To ensure you\u2019re taking the best possible care of your teeth so you can reap those potential health benefits, you may want to rethink your dental care routine. We reached out to two dentists to find out if it makes a difference whether you brush your teeth first and floss after, or floss first and brush after. Apparently it does!<\/p>\n
Why do we need to floss our teeth?<\/p>\n
Flossing entails sticking something thin (usually a special string) between your teeth and moving it around to help dislodge any matter that shouldn\u2019t be there, which supports the health of our entire mouth. \u201cFlossing is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining oral health, as it removes debris and plaque from areas your toothbrush can\u2019t reach,\u201d says Ashley Boling, DDS\/DMD<\/a>, a dentist and the owner of an Aspen Dental practice in Hixon, Tennessee. \u201cThis reduces the risk<\/a> of cavities, gum disease and other dental issues.\u201d As noted above, those dental problems can also put you at risk for additional whole-body health issues.<\/p>\n Should you floss before or after brushing your teeth?<\/p>\n It might sound counterintuitive to put floss between teeth that you know are still dirty, but it\u2019s best to floss first and brush second. \u201cFlossing first removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth \u2014 areas that a toothbrush simply can\u2019t reach,\u201d says Katz. \u201cClearing out those spaces not only reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease, but also allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to reach more surfaces of your teeth. That means stronger enamel<\/a>, healthier gums, and better protection against decay.\u201d<\/p>\n Boling agrees. \u201cYou can floss before or after brushing as long as you are doing it thoroughly and are reaching areas that your toothbrush can\u2019t,\u201d she says. \u201cFlossing beforehand, however, can help dislodge food particles and plaque, making brushing more effective.\u201d<\/p>\n When is the best time of day to floss?<\/p>\n The best time to floss your teeth is the time that you will stick to every day. \u201cFor many people, the easiest habit is to floss at night before brushing and right before bed,\u201d says Katz. \u201cThat way, you go to sleep with a clean, healthy mouth. Once flossing becomes part of your nightly routine, you\u2019ll quickly notice that it feels incomplete when you skip it \u2014 almost like forgetting to wash your face or lock the door.\u201d<\/p>\n What\u2019s the best flossing tool?<\/p>\n \u201cI find traditional string floss to be the most effective for scraping plaque from beneath the gumline, but tools like floss picks and water flossers are great alternatives, especially for those with dexterity challenges or braces,\u201d says Boling. \u201cThe key is consistency \u2014 the best flossing tool is the one you\u2019ll use regularly!\u201d<\/p>\n Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush $39.94 at amazon.com<\/a><\/p>\n 4100 Power Toothbrush $39.99 at amazon.com<\/a><\/p>\n 9900 Prestige Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush with SenseIQ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/498d101bf869536566d8a9a5adf657f8.jpeg\"\/)
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