Should you floss before or after brushing? A comprehensive guide

Taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health, but many people aren’t sure whether to floss before or after brushing. This can be confusing, but don’t worry. This guide will give you clear tips and effective habits for keeping your smile healthy and bright. 

By understanding the best practices for your dental care routine, you can ensure your teeth and gums stay in top shape, contributing positively to your overall well-being. So, let’s dive in and explore the best habits and routines to take care of your pearly whites. 

Understanding the basics of flossing and brushing

Good things always come in pairs: peanut butter and jelly, Romeo and Juliet, bacon and eggs, Sherlock and Watson, and most importantly, brushing and flossing. 
 

Flossing and brushing are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene, and you shouldn’t have one without the other. What exactly does this dynamic duo entail?
 

Tooth flossing uses a thin thread to get rid of food and plaque stuck between your teeth, which toothbrushes can’t typically reach. This daily habit is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease. 


Brushing, on the other hand, cleans the surfaces of your teeth and removes bacteria to stop plaque buildup. Together, they create a strong routine for keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy. 
 

Without flossing, even if you brush well, you might still have plaque between your teeth. And without brushing, flossing alone can’t protect your teeth from decay and stains, which could lead to costly dental procedures or teeth whitening treatments. 

Should you floss before or after brushing?

Ever wondered if you should floss before or after brushing? You're not alone. Growing up, many of us learned to brush our teeth, rinse with water and then floss. But recent dental hygiene advice suggests doing things a bit differently. 
 

Most dentists today recommend flossing first, as it clears out food particles and plaque that a toothbrush might miss. After that, brush with fluoride toothpaste, but skip the rinse for a few minutes. Rinsing washes away the fluoride that helps strengthen your teeth against cavities.

The benefits of flossing before brushing

Flossing before you brush your teeth is a game-changer for your dental hygiene. Learn more about these flossing benefits:

Boosts fluoride power

Flossing removes gunk, so when you brush, the fluoride in your toothpaste can coat your teeth better, giving you stronger protection against cavities.

Fights bad breath

By getting rid of food and other particles before brushing, you stop bad breath at the source, keeping your mouth fresher. 

Keeps tartar at bay

Flossing before you brush helps stop plaque from turning into tartar, making it easier to keep your teeth clean over time.

Supports gum health

Flossing first gets rid of nasty bacteria between your teeth, improving gum health and lowering the risk of gum disease.

Creates a winning hygiene routine

Flossing and brushing together makes your mouth healthier, giving you a cleaner feeling and fresher breath.

Saves money on dental bills

By taking these preventative steps with this simple routine, you can avoid costly dental treatments later. 

Gives you a fresh feeling

Flossing before brushing leaves your mouth feeling super clean and fresh all day long

Benefits your overall health

Good oral hygiene from flossing can lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. 

You won’t need to lie at the dentist

During your next visit, when they ask if you floss daily, you can triumphantly say “yes!” and leave feeling like a true MVP. 

Why do some people prefer to brush before flossing? 

Some patients prefer to brush their teeth before they floss. Why? It usually feels great to have that fresh, clean mouth right away. Brushing first is a routine many people love because it brings a sense of cleanliness and reduces the smell of bad breath while flossing. 
 

But here’s the scoop: brushing before flossing can leave some particles and gunk behind. Plus, it might wash away the plaque-fighting benefits of fluoride. While it's not a bad habit, you might miss the best results for your oral health. 
 

Want to make the most of your dental routine? Try swishing mouthwash around first before flossing for a super fresh feeling. After flossing, give your teeth a good brush. 

Should you rinse after brushing and flossing?

Ever wondered if you should rinse after brushing your teeth? It might feel natural, but rinsing can wash away the fluoride in the toothpaste that helps protect your enamel and strengthen your teeth. Instead, spit out any extra toothpaste. If you feel you need to rinse, consider using fluoride mouthwash instead of water.
 

