Brush, Floss, Rinse - What Should You Be Doing First?
Posted on 11/3/2025 by Lincoln Center Smiles |
 Have you ever stood in front of the bathroom mirror, toothbrush in hand, and wondered if you were doing things in the right order? Should you brush first, then floss, or is mouthwash the secret first step? This is a common question, and understanding the best routine can make a big difference in keeping your smile healthy and bright. Let's break down the steps and explore the ideal order for your oral hygiene routine.
Flossing: The Foundation of a Healthy Mouth
Think of flossing as cleaning between the floorboards before you mop. You need to get rid of the big stuff first! Food particles and plaque love to hide in the tight spaces between your teeth, where your toothbrush can't easily reach. If left untouched, these little invaders can lead to cavities and gum problems. That's why flossing is so important.
But when should you floss? Many dental professionals recommend flossing before brushing your teeth. Here’s why:| • |
Loosens Debris: Flossing dislodges food particles and plaque buildup from between your teeth. This makes it easier for your toothbrush to sweep them away effectively. |
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Better Fluoride Delivery: After flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste allows the fluoride to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including those newly cleaned spaces between teeth. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and protect against decay. |
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Habit Formation: Some people find it easier to remember to floss if they do it first thing. Integrating it into your routine at the beginning can make it less likely you’ll skip it. |
Brushing Your Teeth: The Deep Clean
Once you've flossed, it's time for brushing your teeth. This step removes plaque and surface stains, leaving your teeth feeling clean and smooth. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
When brushing, pay attention to all surfaces of your teeth: the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Brush gently in circular motions, making sure to reach the gumline. Spend at least two minutes brushing to ensure you’re removing as much plaque and bacteria as possible.
Mouthwash: The Final Touch
Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine, but it shouldn’t replace flossing or brushing. Mouthwash helps to kill bacteria, freshen breath, and can even deliver extra fluoride.
If you use a fluoride mouthwash, it's best to use it after brushing. This allows the fluoride to stay on your teeth for longer, providing extra protection against cavities. However, avoid rinsing with water immediately after using fluoride mouthwash, as this can wash away the fluoride.
How to Floss: A Quick Guide
Many people avoid flossing because they aren't sure how to floss correctly. Here's a simple breakdown: | 1~ |
Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with. |
| 2~ |
Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. Avoid snapping the floss down onto your gums. |
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Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth, sliding it gently under the gumline. |
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Move the floss up and down against the side of each tooth to remove plaque and debris. |
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Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. |
Finding the Right Order for You
While flossing before brushing is generally recommended, the most important thing is to be consistent with your oral hygiene routine. If you find it easier to floss after brushing, that’s perfectly fine. The key is to floss every day. If you are consistent and thorough with each of these steps, you will reduce your risk of developing a cavity and improve your overall oral health. Talk to your dentist about what order works best for your individual needs. |
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