A Helpful Guide to Flossing for Kids
As a parent, cleaning and flossing your child’s teeth and gums will be critical for the rest of their lives. Establishing a solid oral hygiene routine early in life will help ensure that your child maintains good oral health habits throughout their adulthood.
When it comes to teaching your child how to floss, pediatric dentists recommend starting at the age of 2 or 3. If you want your child to be ahead of the game when it comes to oral health when they are adults, you must instill regular flossing practices in them while they are young and require supervision and support when they attempt to clean their own teeth on their own.
Importance of Flossing
The majority of dental plaque can be removed by brushing teeth correctly and consistently. On the other hand, Brushing is unable to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas. This comprises the spaces in between the teeth and beneath the gums, as well as the actual teeth themselves. Tooth decay and gum disease can develop if plaque is not cleaned regularly. Additionally, flossing aids in eradicating tartar and plaque:
- Clean between the teeth and under the gums to remove food and debris that has been stuck there.
- Smooth down tooth surfaces
- Manage bad breath
Even though brushing your child’s teeth twice a day is important for getting rid of plaque on their teeth, it is not enough. Once your child’s teeth touch, their toothbrush won’t be able to clean the areas between the teeth well. This is why your child needs consistent flossing as part of their oral healthcare routine. Plaque can build up between your child’s teeth, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other serious infections. Flossing can remove this plaque bacteria and stop it from building up.
When Should You Begin Flossing Your Child’s Teeth?
As soon as two teeth meet, you can begin flossing your child’s mouth. It’s okay to brush just the baby teeth when they first come in, as long as they aren’t close to one other. Floss, on the other hand, removes plaque that sticks to teeth that your child’s toothbrush can’t reach between the teeth and under the gums. Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine for your child includes brushing and flossing twice a day.
Continue helping your child floss until your child is able to floss thoroughly on their own. Your youngster may not have the physical ability needed to properly floss their teeth if they aren’t old enough to tie their shoelaces.
Proper Flossing Methods
The best dental floss for kids will be the easiest for you to work with, and there are many different kinds of dental floss to choose from. To make things a little bit simpler, we usually suggest using a mild floss or a kids’ dental floss pick.
Try alternate positions, and one-handed floss picks for toddlers and little children who don’t like flossing. Sit behind your child and have them look up. Rest their head on your shoulder or upper arm and gently drawback their cheek and lips to look.
Traditional flossing:
- Wrap your index fingers around an 18-inch length of floss that you hold between your thumb and forefinger.
- Floss between any two teeth, relaxing the floss and bending it around a tooth as you do so.
- Floss one side of the tooth and then the other, swiping the floss under the gum line as you go. Use a new section for each set of teeth.
Kid’s dental floss pick:
- As long as you’re using a pre-threaded kids’ floss pick, you’ll follow the identical approach of slithering the floss along one side of the tooth and beneath its gum line, and then the other side.
- Once a day, regardless of the method, make sure to floss your child’s teeth.
Teach Your Child To Learn The Proper Flossing Technique
Here are the three easy steps you can teach your child about flossing:
- To begin, have your kid trim around 18 inches of floss from the roll.
- Make a loop around the middle or index finger of each hand with the ends of the floss.
- Take care not to over-stretch the floss, which can cause damage to the gums. Children need to understand that flossing removes food particles between the gum line and each tooth’s surface.
It would be best to make flossing a fun activity, so it would be something your child would look forward to every day. There are many colors and flavors of floss to choose from, so your child is sure to find one they like. For better control, some kids prefer pre-threaded flossers or floss holders.
Read Next: Where to Get Tooth Spacers for Your Child
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about flossing kids
You should chat with your child’s dentist about when it’s OK to begin flossing their teeth, as their smile is as unique as they are. Your child’s dentist can also offer advice on the best kinds of floss for kids and how to help satisfy any specific or special needs your child has in relation to their dental care. Contact the most reputable pediatric dentist if you have further questions about flossing. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.