concentration is stronger than in mouthwashes. You're right I am hoping to get flouride absorption from the past staying on my teeth. So it makes sense to me that the stronger concentration of fluoride in the paste be used last to allow longest contact with the teeth and more time for absorption. 

I do use chlorhexidine as well so it does reduce plaque, bacteria and gingivitis that my brush can't reach. That was the antimicrobial I was referring to previously when I said it was the antimicrobial that kills the germs. Interesting on the alcohol didn't know that.