A growing body of evidence suggests flossing before brushing allows fluoride from toothpaste to better reach interdental spaces, maximizing the protective benefits of fluoride.
This sequence disrupts bacterial colonies between teeth first, then washes them away during brushing, creating optimal conditions for fluoride penetration and plaque removal.
The sequence of flossing before brushing is based on scientific understanding of how plaque removal and fluoride delivery work most effectively together.
Flossing first loosens and disrupts plaque and food particles between your teeth. When you then brush, the toothpaste and brushing action can more effectively wash away these disrupted particles.
When you floss first, the spaces between your teeth are cleared of plaque, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to penetrate these areas more effectively during brushing.
Disrupting plaque with floss first allows brushing to remove more plaque overall, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Clearing spaces between teeth allows fluoride from toothpaste to reach and protect areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
By ensuring fluoride reaches between teeth, this sequence helps prevent the most common location for cavities to develop.
Break off about 18 inches of floss, winding most around one middle finger and the rest around the other middle finger.
Hold floss tightly between thumbs and index fingers, with about an inch of floss between them.
Gently slide floss between teeth using a sawing motion, then curve it around each tooth in a C-shape and move it up and down against the tooth.
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth, and don't forget to floss behind your back teeth.
Recent research has demonstrated that flossing before brushing provides measurable benefits in plaque removal and fluoride delivery. Studies comparing the two sequences have found:
Flossing first removes more plaque from interdental spaces compared to brushing first, because the brushing action can then effectively wash away the disrupted plaque.
When interdental spaces are cleared first, fluoride from toothpaste can reach these areas at higher concentrations, providing better protection against decay.
Note: While flossing before brushing appears to offer advantages, the most important factor is consistency. Whether you floss before or after brushing, the key is to do it regularly and thoroughly.