A Parent’s Guide to Proper Flossing

At Dentistry for Children, we are committed to helping our young patients develop healthy oral hygiene habits from a young age to ensure they maintain proper oral health and dental hygiene into adulthood. In addition to routine pediatric dental exams and cleanings, we emphasize the importance of at-home oral hygiene practices, including flossing, to keep dental disease at bay. Our kid-friendly team is happy to demonstrate proper flossing techniques to keep your child’s teeth clean and healthy.

The Importance of Maintaining Healthy Baby Teeth

Even though your child’s baby teeth fall out with time, it is important to keep them healthy and strong. Your little one’s tiny chompers are important for proper chewing and speech development. They also hold the space the adults need to come in the correct position. If a child’s baby tooth is lost prematurely due to poor oral hygiene, the remaining teeth may shift out of alignment, interfering with the adult teeth when they are ready to come in. Keeping your child’s teeth healthy right from the start helps lay the foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

What Are the Benefits of Flossing?

Even though most children brush their teeth regularly, flossing is often overlooked. Together, brushing and flossing can help lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and a host of oral health problems, safeguarding your child’s smile.

The following is a look at some of the many benefits of regular flossing:

• Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas: Flossing helps remove food particles, plaque, and debris from between the teeth, along and just below the gum line, and the tooth surfaces where your little one’s toothbrush can’t reach.
• Prevents Tartar Buildup: Flossing prevents plaque from hardening into tartar (calculus), which can only then be removed by a dental professional using special tools.
• Reduces the Risk of Cavities: Flossing has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities in the tooth surfaces a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Protects Against Gum Inflammation: Removing plaque buildup on the teeth and gum line helps lower the risk of gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if not treated.
• Improves Overall Health: Maintaining good oral health has been linked to better overall health in children and adults.
• Combats Bad Breath: Flossing helps remove food debris, plaque, and odor-causing bacteria from between the teeth, delivering cleaner breath and a fresher smile.
• Prevents Staining: Removing food particles and plaque from those hard-to-reach areas in your child’s mouth helps prevent them from staining and dulling your child’s teeth.
• Cost Effective: Lowering the risk of dental problems, including tooth decay and gum diseases, helps reduce the need for invasive and costly procedures down the road.
• Long-Term Oral Health: Practicing good oral hygiene habits from a young age makes it easier to maintain a healthy smile through the teenage and adult years.

When Should You Start Flossing Your Child’s Teeth?

It’s essential to instill proper flossing habits early in life. When children become accustomed to flossing at a young age, they are more likely to do so throughout their lives. But when is the right time to start? In general, we encourage parents to start flossing their children’s teeth as soon as their teeth begin to touch each other, usually between the ages of two and six.

At this point, you will need to do the flossing for your child to ensure it is done correctly. However, it is important to help your child understand the importance of caring for their smile. As your little one grows in dexterity and responsibility, you can gradually teach your child to learn to floss independently. Remember – flossing is just as important as brushing, so make sure to keep it a priority in your child’s daily home oral hygiene routine.

How Can You Encourage Your Child to Floss?

If your child is reluctant to floss, there are things you can do to help. Here are some tips to get your child excited about flossing:

• Be a Role Model: Children love to share activities with their parents, so the next time your child needs to floss, be sure to join in the fun. Your child will not only enjoy the special time spent with you but will also learn proper flossing techniques and realize the importance of flossing.
• Positive Reinforcement: The last thing you want is to turn flossing time into an unpleasant battle. Instead, offer treats, praises, or rewards for a job well done. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging your child to floss daily.
• Make It Fun: Role play with your child, taking time to pretend to floss a favorite stuffed animal or doll’s teeth. Get creative and enjoy fun games with your little one, like creating replicas of teeth and using floss to remove playdough representing plaque.
• Shop for Flossing Supplies: Take your child shopping to choose fun flossing tools. You’ll find yummy flavors and floss picks with fun colors and shapes your child will love. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to choose a favorite toothbrush and an exciting flavor of toothpaste.

What Are Proper Flossing Techniques?

Follow these simple steps when flossing your child’s teeth:

• Cut a piece of floss 18 to 20 inches long and wrap its ends loosely around your middle fingers on both hands.
• Hold the floss taut between your forefingers and thumbs, and gently slide it between your child’s teeth using an up-and-down motion.
• Curve the floss down the sides of each one of your child’s teeth and below the gum line in a “c” shape to remove plaque and debris.
• Repeat these steps until all the teeth are clean.
• That’s it! Time to celebrate a job well done!

Preventive Care Near Me in Highland, IN

If you need flossing tips or have any concerns about your child’s oral health, contact Dentistry for Children to schedule a consultation. Dr. Halum and our kid-friendly team are happy to demonstrate proper flossing and brushing practices to ensure your little one’s smile stays healthy and bright. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!