The question of whether to clean between your teeth before or after brushing is a common dilemma in daily oral hygiene routines. While both flossing and brushing contribute to a cleaner mouth, research suggests that performing them in a specific order significantly improves the overall health benefits. The sequence of your cleaning steps determines how efficiently you remove the buildup of bacteria and how effectively the therapeutic ingredients in your toothpaste can work.
The Science Behind the Recommended Order
Dental professionals recommend that you floss first, then brush, to achieve the best results in your daily routine. This sequence maximizes both the mechanical removal of plaque and the chemical delivery of protective agents. Studies have demonstrated that the “floss-then-brush” technique leads to a greater reduction in total plaque accumulation. Following this order also results in a measurably higher concentration of fluoride in the tight spaces between teeth. This enhanced exposure ensures the entire surface of the tooth benefits from the protective treatment.
How Flossing Mechanically Prepares Tooth Surfaces
Flossing serves as the mechanical pre-cleaning step, focusing on areas the toothbrush cannot effectively reach. The surfaces between adjacent teeth, known as interproximal surfaces, are prone to accumulating a sticky layer of bacteria called biofilm or plaque. This biofilm is particularly resistant to removal because of its location and structure. Dental floss physically disrupts this bacterial community and dislodges trapped food debris from the interdental spaces and just under the gumline. Toothbrush bristles are too large to access these tight contact points, and remaining debris acts as a physical barrier preventing contact with the enamel surface.
Optimizing Fluoride Delivery Through Brushing
Brushing serves as the second, therapeutic step, optimized by the prior mechanical cleaning. Brushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste introduces a slurry rich in fluoride to the cleaned tooth surfaces. Fluoride strengthens the enamel through remineralization, making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks and preventing decay. When the interdental plaque barrier is removed by flossing, the fluoride-rich paste penetrates the open spaces and coats the entire tooth surface, maximizing contact time for effective absorption. Performing the flossing step first significantly increases the concentration of fluoride retained in the interdental areas, providing a greater protective effect where cavities are most likely to form.