The answer might surprise you — and improve your oral health routine.
We all know we should brush and floss daily — but does the order matter?
Yes, it does — and flossing before brushing may be the better choice for a cleaner, healthier smile.
Here’s why the order matters and how to make the most of your daily routine.
✅ Why Floss Before Brushing?
Recent studies — and many dental professionals — now recommend flossing before you brush your teeth. Why?
Because flossing first helps:
- Remove food and plaque between your teeth, allowing your toothbrush and toothpaste to reach more surfaces
- Expose the areas between teeth to fluoride from your toothpaste
- Reduce plaque more effectively when followed by brushing and rinsing
In short: flossing first helps your brushing work better.
🧪 The Science Behind It
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that people who flossed before brushing had significantly less plaque between their teeth and more fluoride retained in those areas than those who brushed first.
So if your goal is maximum cleaning and cavity prevention, flossing first makes sense.
🪥 But Brushing After Still Works — If You’re Consistent
That said, the most important thing is that you’re doing both daily.
If you’re more likely to remember to floss after brushing — do what works best for your routine.
Consistency is key, and the order matters less than the habit itself.
🔁 Ideal Daily Routine
Here’s a simple, dentist-recommended routine:
- Floss first to remove debris and break up plaque between teeth
- Brush for 2 full minutes using fluoride toothpaste
- Spit, but don’t rinse — leaving a little fluoride on your teeth can help protect your enamel longer
- Use mouthwash (optional) after brushing if you like the extra freshness
🧒 What About Kids?
For children, flossing can start as soon as two teeth are touching.
Parents should floss for their child until around age 8–10, when kids have the dexterity to do it themselves.
Building these habits early helps prevent cavities in hard-to-reach places and sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.
Final Thoughts
While both brushing and flossing are essential, flossing before brushing can give you an extra edge in removing plaque and getting the most out of your toothpaste.
Want to improve your at-home routine or learn better flossing technique? Book your next check-up with us — we’ll walk you through the best tools and habits for a healthier, fresher smile.