Flossing before brushing helps to remove accumulated plaque and debris, clearing the way for the fluoride in toothpaste to more effectively protect interdental spaces.

noli's read

This recommendation is based on solid scientific foundations, notably a randomized controlled trial (RCT) by Mazhari et al. (2018) published in the Journal of Periodontology. This study demonstrated that flossing first clears interdental spaces, which significantly increases the amount of fluoride that remains fixed there after brushing. Another clinical trial by Torkzaban et al. (2015) confirms that this sequence optimizes plaque removal. Nevertheless, to add nuance, a meta-analysis by Silva et al. (2022) published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene notes that the overall impact on the plaque index remains statistically similar between the two sequences in the long term. The creator's advice is therefore entirely valid regarding fluoride penetration, even if the most important factor for enamel health remains combining these two rituals daily, regardless of the order.

the sources

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