happy tooth
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Brushing and flossing are equally important for your oral health, but let’s be honest about this. Many of us don’t floss — or, at least, as often as we should. And that is part of the reason why some dentists will tell you to floss before brushing. It gets you to do it. New York Times health reporter Catherine Saint Louis fielded a reader question most of us have probably pondered at one time or another: “Is it better to floss before or after brushing my teeth?” While few studies have been done to provide a great medical answer to that great question, dentists do have their opinions…

Floss first
Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett, a spokesman for the American Dental Association and a professor of restorative dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, recommends flossing first–just to make sure you do it. “Let’s face human nature, if you’re going to skip one, which one will you skip?” he told the New York Times.

Brush first
Dr. Philippe Hujoel, a professor of oral health sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, says it is best to brush first with a fluoride toothpaste and then floss. By doing it in this order, the fluoride that is still on your teeth will be spread even further as you floss.

Do note this
Brushing and flossing serve two distinct purposes. Brushing cleans your teeth, while flossing helps protect your gums from gum inflammation, known as gingivitis. If you get gingivitis, you could lose your teeth.

Bottom line…As long as you’re doing both, regardless of the order, you’re fine.