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LiveScience
LiveScience
Ashley Hamer Pritchard

Should you floss before or after you brush your teeth?

A young woman looks in the mirror as she flosses her teeth.

Brushing your teeth is important for keeping your mouth clean, preventing cavities and avoiding noxious breath. Flossing is equally important for many of the same reasons — but should you floss before or after brushing?

The official stance of the American Dental Association (ADA) is that it doesn't matter. "Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job," the ADA says.

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