Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and flossing is a key part of that. However, a common question many people have is: Should you floss before or after brushing? Both methods have their benefits, but let’s break down the reasoning behind each and find out what Dr. Bates and his dental colleagues recommend for optimal dental health.

Flossing Before Brushing

Recent studies and many dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing. Here’s why:

1. Removing/Loosening Debris First: Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush (i.e. at or beneath the contact point between adjacent teeth). By flossing first, you free up these areas so that when you brush afterward, your toothbrush is better able to access the contours of your teeth and remove any remaining plaque/food particles.

2. Better Fluoride Absorption: When you floss first, toothpaste can more effectively coat and clean the surfaces between your teeth where cavities commonly form. This can help protect against decay and improve the overall effectiveness of your brushing routine, especially when you use a fluoridated toothpaste.

3. Improved Gum Health: Flossing is particularly beneficial for your gums, as it helps remove plaque in hard to reach areas near the gumline. Flossing before brushing encourages more thorough plaque removal, which may lead to healthier gums and a reduced risk of gingivitis.

4. Consistency Matters: Ultimately, the key to good oral hygiene is consistency (and good technique). Flossing before brushing can help ensure that you do it regularly, as may be easier to skip this less enjoyable aspect of good oral hygiene if you have the tendency to rush or feel like you already did a good enough job.

Flossing After Brushing

Some people prefer flossing after brushing, and while it may not be as effective for fluoride distribution, it still offers benefits:

1. A Cleaner Mouthfeel: Brushing your teeth first might give you a fresher feeling, especially if you enjoy the sensation of minty toothpaste. Flossing afterward can ensure that any food particles or plaque left behind by brushing are eliminated.

2. Prevention of Food Impaction: Regardless of when you choose to floss, doing so helps prevent food particles and plaque from staying between your teeth and irritating your gums.

The Verdict: Floss Before Brushing for Best Results

According to most dental professionals, flossing before brushing is the more effective method. Flossing first helps clear out debris and plaque, allowing your toothpaste to work more effectively and reach areas that are often missed. This approach also encourages better gum health, ensuring that you’re not just brushing but truly cleaning your teeth and gums. However, consistency is key. Whether you choose to floss before or after brushing, what matters most is that you floss daily and brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. This is especially important when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment! 

Proper Flossing Technique

Proper flossing technique is important to ensuring the time you spend doing this somewhat tedious task is most effective. You should start out by wrapping a strand of dental floss around either your index (pointer) or middle fingers several times and then using your thumbs and/or index fingers to place the floss between your teeth gently. You want the floss to make a “C-shape” that contours around the neck of your teeth and use an up-and-down motion to gently remove any food/plaque from the sides of your teeth. Aggressive flossing or pulling the floss against your gums is not necessary. Your goal is simply to remove any plaque/food at and below the contact point between your teeth, as well as along the necks of your teeth down close to your gums. 

Floss picks are another convenient and popular option for flossing your teeth. It is generally best to gently pull the floss pick against one tooth at a time in attempt to create as close to the “C-shape” as possible. While regular dental floss is better able to contour to the interproximal surfaces of your teeth, floss picks are certainly a better option than not flossing at all. 

Dr. Bates and our team at Bates Family Orthodontics in Lynchburg are always happy to provide you with personalized recommendations for maintaining your smile. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!