Brush or Floss First?

[Muse]

I usually brush first, but I'm not sure it matters. My dentist has me using a pick thing for between the molars, too.

 

[Muse]

The best answer is not in the poll. So, I am not voting.

The best route is to floss during the brushing. Get fluoride toothpaste on your teeth, then floss that fluoride toothpaste into the crevices between your teeth. That way you actually get the fluoride everywhere. Then finish with the brushing (i.e. spit out the toothpaste).

By the way, the ADA says that either way works as long as you actually brush and floss. http://www.ada.org/en/science-resea...ormation/floss-and-other-interdental-cleaners
"Should I brush or floss first?
Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job."

But then the ADA leans towards flossing first, "However, if you use dental floss before you brush, the fluoride from the toothpaste has a better chance of reaching between teeth." But do note that the ADA provides no actual study data to back up their leanings.

This is golden, absolutely golden... thanks!

So, yeah (I didn't vote), the best answer is:

brush, floss, brush

Or maybe better yet:

floss, brush, floss, brush, rinse

 

[irishScott]

I do brush, floss, mouthwash. So the mouthwash catches anything left by the flossing.

 

[Mixolydian]

People actually floss? I figured it was always one of those things that everyone *says* they do but no one actually does....

 

[irishScott]

People actually floss? I figured it was always one of those things that everyone *says* they do but no one actually does....

Who do you think is buying all the dental floss?

People with discipline are a minority, but we exist.

 

[pontifex]

i hate flossing, rarely do it. dental hygenist always asks if i floss and i feel like a little kid being reprimanded when i say i don't

 

[IronWing]

Gargle with burning everclear or you're a pussy.

 

[Newbian]

Why do they brush your teeth first and then floss you at the dentist then?

The ada recommends you are supposed to floss first to clean between your teeth so the toothpaste can get in there after.

Otherwise mine will floss 1st then brush like others have said.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I floss about once a week right now. It's much better than before which was never. I really need to start doing it more often again...

 

[SlitheryDee]

I never floss. I also haven't seen a dentist in like 20 years. I wonder what a dentist would say if they looked in my mouth.

 

[Muse]

People actually floss? I figured it was always one of those things that everyone *says* they do but no one actually does....

Silly girl/guy!

 

[HN]

Floss loop method.

I've been doing this for a good 20 or so years. it's easier to hold, uses less floss, and you have more usable floss area without losing that hold. i even made a handy diagram:

I never floss. I also haven't seen a dentist in like 20 years. I wonder what a dentist would say if they looked in my mouth.

 

[Muse]

I never floss. I also haven't seen a dentist in like 20 years. I wonder what a dentist would say if they looked in my mouth.

Fair chance you'll regret that some day. Make an appt.

 

[Carson Dyle]

brush, floss, brush

With different toothbrushes.

 

[tortoise]

easier to hold, uses less floss, and you have more usable floss area without losing that hold. i even made a handy diagram:

One option is to tie a center knot before tying the ends.