Brushing and flossing matter–but so does the order in which you brush and floss your teeth.
A study by Fatemeh & Marzie (2018) showed that flossing followed by brushing is preferred to reduce interdental plaque and increase fluoride concentration in interdental plaque.
It also makes sense: Flossing first loosens plaque and debris, which brushing then more effectively washes away, resulting in a cleaner, healthier mouth.
Let’s get into the details…as studies and experts differ.
Understanding the Importance of Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good oral health is important for mental and physical health. It specifically includes regular visits to the dentist, daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use.
Practicing good dental hygiene will help you avoid dental problems, reduce your risk of gum disease, keep your breath fresh, and leave you feeling better and more confident.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental problems, the most common being tooth decay and gum disease.
For instance, if plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is not regularly cleaned from teeth, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Frequent brushing and flossing help avoid many of these conditions by decreasing plaque formation. When flossing is hard due to braces, you can use interdental brushes.
The impact of dental hygiene on overall well-being
The oral cavity is like a window to your overall health. It has a direct effect on one’s general health; studies have connected poor oral hygiene to many systemic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Studies show a close connection between poor dental hygiene and systemic disorders.
Gum disease has been linked to systemic disorders like Diabetes, respiratory infections, and heart problems. Proper oral hygiene can improve general health and protect teeth and gums.
Flossing Before Brushing
The benefits of flossing before brushing
Flossing before brushing has multiple benefits for optimal dental health
- Improved plaque removal: Flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth where toothbrushes cannot reach them. This plaque layer can be loosened up by flossing before brushing, making it easier for your toothbrush to get rid of it.
- Improved distribution of fluoride: After flossing, Fluoride from toothpaste can more easily reach the freshly cleaned tooth surfaces. This increases dental enamel strength and protects against cavities.
- Reduced inflammation of gums: Flossing helps disrupt harmful bacteria and reduces inflammation of the gumline. Flossing before brushing will reduce the spread of bacteria and encourage healthier gums.
- Fresh breath: Flossing combined with brushing removes bad breath by removing bacteria and food particles responsible for it, leaving your mouth feeling and smelling cleaner. Prioritize flossing before brushing to maximize the effectiveness of your oral hygiene routine and contribute to long-term dental health.
The potential drawbacks of flossing before brushing
Although there aren’t any significant disadvantages to flossing before brushing, some people might find it hard or uncomfortable at first. On the other hand, flossing gets easier with practice, and the advantages far outweigh any minor difficulties.
Expert opinions on the effectiveness of flossing before brushing
Some studies recommend flossing before brushing. Others say it doesn’t matter as long as you brush. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once daily to eliminate food particles and plaque between teeth.
By flossing your daily practice before brushing, you’re proactively maintaining good oral hygiene while preventing dental problems. ADA, however, states that the order–before or after–doesn’t matter as much: “Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job.”
Likewise, a 2024 study found that “Flossing before or after brushing has no significant effect on reducing dental plaque index.” So we have mixed results from studies, but all show that you need to floss.
How do you include flossing into your daily routine?
Flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene routines, but most Americans have not incorporated it. A study of over 20 thousand people over 30 found that “the prevalence of daily flossing increased from 29.4% in 2009 through 2010 to 34.8% in 2017 through 2020,” but that is still roughly one-third of the population.
Over half of those who don’t floss daily claim it takes time. However, brushing and flossing will improve oral hygiene and provide an additional defense against tooth decay.
To develop the habit of flossing, decide on a fixed time to floss every day, such as in the morning, after lunch, or at night. Keep the floss next to the toothpaste and toothbrush to remind you not to skip the step.
Floss daily before brushing for at least one week, and set a goal to repeat it for the next week. Once you get into a consistent habit, you won’t need to think about it.
The advantages of flossing after brushing
Some people have the habit of flossing after brushing.
Convenience: Brushing often removes debris and visible food particles, making flossing easier and less messy.
Habitual Routine: People might find this sequence more comfortable and natural since it’s an already formed habit.
The potential disadvantages of flossing after brushing
Less Successful Removal of Plaque: Brushing removes the layer of plaque on the outer surfaces of teeth, leaving behind food particles and plaque that stay stuck in between teeth. Some particles removed while brushing might go unseen by flossing after brushing.
Less benefit of Fluoride: Flossing before brushing helps fluoride from toothpaste reach the freshly cleaned surfaces of your teeth more effectively. Flossing after brushing might cause you to miss out on these fluoride benefits.
Conclusion
The debate over flossing before or after brushing is age-old.
While any flossing is better than no flossing, the evidence leans toward flossing first. This simple switch in your routine could make your mouth cleaner and your dentist happier.
Flossing before is best, but the consistency of both habits is more important than the order in which they are done. Flossing is an essential part of dental care that should be done regularly to avoid cavities, gum disease, and poor breath.
