What Comes First, Floss Or Brushing Teeth And Does It Really Matter?

12 November 2024

What Comes First, Floss Or Brushing Teeth And Does It Really Matter?

Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once, and avoid too many sugary treats, are the basic rules most of us have been following to keep our teeth and gums healthy. But have you ever stopped to think what’s the correct order? What comes first, floss or brushing teeth?

While it may seem a trivial matter, the order of brushing and flossing can actually impact the effectiveness of your oral care routine. We’ve researched to provide you with a clear answer, enabling you to maximise your efforts and maintain a healthy, bright smile.

Why brushing and flossing, are both non-negotiable

Before we dive into which should come first, let’s look at the importance of brushing and flossing in an effective oral hygiene routine.

• Brushing: removes bacteria, food debris and plaque from the visible surfaces of the teeth while using fluoride toothpaste strengthens the tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Flossing: targets the areas that are difficult to reach with your toothbrush such as the spaces between the teeth and along the gumline. These are the places that trap food particles and bacteria causing bad breath, gum disease and cavities.

While brushing alone is beneficial, it only cleans three of the five surfaces of the teeth. Flossing plays a significant role by cleaning the other areas that can’t be accessed by your toothbrush. In tandem, brushing and flossing make a great team, but the question remains “What comes first, floss or brushing teeth?”

The case for flossing first

While brushing comes before flossing in alphabetical order, it seems this shouldn’t be the case regarding our teeth. According to the Oral Health Foundation,  research has shown that interdental cleaning prior to brushing is the most effective way to clean the teeth thoroughly.

Flossing between the teeth dislodges food debris and bacteria which, according to the study, makes brushing more effective at removing plaque.

Participants in the study who cleaned between their teeth before brushing had a far cleaner mouth than those who did it afterwards.

The research published in the Journal of Periodontology also concluded that cleaning interdentally before brushing our teeth is better because more fluoride is likely to remain in the mouth.

“Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects teeth against tooth decay and reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria on teeth produce,” said Dr Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation.

The main takeaway? Flossing first may help you get a deeper, more thorough clean and improve the effectiveness of brushing.

The advantages of flossing before brushing

Here are the potential benefits of flossing first:

Deep clean – Flossing removes bacteria, food particles, and debris lodged between teeth. Left unchecked, this plaque can harden within 24 to 36 hours, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other health issues. Flossing cleans these tight spaces while brushing and rinsing finish the job by clearing out remaining particles.

Maximise fluoride benefits: Fluoride, commonly found in adult toothpaste, is most effective when it remains in your mouth longer. By flossing first, you remove plaque and bacteria, allowing your teeth to better absorb fluoride. For an extra boost, avoid rinsing or using mouthwash immediately after brushing—let the toothpaste residue sit briefly.

Prevent gum disease: Gum disease begins when excess bacteria build up on your teeth, often from poor dental hygiene or skipping cleanings. Symptoms may include bleeding, tender gums, loose teeth, or bad breath. Flossing before brushing removes more bacteria and lowers your long-term risk of gum disease.

Reveal areas needing attention: Flossing before brushing can highlight areas that require extra care. You may notice debris, sensitive spots like your wisdom teeth, or even a bit of blood on the floss—a sign of tender gums. These indicators help you focus on areas that need more attention while brushing.

Increased motivation to floss: For some people, flossing after brushing feels like an afterthought or an optional step. Changing the order, reinforces the importance of flossing, encouraging you to maintain consistency within your routine.

What happens when you brush first?

Essentially, there is no wrong way to clean your teeth, provided you’re thorough but brushing first may have some disadvantages:

• Fluoride reduction: While brushing first removes bacteria and plaque from the surface of your teeth, if you skip flossing afterwards, you’re not maximising fluoride contact on all tooth surfaces.
• Missed debris: Brushing won’t reach between your teeth where plaque and food particles tend to hide. Without flossing, this debris remains even after brushing, which can eventually lead to dental issues.

Don’t feel discouraged if you’re already in the habit of brushing your teeth before flossing. It’s better to be consistent than miss a step. That said if you’re open to trying something new, flipping the order may improve your long-term oral health.

What Do Dentists Recommend?

Most dental professionals, including those at Cheadle Hulme Dental, recommend flossing before brushing. The logic is straightforward: Flossing first creates a cleaner environment for the fluoride in your toothpaste to work its magic. Adopting this approach ensures that every tooth surface benefits from fluoride protection while also helping you remove as much plaque as possible.

Your Smile Deserves the Best Care!

Switching to flossing before brushing may seem like a small change but it can make a big difference. By adopting this order, you can ensure your mouth is as clean and healthy as possible, keeping your teeth strong and your gums free from disease.

Are you looking to improve your oral hygiene routine or due for a check-up? Call 0161 486 4073 to book an appointment with Cheadle Hulme Dental or use our online booking service. Our friendly team of professionals is here to help you achieve your best smile, answer your dental questions, and make sure you leave with a confident, healthy smile.

Whether you’re a seasoned flosser or need guidance on starting the habit, Cheadle Hulme Dental is here to support you every step of the way.