brushing. Here’s why this approach has merit:
Clears the Way for More Effective Brushing
Flossing first dislodges food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline—areas your toothbrush can’t effectively reach. By removing these debris first, you create cleaner surfaces for your toothbrush to access. When you brush afterward, the fluoride in your toothpaste can make better contact with more tooth surfaces, potentially enhancing its protective benefits.
Research-Backed Benefits
A notable 2018 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that flossing before brushing removed more plaque. The research showed this sequence was more effective at reducing plaque between teeth and increased the concentration of fluoride retained on tooth surfaces, providing greater protection against decay.
Psychological Advantage
Let’s be honest—flossing is often the oral hygiene step people are most likely to skip when tired or rushed. By doing it first, you ensure it actually gets done rather than potentially neglecting it after brushing. Starting with the less enjoyable task also means ending with the more refreshing sensation of brushing, which many find more rewarding.
The Argument for Brushing First
Despite the compelling reasons to floss first, brushing before flossing also has its supporters, including some prominent dental organizations:
Removes Surface Plaque First
Brushing first removes the bulk of plaque and food particles from the accessible surfaces of your teeth. This initial cleaning makes the subsequent flossing potentially more effective at removing what remains between teeth without spreading additional bacteria to these tight spaces.
Better Visibility and Access
After brushing away surface debris and plaque, you may have better visibility for flossing. The cleaner tooth surfaces can make it easier to see where you need to focus your flossing efforts, particularly in the back of your mouth where visibility is already limited.
Enhanced Floss Glide
Some people find that flossing is mechanically easier after brushing. The slick, clean surfaces created by brushing may allow dental floss to slide more easily between teeth without as much resistance, potentially making the process more comfortable and efficient.
The Verdict: Consistency Trumps Order
While these arguments present valid points on both sides, the consensus among most dental professionals aligns with what Dr. Sharma tells our South Austin patients: the most crucial factor is that both tasks are performed daily and thoroughly. If changing the order helps you maintain consistent habits, that benefit outweighs any minor differences in effectiveness.
That said, if you’re looking to optimize your routine based on current research, flossing first appears to have a slight edge in clinical studies. This sequence allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to reach more surfaces and potentially provide better protection against decay.
Perfecting Your Technique: More Important Than Order
Regardless of which sequence you choose, proper technique is essential for effective plaque removal:
Proper Flossing Technique
For maximum benefit, follow these steps:
- Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most around your middle fingers
- Hold 1-2 inches of floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers
- Gently slide the floss between teeth using a rubbing motion
- When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth
- Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and tooth
- Hold the floss firmly against the tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth with up-and-down movements
- Repeat this process for each tooth, using a clean section of floss as you move
Effective Brushing Technique
Complement your flossing with proper brushing:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
- Brush in short, gentle strokes about the width of one tooth
- Brush all surfaces: outer, inner, and chewing
- For inner front teeth surfaces, tilt the brush vertically and use up-and-down strokes
- Brush for a full two minutes, spending 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria
Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Oral Hygiene Routine
While the floss-then-brush or brush-then-floss debate continues, consider these additional steps to elevate your oral hygiene routine:
Consider a Pre-Rinse
Some dental professionals recommend a quick water rinse before any cleaning to loosen food particles. This simple step takes just seconds but can enhance the effectiveness of both brushing and flossing by softening debris.
Add Antimicrobial Mouthwash
A therapeutic mouthwash used after both brushing and flossing can reach areas missed by mechanical cleaning and provide additional protection against bacteria. For maximum benefit, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using mouthwash to allow the active ingredients to work.
Explore Interdental Cleaners
Traditional string floss isn’t the only option for cleaning between teeth. Water flossers, interdental brushes, and floss picks can be excellent alternatives or supplements, especially for those with braces, bridges, or dexterity challenges.
Time Your Routine Strategically
Consider brushing and flossing about 30-60 minutes after meals rather than immediately afterward. This delay allows your saliva to naturally neutralize acids from food and beverages, reducing the risk of brushing these acids into your enamel.
Special Considerations for Your Unique Needs
Your ideal oral hygiene sequence might depend on your specific dental situation:
For Those with Gum Disease
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Sharma might recommend specific antimicrobial products or techniques. In these cases, the sequence of your routine might be tailored to maximize the effectiveness of these specialized products.
For Orthodontic Patients
If you wear braces or have other orthodontic appliances, brushing first might help remove larger particles before navigating floss around brackets and wires. Special floss threaders or water flossers can be particularly helpful in these situations.
For Sensitivity Sufferers
Those with sensitive teeth might find that brushing with desensitizing toothpaste first, then flossing, helps reduce discomfort during the flossing process as the toothpaste’s ingredients begin to work on exposed dentin.
The Bottom Line for South Austin Smiles
At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we’ve been guiding South Austin residents through effective oral hygiene routines since 2014. While we acknowledge the research suggesting flossing first may have slight advantages, we emphasize that either sequence is acceptable—as long as both tasks are performed daily with proper technique.
The best routine is ultimately the one you’ll perform consistently. If you have a preference that keeps you motivated to maintain good oral hygiene habits, that’s the right choice for you. Remember that even perfect technique can’t compensate for skipping either step entirely.
During your next visit to our South Austin dental office, Dr. Sharma would be happy to evaluate your current technique and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific oral health needs. We can demonstrate proper methods and help you identify areas that might need additional attention.
Maintain your bright, healthy smile by contacting Grand Oaks Dentistry at (512) 291-1666 or through our contact form to schedule your next dental checkup. We’re here to support your oral health journey with evidence-based advice and gentle, comprehensive care.
