Do dentists recommend brushing before or after flossing?

The sequence of brushing and flossing makes no difference as long as the person does a thorough job, according to Colgate. People should brush teeth twice a day and floss once a day, states the American Dental Association.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque from tooth surfaces, and flossing cleans areas between the teeth to remove debris from areas brushing cannot reach, explains Colgate. Proper brushing takes a minimum of two minutes and involves using gentle, back and forth strokes to clean outer and inner tooth surfaces. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, people should visit a dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.