02/12/2025
Most dentists now suggest you floss before brushing your teeth because it helps get rid of plaque and food stuck between your teeth, so when you brush afterward, the fluoride in your toothpaste can reach more surfaces. That sequence makes your cleaning more effective.
But it’s not about rigid rules. The priority is that you actually do both flossing and brushing—once daily for flossing, twice a day for brushing. Doing them thoroughly and regularly matters more than which comes first. Many experts emphasize that consistency and technique have the biggest impact on your oral health.
Flossing first loosens bits of debris that a brush might not reach, then brushing sweeps them away and delivers fluoride deeper. Some people argue the opposite order might spread fluoride between teeth, but evidence is mixed and less strong on that side. What stands out is that skipping either step is worse than the order you use.
In simpler terms: if placing floss before your toothbrush helps you remember and do a better job, go for it. As long as you’re removing plaque, cleaning between teeth, and brushing well with fluoride toothpaste, your smile’s in good hands.
