


Should You Floss Before or After Brushing? Do the Best for Your Teeth


Should we floss before or after brushing? We all know that brushing with your toothbrush alone isn't enough to keep your mouth healthy. So, what is the proper order for our oral hygiene routine?

Man flossing teeth
Flossing is an important part of any oral hygiene routine.

Flossing is usually the least favorite part of anyone's dental routine; and if we are all being honest with ourselves, we probably don't floss regularly because we “don't have the time” or “it hurts our gums” or we “forgot to buy dental floss”. Ultimately, it's probably just that we aren't flossing as we should because we just don't want to.

But, flossing is one of the most important parts of any dental hygiene regimen.

Without flossing, our mouths are susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. In this article we will cover what flossing is and why you should do it, how to properly floss with different products, and answer the question: should you floss before or after brushing?

What is flossing?

Flossing is the process of removing and dislodging food particles from the spaces in between your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends flossing before or after you brush your teeth, twice a day. Why is it necessary to incorporate flossing into your oral hygiene routine? Well, by removing the food debris and plaque buildup from the spaces between your teeth, you can prolong your oral health and reduce the chances of developing gingivitis.

How to floss

To maintain healthy teeth, flossing properly is necessary, and traditional dental floss isn't the only option. First, you must choose the correct product to use and keep it in stock. Then it's important to establish a routine so you don't miss your opportunities to floss. Not properly cleaning the interdental space can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

dental floss
Traditional dental floss

Because habits are such an important part of oral hygiene, children need to be taught a routine as soon as possible. Before they reach the age of 10-12 kids will need help to floss their teeth. This is because they don't have the manual dexterity to clean the area properly.

For a more in-depth look at flossing, you can check out our article on how to floss. There you'll find not only detailed instructions for proper flossing, but also the reason it's important to floss, plus tips for maintaining a consistent routine and products that help make the job easier. Flossing with braces is a different (and slightly more complicated) process, so we've written a separate article which you can find here.

As we said before, the first step to establishing a routine that works for you is choosing the right way to floss. Therefore in this article we're also going to take quick look at the steps involved for flossing teeth using the different types of tools available.

But first, the million dollar question: are you supposed to floss before or after brushing your teeth? Well, the simple answer is that there is no simple answer.

Is it better to floss before you brush or vice-versa?

Dentists are split on when to clean in between your teeth. It's not a question of whether or not to brush or floss but more about the sequence of events. All agree that it should be done at least once daily, even better if it is done twice a day along with brushing to maintain optimal oral health and prevent gum disease.

However, whether it should be done before or after brushing your teeth is still a matter of debate. Have a look at the table below to see the pros and cons of brushing before or after you floss.

Sequence Pros Cons
Flossing before brushing Prepares debris to be brushed away Pulling out more plaque from between teeth may be gross to some
Allows flouride in toothpaste to reach interdental spaces
Flossing after brushing Removes debris leftover from initial brushing Requires a rinse of the mouth afterwards to wash away dislodged material, which lessens the benefits of the fluoride in your toothpaste.
Doesn't pull as much plaque from interdental space and therefore less gross

Floss before brushing

The “floss before, brush after” argument is that a toothbrush alone cannot dislodge food debris and plaque to deliver the fluoride in toothpaste to the interdental area and properly clean the gums. In addition to this, the food stuck between teeth will be dislodged and can then be brushed away with the help of a toothbrush.

For this reason, some dentists agree that to floss first is the best way to prevent plaque from sticking to the interdental area since brushing isn't adequate in removing it. This is also supported by a study undergone by the Journal of Periodontology, which found that if you brush after you floss, you can get rid of excess food particles released by flossing, and you receive more of the beneficial effects of the fluoride from your toothpaste.

Floss after you brush

On the other hand, other dentists say that to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible brushing your teeth first is the best way to go. Brushing your teeth first will remove extra plaque that some people find unpleasant to pull out while flossing. People who clean interdentally after brushing may want to rinse their mouth afterward to remove any particles or plaque that was dislodged from between teeth. However, if you're using a fluoride toothpaste then it's recommended you don't rinse right after brushing and flossing because this makes the fluoride less effective.

This video shows just how split dental staff can be on this topic, but there is one thing all dentists can agree on: you should floss!

Do you brush before you floss, or floss before you brush? Many people don't really pay attention to the order. We took a video survey around the office and got some interesting responses. The actual answer is explained by our doctors at the end of the video. Have a Healthy Mouth and a Healthy Body. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website, https://www.drnemeth.com or simply call 248-206-3882 We are happy to help you. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjosephnemeth/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drjosephnemeth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnemethdds/ The information contained in the multimedia content (“Video Content”) has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the Video Content. Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in any Video Content. The Video Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site. Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the Video Content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.
Asking dentists whether to floss before or after brushing ends in a split jury!

