Floss, Brush, Mouthwash: What's the Best Order?

You know that brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are key to preventing cavities, gum disease, and ensuring fresh breath. But is there a particular order in which you should do these activities? 

At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith regularly get this question from patients. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide. Keep reading to learn the best order to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash to boost your oral health and keep your smile cavity-free.

Why order matters in oral health care

If you brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly, you might assume that as long as you do these things, the order doesn’t matter. 

While it’s great that you’ve made these activities habits, following a specific sequence can help you more effectively remove bacteria and plaque. Mixing up the order or skipping a particular step can have far-reaching consequences. 

The good news is that a little change to your routine can make a big difference, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Step 1: Floss 

We recommend flossing your teeth first. This helps remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria between your teeth and beneath your gums. It also makes it easier for fluoride toothpaste to get into all the cracks and crannies that might be blocked off otherwise. 

For optimal results, break off about 18 inches of floss from the spool and wrap it around your middle fingers. 

Then, use your index fingers to gently guide the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth. 

While it can be tempting to rush through the process, take your time. Moving too quickly can cut your gums or cause you to miss a section.

Step 2: Brush 

After finishing flossing, squeeze a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste onto your toothbrush and begin brushing. Be careful to brush all sides of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. Brush in short circular motions, rather than back and forth, and make time to scrub each section of your mouth, including the teeth at the front and very back. 

It can be tempting to scrub your teeth forcefully, but this can damage your gums. Instead, apply gentle, even pressure. If you have a tendency to overbrush, hold your toothbrush with your thumb and index finger. This makes your grip less forceful and is easier on your tooth enamel and gums.

Step 3: Rinse with mouthwash

Once you’re done flossing and brushing, rinse with mouthwash. This step helps kill any remaining bacteria and keeps your breath fresh. It can also offer protective benefits, like fortifying your enamel with fluoride and reducing future plaque buildup. 

When choosing a mouthwash, think about your unique oral health needs. For example, if you have a history of cavities, try one that contains fluoride. Or, if you struggle with bad breath, you may benefit from a brand like TheraBreath, which is specifically designed to target the bacteria responsible. 

If you’re unsure which product to choose, we’ll be happy to recommend one.

We can help keep your teeth, gums, and smile healthy

Flossing, brushing, and rinsing with mouthwash are key to preventing cavities and gum disease, but they’re just a few of the many steps required for optimal oral health. If it's been more than six months since your last checkup, now is the perfect time to schedule an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning with your general dentist!