Flossing before brushing allows for the removal of plaque and debris, which subsequently facilitates better access and the protective action of the fluoride in the toothpaste within interdental spaces.

noli's read

This hygiene tip is based on a very interesting mechanical hypothesis. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) published by the Mazhari team in 2018 indeed showed that flossing first allowed for better plaque removal and increased the retention of protective fluoride between the teeth. Dislodging debris first does appear to clear the way for toothpaste active ingredients to act more easily in deep areas. However, a 2022 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene qualified this superiority by concluding that the order of steps does not have a statistically significant influence on the overall plaque index. Expert opinions, notably from the Cleveland Clinic, reiterate that the most important factor remains combining these two actions daily, regardless of the sequence chosen. This advice therefore offers a valid and scientifically documented optimization, even if its actual impact remains secondary to the overall consistency of one's routine.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.