The age-old question – should you floss before or after you brush your teeth? If you asked any one of our team members, you just might get a different answer on this one!
Before you report them for not knowing what they’re talking about, each response can be right! As long as you’re doing a good thorough job, we don’t really care when you floss!
The Case for Flossing Before Brushing
Theoretically, flossing first dislodges the mess between your teeth, letting the fluoride in your toothpaste reach those spaces better.
Also, behavioral scientists say since the majority of people don’t like to floss, it’s better to get the unpleasant half of your dental routine out of the way first – you’ll be less likely to skip it. Once you have a minty, fresh clean mouth from brushing, you might be less inclined to feel the need to floss between your teeth afterward.
The Case for Flossing After Brushing
Some say flossing last is better because it clears your mouth from extra food and debris that could otherwise be carried by the floss into the very spaces you’re trying to clean out.
Plus, it might be more pleasant to put those flossing hands into a clean mouth versus an unbrushed one.
Bottom Line
Floss when it works for you. But make sure you do it! Choose the same time every day, floss once a day, and floss thoroughly.
And don’t forget to use the right flossing method: for each new set of teeth, use a new section of floss, and hug each side of the tooth by dragging the floss upward in the shape of a “C.”
Want us to show you how? Just ask!