Do you floss before or after brushing?

While the order of flossing and brushing can be a matter of preference, most dental professionals and research suggest flossing before brushing is the more effective approach. An advantage of flossing first is that it removes plaque and debris from between teeth, which allows the fluoride in toothpaste to be more effective at getting in there and strengthening tooth enamel....

How do I floss with braces?

Flossing with braces requires a bit more effort than flossing without them, but it's crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. Special orthodontic floss is designed for use with braces and is often waxed for easier gliding. A floss threader helps you thread floss behind the braces wire. A water flosser can help reach areas around brackets and under wires. All these...

What does it mean if your gums bleed after flossing?

Sometimes, bleeding gums may appear to be the result of flossing. This is often a sign of gingivitis (the early, reversible stage of gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease. Healthy gums should not bleed. It can also indicate brushing too hard or improper flossing technique. Certain medical conditions or medications, such as blood...

Flossing: Benefits, Technique, & Tips for Effective Oral Care

WHY ORAL-B - FLOSS

Why Is Flossing Important for Oral Health?

Last updated 06/25

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Floss Daily: Aim to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Use Proper Technique: Gently slide the floss between your teeth and curve it around each tooth to remove debris effectively.
Choose the Right Tools: Select floss or flossing tools that suit your dental needs, such as waxed floss for tight spaces or floss picks for convenience.
Be Consistent: To maintain healthy teeth and gums, make flossing a regular part of your oral care routine. 
Consult Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist: If you experience discomfort or have questions about flossing, seek advice from your dental professional.

The Benefits of Flossing

Flossing is essential for keeping your teeth clean. Combined with regular brushing, it’s the one-two punch for plaque and tartar. But it also offers several other health benefits:

Prevents Cavities Between Teeth Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the surfaces, but it doesn't reach the tight spaces between your teeth. Flossing helps eliminate plaque and food particles from between your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities forming in these areas.
Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease Plaque buildup along the gumline can lead to gum disease, starting with gingivitis and potentially progressing to periodontitis. Regular flossing removes plaque from between your teeth and below the gumline, helping to prevent gum disease.
Freshens Your Breath Food particles trapped between your teeth can decay and lead to bad breath. Flossing removes these particles, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Improves Overall Health Maintaining good oral hygiene, including flossing, may reduce the risk of systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, and studies have shown a link between poor oral health and these conditions.

Image of father and son flossing their teeth

How to Floss Properly

There are better and worse ways to floss. Flossing correctly is crucial to reap its full benefits. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide:

Image of different types of flossers including floss picks and string floss

Tips for Effective Flossing

Making flossing more effective and easier means it’s more likely to be consistently incorporated into your daily routine. Consider these tips:

Floss Before Brushing
- Flossing before brushing helps to remove debris and plaque, allowing your toothbrush to clean the surfaces more effectively.
Choose the Right Floss
- Select a floss that suits your teeth.
- Waxed floss slides easily between tight teeth
- Unwaxed floss may provide a better grip
- For braces or bridges, consider using a floss threader or super floss
Use Floss Picks or Water Flossers
- If traditional flossing is challenging, try floss picks or water flossers. These tools can make flossing easier and more convenient.
Be Consistent
- Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to remove the day's buildup of plaque and food particles.
Visit Your Dentist or Dental Hygienist Regularly
- Regular dental checkups help monitor your oral health and provide professional cleaning to remove tartar that flossing and brushing can't.

Summary

Flossing might seem like a small part of your daily routine, but it plays a big role in keeping your teeth and smile healthy. Combined with regular brushing, it helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, and can even contribute to overall health.

Many people brush their teeth regularly but skip flossing. However, flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from areas that toothbrushes can't reach, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. So, flossing properly and thoroughly once a day, every day, is important.

While it’s not complicated, flossing correctly is crucial to reap its full benefits, so take time to learn how to effectively floss around each tooth without being too rough on teeth and gums. Using the right tools and making flossing easier increases the odds that you’ll do it consistently, so figure out what works best for you. And keep visiting your dentist and dental hygienist regularly to take care of the things flossing and brushing can’t.

By making flossing part of your daily oral health routine, you’ll enjoy a healthier smile and better wellbeing.

Good Oral Hygiene Starts with Oral-B

Healthy gums are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth. For healthy gums, the first line of defense is to see a dental professional. They can do a proper examination and provide advice. But there are things you can do to help.

Good oral hygiene is a vital component of overall health. Oral-B strives to provide high-quality tools that make your daily routine easier and more effective. Our products are engineered to target plaque and help you sustain clean teeth and healthy gums, supporting the foundation of a healthy mouth.

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Oral-B iO3 Electric Toothbrush + Travel Case

FAQs

While the order of flossing and brushing can be a matter of preference, most dental professionals and research suggest flossing before brushing is the more effective approach. An advantage of flossing first is that it removes plaque and debris from between teeth, which allows the fluoride in toothpaste to be more effective at getting in there and strengthening tooth enamel. Whether you do it before or after flossing, the important thing is that you floss at some point every day, consistently. 
Flossing with braces requires a bit more effort than flossing without them, but it's crucial for maintaining oral hygiene. Special orthodontic floss is designed for use with braces and is often waxed for easier gliding. A floss threader helps you thread floss behind the braces wire. A water flosser can help reach areas around brackets and under wires. All these tools can help you effectively clean behind your wires and around your braces.
Sometimes, bleeding gums may appear to be the result of flossing. This is often a sign of gingivitis (the early, reversible stage of gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease. Healthy gums should not bleed. It can also indicate brushing too hard or improper flossing technique. Certain medical conditions or medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding gums. In rare cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency. Be gentle when flossing and brushing and consult your dentist or dental hygienist if gum bleeding does not improve.

Sources

https://aaoinfo.org/blog/should-i-floss-or-brush-first/
https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/flossing-before-or-after-brushing-experts-weigh-in/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-floss-with-braces
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-waterpik
Biesbrock, A., et al. (2006). Assessment of treatment responses to dental flossing in twins. Journal of periodontology, 77(8), 1386–1391. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2006.050399
Pitchika, V., et al. (2021). Impact of Powered Toothbrush Use and Interdental Cleaning on Oral Health. Journal of Dental Research, 100(5), 487–495. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034520973952
Scientific American. (2021). The Surprising Perils of Periodontal Disease.
Sutor, S., et al. (2025). Effect of a powered and a manual toothbrush in subjects susceptible to gingival recession: A 36-month randomized controlled clinical study. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 23(1), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12834
Terézhalmy, G. T., et al. (2008). Plaque-removal efficacy of four types of dental floss. Journal of Periodontology, 79(2), 245–251. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2008.070345
Zou, Y., et al. (2024). A meta-analysis comparing toothbrush technologies on gingivitis and plaque. International Dental Journal, 74(1), 146-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2023.06.009

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