Blog Post

Should You Brush or Floss First?
Posted on 10/01/2016

Should You Brush or Floss First?

We get a lot of questions from parents and patients alike here at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala, and we love that - it means that our patients and their families are invested in their dental health, which is the perfect attitude for maintaining a healthy smile. By far, the most common questions we get are about brushing and flossing - and in particular, which should come first. It's an understandable concern, so for this blog, we'll give you all you need to know about the correct way to order your dental hygiene routine.

A Matter of Preference

Some people argue that flossing first is best, and intuitively, this makes sense: it would seem that flossing dislodges plaque from between and around the teeth, clearing the way for a brush to finish the job and sweep everything clean. But while that makes sense from an intuitive standpoint, evidence on the matter shows that order actually has no effect - so ultimately, it doesn't matter whether you brush or floss first. It's completely up to you!

What's important above all else, though, is to brush and floss thoroughly every day. Unfortunately, many people neglect flossing because they feel tired or that they're short on time, but this can lead to plaque and bacterial build up that can cause tooth decay and cavity. Brushing and flossing are a vital part of maintaining healthy teeth for both you and your child, so be sure to maintain a strong routine for yourself and to teach your child to brush and floss every day.

Contact Your Kahala, HI Children's Dentist

Have more questions about oral hygiene or want to stop by for an appointment? We're here to help! Feel free to call us at (808) 737-0076 or reach out to us at our contact page with any questions or to schedule an appointment at our Kahala, HI office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we hope to see you back at this blog for more helpful updates on keeping your and your children's smiles healthy and strong!