Is it better to floss and then brush, or better to brush and then floss?

1. 70

   BlissfulWriterposted 12 years ago

   Is it better to floss and then brush, or better to brush and then floss?

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2. 89

   Jlbowdenposted 12 years ago

   Hello Blissfulwriter:
   
   I never gave it much thought, but I do not think that it makes much difference which one you perform first. However I would think it makes the most sense to floss first, than if there are any trapped food particles between your gums and teeth, they will come out. Afterwards you can brush them away. This is what I usually do and sometimes I gargle with a good disinfectant type mouthwash prior to brushing, or after flossing. As long as you keep a clean mouth and brush at least twice a day, that is what matters the most. Hope this helps answer your question.
   
   Jl

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3. 57

   naturalgumptionposted 12 years ago

   Hello BlissfulWriter:
   
   Here's the skinny about floss.  The purpose of floss is simply to disrupt the matrix (skin) of plaque so that it can be washed away with saliva, and remove food that may be stuck at the junction of two teeth.  Seeing as your toothbrush does not reach in between the teeth (unless you are using a Rotadent), they are cleaning two different areas.  Timing is not nearly as important as technique, however many people have benefited from brushing first and then flossing before rinsing to help drive the paste under the gums and in between the teeth.  Hope this helps!
   Carrie, Registered Dental Hygienist, Natural Gumption Co-Owner

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4. 77

   CloudExplorerposted 12 years ago

   In my opinion its better to floss than brush, because after flossing you will leave unseen residue in between your teeth & I don't wanna leave them partially clean.

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5. 60

   Leanna McCarthyposted 12 years ago

   I floss first, then brush. This way any food bits released by the floss will be brushed away. It just feels cleaner that way.

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6. 60

   Jyoti Patilposted 12 years ago

   Well I would suggest Floss before Brushing is a better idea. Because when we Floss, the plaque and other things come out of our mouth leaving some stink. So to remove that stink we should brush later. If you brush first and then floss, chances are like more to leave a stink behind and no one likes a bad breath.

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