I've actually tried both ways over the years, and honestly, I didn't notice a huge difference in gum sensitivity or bleeding—at least not enough to say one method's clearly better. But brushing first does seem to loosen things up nicely, making flossing feel quicker and smoother. Plus, there's something satisfying about finishing with mouthwash...like putting the cherry on top, you know? Might be worth experimenting a bit and seeing what feels best for you.
"But brushing first does seem to loosen things up nicely, making flossing feel quicker and smoother."
Interesting observation, but from my experience, flossing before brushing actually feels more effective. When I floss first, it seems to clear out those tricky spots between teeth, allowing the toothpaste to reach deeper and clean better. Mouthwash afterward still gives that fresh finish you're talking about, though. Might just be personal preference...but it's worth considering the floss-first approach if you haven't given it a proper go yet.
I've tried both ways, and honestly flossing after brushing just feels cleaner to me. Maybe it's psychological, but brushing first seems to loosen stuff up, making flossing easier. When I floss first, I always worry I'm just pushing debris around...but who knows? Dentists seem divided on this too, so maybe there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
I've wondered about this myself quite a bit. Honestly, your reasoning makes sense to me—brushing first probably does loosen things up, making flossing afterward feel more effective. I've tried both ways too, and I get what you mean about worrying you're just pushing stuff around if you floss first.
A dentist once explained to me that flossing first helps remove debris between teeth, allowing fluoride from toothpaste to reach those tight spaces better. But then again, another dentist said exactly the opposite—that brushing first loosens plaque, making flossing afterward more efficient. So yeah, even the professionals can't seem to agree on this one.
I think it might come down to personal preference and what feels best for your mouth. Dental hygiene is as much about consistency and comfort as it is about technique. If flossing after brushing feels cleaner and encourages you to stick with the routine, that's probably the best choice for you. After all, the most important thing is that you're actually flossing regularly, right?
For what it's worth, I've settled into a similar routine as yours—brushing first, then flossing—and my dentist hasn't complained yet. Maybe we're onto something here...or maybe it's just psychological reassurance. Either way, if it works, it works.
I've been thinking about this too, but here's another thing—where does mouthwash fit into your routine? I've tried rinsing after flossing, but sometimes I wonder if I'm washing away the fluoride from the toothpaste. Do you guys think mouthwash is better before brushing, after flossing, or maybe at a totally different time of day...? Curious how others handle this one.