Also, remember to brush for 2 full minutes to make sure you clean all areas of your mouth. Many people don’t brush long enough. After flossing, however, it’s important to rinse thoroughly. This helps remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush might miss.

Crafting the ideal oral hygiene routine

An ideal oral care routine requires good technique and consistency for maximum effectiveness. Flossing and brushing are key parts of keeping your teeth healthy. Here’s a simple daily dental hygiene routine to follow for the best results: 

Floss like a boss

Pick a floss that fits your teeth—go for waxed if they're close together or unwaxed if you want something slimmer. Always rinse your mouth after flossing to remove any loose bacteria and plaque. You can use water or mouthwash but do this before brushing your teeth. Do this once per day.

The 2-minute tango

Next, grab your fluoride toothpaste and brush those pearly whites for a full 2 minutes. For brushing teeth correctly, use gentle circular motions with a soft toothbrush, manual or electric, to avoid hurting your gums. Reach all quadrants of your mouth, making sure to brush the fronts and backs of your teeth. Brush at least 2 times a day and after any meals.

Post-brushing

After brushing, don’t rinse your mouth with water. Instead: 1) Spit out any extra toothpaste. 2) Let the fluoride in the toothpaste stay on your teeth for better cavity protection. 3) Wait 10-20 minutes before eating or drinking to give your teeth time to absorb the fluoride.

Remember to rinse after flossing but skip rinsing after brushing for a few minutes to keep your smile healthy. 

Additional tips for effective flossing and brushing

For effective flossing benefits, consider these bonus tips for even more added care: 

Measure your floss

Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping it around your fingers for a secure grip. Slide it gently between your teeth, curving it around each tooth to clean all surfaces.

Time your mouthwash

Want to boost your freshness? Try mouthwash for that extra zing, but it’s totally up to you. If you like using mouthwash, it’s best to do it at a different time than brushing. If you do use it right after brushing, wait 20-30 minutes to avoid washing away the fluoride.

3 common myths and misconceptions about flossing and brushing 

Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings about flossing and brushing that can mess with your oral care. Knowing these myths can supercharge your dental routine: 

Myth 1

Flossing is not necessary if you brush well.



Fact: Not true! Brushing alone can leave food stuck and plaque buildup between your teeth. Flossing is essential for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas. 

Myth 2

You always have to rinse after brushing.  



Fact: Sometimes, skipping the rinse allows fluoride from toothpaste to remain on your teeth longer, enhancing its protective benefits. Wait 10-20 minutes after brushing for full fluoride effect. 

Myth 3

Flossing is optional and not that important.

Fact: Flossing is pivotal and essential for preventing gum disease and cavities between teeth. It's a non-negotiable part of a complete oral care routine. 

Flossing and brushing FAQs

Should I floss before or after brushing?

Floss first. It clears plaque and food bits, making brushing with toothpaste more effective, leaving your teeth and mouth extra clean. 

How often should I floss?

Aim for once a day. Flossing keeps your smile bright by removing pesky particles that love to hide in tight spaces. 

Is it okay to rinse after brushing?

Hold off on rinsing right away. Let that fluoride from the toothpaste do its job and stick around a bit longer for enamel protection. 

What type of floss is best?

It’s all about what you like and what you need. Waxed floss is great for tight spaces, while unwaxed is thinner and fits into those tiny gaps. 

Keep your flossing game strong

Brushing and flossing go hand in hand together and are essential for maintaining a bright and healthy smile. By sticking to this routine, you can lower your chances and risk of cavities and gum disease. 
 

Whether you’re a dental care pro or just starting, these little daily practices can help you build a strong dental health foundation. Don't forget to chat with your Aspen Dental care team at your local Aspen Dental office for personalized advice and resources for even more ways to boost your oral health. 
 

Make brushing and flossing a consistent habit in your daily routine. Your smile (and dentist) will thank you for years to come. 

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