Helping your kids care for their teeth and gums on their own is one of the most important milestones of childhood. Empowering them to do this themselves not only takes some of the work off your already full plate, but it also sets them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health. If you’re wondering how to best educate them on how to floss their teeth, here are some helpful tips to get you started!
The Importance of Flossing
You may be wondering why flossing is such a big deal if you brush your teeth regularly. The truth is that brushing alone only gets about 70 percent of your teeth clean. There is still about 30 percent of their surface you can’t reach without dental floss. Furthermore, harmful bacteria can enter the gums at the gum line, so clearing them away from between your teeth can help lower your risk of gum disease.
How to Floss
Now that you know why your child should be flossing, it’s time to teach them how. If they are around six or seven years old, they should be able to follow these steps on their own once they get the hang of it.
- First, tear off an 18-to-24-inch piece of dental floss. Try a soft variety for children, as these tend to be gentler.
- Have your child wrap the ends of the floss around their index and middle fingers.
- Holding it in a “C” shape, have your child carefully slide the floss back and forth between their teeth, moving it up and down to keep it away from their gums.
- Be sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
- Repeat this until your child has cleaned between each of their teeth, even the front teeth or teeth with gaps between them.
If your child struggles to hold the floss properly, you may want to consider using floss picks at first until it gets a little easier.
Making Flossing Fun
If your child is hesitant to floss, here are a few ways to make it more enjoyable, including:
- Floss with them. They can benefit from watching a pro, and they’ll be more likely to want to do it if they see mom or dad doing it, too.
- Use a reward system. Though they won’t always get a treat for flossing, doing so at first can help encourage them to learn and understand the importance of caring for their teeth and gums.
- Let them choose. There are many flavors and colors of dental floss out there, so if your child isn’t thrilled with the type you’ve purchased, let them pick their own so they’re more likely to want to use it!
Remember, it is important that your child learns to care for their teeth and gums on their own. Flossing is a crucial step in any oral health routine and should be taught at around age six or seven. Try these tips for making this step easier and more comfortable for them, and they’ll be more likely to care for their teeth without your assistance.
About Dr. Garcia
Dr. Jose Garcia enjoys being able to help his patients smile. He and the team at Healthy Kids Dentistry work hard to make your child’s trip to the dentist pleasant, but he knows that caring for their oral health begins at home. If your child needs an exam and cleaning, Dr. Garcia is proud to help them ace their next appointment by helping to educate them on proper oral hygiene when they’re not in the office. If you have any questions or concerns about helping your kids take better care of their teeth and gums, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Garcia, please visit our website or call us today at 301-871-8880.