Flossing tools

So we've seen that, according to dentists, consistency is more important than whether you floss before or after brushing. Establishing a good routine means finding the right tool, and for many people the best way to floss might not actually be with literal floss. There are all sorts of new tools you can use that will give you the benefits of flossing and more, including:

  • Dental floss string
  • Water flossers
  • Air flossers
  • Interdental brushes

So without further ado, let's quickly go over oral health specialists' top choices of flossing tools, and the way each is used:

Traditional dental floss

should i floss before or after brushing
Oral-B Glide is one of the most popular brands of floss in the US.

If it isn't broke don't fix it. Floss continues to be the most popular tool for flossing because it's tried and true. You have lots of options to choose from including waxed, unwaxed, single or multistrand, flavored or unflavored. Oral-B Glide floss is a popular product that's designed to slide between teeth easily, without shredding.

Here are the basics for a proper routine:

  • When using floss, use 12-18 inches of material.
  • When using string try not to force it in between the teeth or snap it forcefully into your gums. This can cause damage that may lead to infection.
  • Pull the string up and down along the sides of each tooth 8-10 times to remove any debris.
  • Use a new segment of string between each tooth to avoid introducing debris from the previous segment into the interdental area.

Oral irrigators

Air and water flossers are the latest in flossing technology. They are practically the same: both use a pressurized jet of water to blast plaque away from your teeth and gums. The main difference is that air flossers use much less water. This method is generally more gentle then regular flossing, and many water and air flossers even have adjustable pressure for a more comfortable clean.

do you floss before or after brushing your teeth
Waterpik's WP-560 cordless water flosser

If you just want a quick water flosser recommendation, the Waterpik WP-560 is one of our favorite models. You can also read more on the best water flossers currently on the market in our comparison guide.

At the time of writing, we don't have a dedicated article for air flossers, but one of our favorite models is made by Phillips Sonicare. It's cordless, rechargeable, and has a really cool, sleek aesthetic.

Now, how are these used?

  • Fill the reservoir with warm water (or other recommended fluid).
  • Choose a tip and insert it into the handle.
  • Start with the lowest pressure setting and partially close your mouth around the tip to avoid spraying your face.
  • Aim at the tip of your gumline and spray along your gumline, focusing on the spaces between teeth.
  • Allow the water to flow out of your mouth as you go along.

Note that if you're using one of these, it's best to floss before you brush. This is so that the water from the flosser doesn't wash away the beneficial ingredients in your toothpaste.

Interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are kind of like pipe cleaners, but for your teeth. They are a thin, flexible piece of wire with bristles which can really effectively clean those areas between your teeth. There are lots of options and sizes to choose from, and if you want to know more you should check out our interdental brush guide.

A 10-pack of GUM interdental brushes

Depending on the way your teeth are aligned, you may need to try a few brands and sizes to find one you like. A good place to start (and one of our favorites overall) is this one made by GUM.

Here's the method:

  • Choose the correct size.
  • Insert gently between teeth, do not force into place.
  • Move the brush back and forth a few times to scrape the debris and plaque away.
  • Change the size when needed and replace the brush when the filaments degrade.


So, should you floss before or after brushing your teeth? Well, we've seen the answer isn't black and white. Some people find that brushing before you floss is more palatable because you pre-clean your teeth a bit and don't dislodge as much material when flossing. Others say that this method means you have to rinse off the stuff your floss cleans out after brushing. Then the problem is that reduces the effectiveness of fluoride in toothpaste, so they say it's better to floss before you brush.

Dentists themselves disagree on whether it is better to floss before or after brushing in just the same way. That said, the general consensus among dentists is that you should floss at least once a day. To maintain an optimally healthy mouth and prevent gum problems plaque build-up needs to be removed at least once a day from on and in between teeth. Brushing alone just isn't enough to keep your mouth healthy and decay-free.

Therefore, the best method for you is whichever helps you maintain a consistent routine. Most people floss either immediately before or after brushing because they are already in oral hygiene mode. However some find that it is better to brush in the morning and before bed, and floss after they eat lunch.


When, and how often, should you floss?

Dentists agree that everyone should floss at least once a day. However, they are split equally on whether it is better to floss before or after you brush your teeth. Both have benefits, but the most important thing is that it is done at least once a day. Dentists also agree that the more often you clean interdentally, the better.

How do you properly floss?

Choose your product to work with. When using traditional string, use 12-18 inches of material. Do not force it in between the teeth or snap it forcefully into your gums. Pull the string up and down along the sides of each tooth 8-10 times to remove any debris. Finish by rinsing with mouthwash.

Is it better to use mouthwash before or after you brush and floss?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. If you ask the ADA, they'll tell you to follow the instructions on your mouthwash or to follow your personal preference. On the other hand, international organizations like the UK's NHS say that you shouldn't use mouthwash after brushing your teeth because it will rinse away the concentrated fluoride from your toothpaste. There are even some tools like Phillips Sonicare's air flosser which actually use a mouthwash-like fluid for flossing.

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Robert Porter
Bob Porter is from St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Cornell College in 2014 with bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Spanish. Bob has worked in many settings, and currently dedicates his time to writing content in the field of dentistry. With a mind that is curious and restless by nature, he seeks a deep understanding of the topics on which he writes. When he isn’t writing about teeth, Bob can be found cycling, hiking, or tending to his garden.