Floss first or brush first? If you have ever stood beside your child's bathroom sink wondering which one should come first, you're not alone.

Children's oral-care routines can already feel like a lot. There is brushing for two minutes, remembering fluoride toothpaste, getting into all those tricky areas, and somehow convincing your child that bedtime is not the perfect time for a five-minute negotiation.

So, where does flossing fit in?

The good news is that there is no need to make it complicated. The NHS recommends cleaning between the teeth before brushing, while the American Dental Association (ADA) notes that either order can be acceptable as long as the teeth are cleaned thoroughly.

For parents looking for one simple routine to follow, floss first, then brush is an easy order to remember.

And if traditional string floss is difficult for your child, a children's water flosser can be another option for cleaning between teeth as part of an age-appropriate, supervised oral-care routine.

Why Does the Order Matter?

Brushing and cleaning between the teeth do different jobs.

A toothbrush is designed to clean the surfaces of the teeth, including the front, back and chewing surfaces. However, the spaces between teeth can be more difficult to reach with a toothbrush alone.

Floss and other interdental cleaning tools can help remove food particles and plaque from these areas. The ADA explains that interdental cleaners, including floss and water flossers, can reach areas that a toothbrush may not clean effectively.

When you floss before brushing, you can loosen food debris and plaque between the teeth before finishing your routine with a toothbrush.

Think of it as:

Clean between the teeth → Brush the teeth → Spit

Simple enough to remember, even on busy school nights.

So, Should Kids Floss Before or After Brushing?

If you're looking for a straightforward routine, before brushing is a sensible choice.

The NHS specifically recommends flossing before brushing.

However, it is important not to turn the order into a source of stress.

The ADA states that either brushing or flossing first is acceptable when interdental cleaning is done thoroughly.

So if your child already has a routine that works well with flossing after brushing, there is no need to panic or completely change everything overnight.

The bigger goal is to help your child build a consistent routine that includes both brushing and cleaning between the teeth where appropriate.

A simple routine to remember:

1. Floss or use an interdental cleaner
2. Brush with fluoride toothpaste
3. Spit out the toothpaste

For children, parents should follow age-appropriate dental guidance and supervise where needed.

Why Is Cleaning Between Kids' Teeth Important?

Children's teeth can have surprisingly tricky spaces where food and plaque may collect.

A toothbrush cannot effectively clean every surface between closely positioned teeth. This is why interdental cleaning can be an important addition to an oral-care routine.

For some children, traditional string floss works perfectly well. For others, it can be awkward, frustrating or difficult to handle.

This is where different interdental cleaning options can be useful.

A kids water flosser uses a controlled stream of water to help clean between teeth and around the gumline. It can be an alternative to traditional string floss for children who find conventional floss difficult to use.

Of course, every child's needs are different. A water flosser does not replace toothbrushing, and parents should choose an oral-care method that is appropriate for their child's age and circumstances.

If your child has braces, dental appliances or specific dental concerns, ask your dentist or dental hygienist which interdental cleaning method is suitable.

Children's Water Flosser vs Traditional Floss

There is no single flossing method that every child has to use.

Traditional floss can be effective, but younger children may struggle to maneuver the floss correctly between their teeth. It can also become another task that they don't particularly enjoy.

A children's water flosser can make interdental cleaning feel different from traditional flossing. Instead of trying to guide a piece of string between each tooth, children can use a water stream to help clean between the teeth.

For some families, that can make the routine easier to introduce and maintain.

The important thing is not whether your child uses string floss or a kids water flosser simply because one looks more exciting. The goal is to find an age-appropriate method that your child can use correctly and consistently.

And for younger children, supervision is important.

How to Introduce a Kids Water Flosser Into Your Child's Routine

If your child is new to water flossing, don't expect them to become an expert on the first day.

Start slowly and make it part of an existing routine.

1. Choose a regular time

Bedtime can be an easy time to build the habit because brushing is already part of most children's evening routines.

You could create a simple sequence:

Pyjamas → Floss → Brush → Story → Bed

Once it becomes familiar, there is less need for reminders.

2. Let your child get involved

Children are often more interested in routines when they feel involved.

Depending on their age and the product instructions, let your child help prepare the device, hold it correctly and learn the routine under your supervision.

3. Start gently

If you're introducing a children's water flosser, begin with the appropriate low setting and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The first few uses should be about becoming comfortable with the sensation and learning how to direct the water safely.

4. Keep it positive

Flossing doesn't need to become a daily argument.

Instead of saying, "You haven't flossed properly again," try making it part of the normal routine.

A sticker chart, favourite song or simple two-minute bathroom routine can make oral care feel less like a chore.

5. Be consistent

Children learn routines through repetition.

You don't need a perfect routine every single day. What matters is building healthy habits and helping your child understand why brushing and cleaning between the teeth are part of looking after their smile.

Does Every Child Need a Water Flosser?

Not necessarily.

Every child's teeth, development and oral-care needs are different. A children's water flosser can be a useful addition for some children, but it isn't something that every child automatically needs.

Traditional floss or another interdental cleaning method may work perfectly well.

If your child finds string floss difficult, has braces or dental appliances, or you simply want to explore another way of cleaning between their teeth, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about suitable options.

A water flosser should complement a good oral-care routine rather than replace brushing.

What About Elefloss?

For parents exploring a more child-friendly approach to interdental cleaning, Elefloss is designed around making water flossing easier to introduce into a child's routine.

The idea isn't to turn oral care into something complicated. It's about helping children become familiar with cleaning between their teeth using a format that can feel more approachable than traditional string floss.

A kids water flosser can become part of the routine alongside regular brushing, rather than replacing it.

As with any oral-care device, parents should follow the product instructions, use an appropriate setting and supervise their child where necessary.

You can explore Elefloss and find out more about the product through the Elefloss website.

A Simple Routine Parents Can Remember

If you're tired of wondering what comes first, keep it simple:

FLoss → Brush → Spit

Step 1: Clean between the teeth using floss or an appropriate interdental cleaner.
Step 2: Brush for around two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
Step 3: Spit out the toothpaste rather than immediately rinsing with water.

The NHS recommends brushing children's teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, including brushing last thing at night.

And remember: if your family already flosses after brushing, don't panic. The ADA considers either order acceptable when the teeth are cleaned thoroughly.

The best routine is ultimately one that your child can follow safely and consistently.

The Bottom Line

So, should kids floss before or after brushing?

If you want one simple routine to follow, floss before brushing.

It is the order recommended by the NHS, while the ADA confirms that either order can work when interdental cleaning is done thoroughly.

For children who find traditional floss difficult, a children's water flosser may be an option worth discussing with their dental professional. A kids water flosser can be incorporated into an existing routine, alongside regular brushing and age-appropriate supervision.

Most importantly, don't let the question of "before or after" become more complicated than it needs to be.

Build a routine. Keep it consistent. Make it comfortable for your child.

Because healthy habits start with small steps, one smile at a time.

Have Questions About Elefloss?

If you'd like to know more about Elefloss, how the product works, or whether a water flosser could fit into your child's oral-care routine, visit our Contact Us page and get in touch with the Elefloss team.

Explore Elefloss.

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Every child's oral-health needs are different. If you have concerns about your child's teeth, gums, braces or dental appliances, speak with your dentist or dental professional.