Should You Floss Before or After Brushing? Expert Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

Floss first or brush first? It’s a common question in daily oral care routines. While brushing and flossing are both essential for maintaining good oral health, the order you do them in can actually make a difference. In this guide, we break down recommendations to help you build the most effective oral hygiene routine for a cleaner, healthier smile.

Before we get into the sequence, let’s clarify one thing: brushing your teeth alone isn’t enough.

Your toothbrush reaches roughly 60% of your tooth surfaces.¹ The remaining 40%—between your teeth—needs to be cleaned too. That’s where flossing plays a vital role.

The benefits of flossing daily include:

● Removes food debris and plaque: Removes plaque from between the teeth and beneath the gumline, where toothbrushes can't reach, which can lead to gum disease.
● Reduces cavity risk: Eliminates trapped food particles that promote decay.
● Prevents bad breath: Gets rid of odour-causing debris which mouthwash can’t reach.
● Supports gum health: Helps reduce inflammation and prevent gingivitis.

Whether you use traditional string floss, floss picks, or a water flosser, daily use is what truly counts.

Brushing first loosens plaque and particles, and flossing afterward helps clear any residue toothbrushes may have missed. This method can also make flossing feel like a satisfying final step, helping to build a consistent habit.

Key advantages of flossing after brushing:

● Removes leftover debris: Brushing first loosens plaque and particles, and flossing afterward helps clear any residue toothbrushes may have missed.
● Encourages consistency: Makes flossing feel like a final, rewarding step in your oral care routine.

Many dental experts recommend flossing first. Flossing beforehand loosens food particles and plaque from tight spaces between teeth, allowing brushing to sweep them away more effectively—especially when followed by rinsing.

Key advantages of flossing before brushing:

● Loosens debris for better cleaning: Prepares teeth so brushing can remove what floss dislodges.
● Improves fluoride coverage: Helps toothpaste reach interdental areas more effectively.
● Reduces plaque more effectively: Some studies show flossing first leads to better plaque reduction over time.²

Ultimately, whether you floss before or after brushing, the goal is to make flossing a regular part of your routine to maintain optimal oral health.

Once you commit to flossing daily, the next decision is choosing between string floss and a water flosser.

● Effectively scrapes plaque from between teeth
● Affordable and widely available
● Doesn’t require batteries or water

However, string floss may not be ideal if you have:

● Tight teeth, limited hand mobility, or arthritis
● Braces, bridges, or other dental appliances

● Gentle on gums—perfect for those with sensitivity
● User-friendly, especially for kids or seniors
● Proven to reduce gum bleeding and inflammation in clinical studies³

Looking to make flossing more convenient and effective? Panasonic Water Flossers bring innovation to your everyday dental care.

Features that set Panasonic’s water flossers apart:

● Adjustable pressure settings: Ideal for sensitive gums, braces, or first-time users
● Multiple nozzles: Includes tips for general use, braces, or gum pockets
● Ultrasonic technology: Provides gentle yet powerful cleaning for improved gum health
● Cordless and travel-friendly: Easy to use at home or on the go

For gentle yet powerful cleaning, the EW-DJ66 Rechargeable Oral Irrigator and EW-DJ26 Rechargeable Oral Irrigator delivers a focused water jet and ultrasonic action that’s clinically proven to improve gum health by removing food debris, plaque, and stubborn bacteria—making it ideal for daily use.

Meanwhile, the EW-DJ11 Battery Travel Oral Irrigator offers a compact, palm-sized design that’s perfect for users with braces or sensitive gums who need an effective, portable solution for daily care or travel.

These user-friendly devices make it easier to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, especially when traditional flossing proves difficult or uncomfortable.

The best oral care routine is the one you’ll maintain daily. Whether you prefer a pre-cleanse with floss or a final polish, the goal is the same: cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and a fresher mouth.

Ready to take your oral care to the next level? Visit Panasonic’s website and explore the full range of personal care devices and oral care devices including water flossers and more! Discover smarter tools to help you maintain your best smile.

Reference:

1. Dental Health, Jun 2021
2. Mazhari, Fatemeh et al. “The effect of toothbrushing and flossing sequence on interdental plaque reduction and fluoride retention: A randomized controlled clinical trial.” Journal of periodontology vol. 89,7 (2018): 824-832. doi:10.1002/JPER.17-0149
3. AlMoharib, Hani S et al. “The effectiveness of water jet flossing and interdental flossing for oral hygiene in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances: a randomized clinical trial.” BMC oral health vol. 24,1 498. 27 Apr. 2024, doi:10.1186/s12903-024-04166-0