Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 5 minutes
Flossing is a vital part of your child’s oral hygiene routine, yet it often gets overlooked.
Dental flossing removes food particles from between teeth and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re wondering how often to floss, when to floss, and which type of floss is best for kids, this guide will answer all your questions.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Flossing is the key to keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright, protecting against tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Make it fun with flavored floss, a playful routine, or rewards, and watch your child build habits that last a lifetime!
Why Is Flossing Important for Kids?
Flossing plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy smile. Here’s why it’s important for your child’s oral health:
- Prevents tooth decay: Flossing helps remove food debris and dental plaque that brushing alone can’t reach. This is especially important for areas between the teeth, which can be prone to cavities.
- Fights gum disease: Regular flossing prevents gum disease, which can cause gum swelling, bleeding, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
- Eliminates bad breath: Removing food particles between the teeth reduces the risk of bacteria growth, which is a leading cause of bad breath.
- Healthy baby teeth: Flossing helps protect baby teeth from decay, setting the foundation for strong, healthy adult teeth.
How Often Should You Floss Your Child’s Teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day.
Flossing frequency tips
- For kids under 6: Parents should help or supervise flossing until your child develops the dexterity to floss on their own.
- For older kids: As your child gets older, encourage daily flossing, ideally before or after brushing.
Do You Floss Before or After Brushing?
Either option is good. Flossing before brushing removes food particles from between the teeth which are then removed by brushing.
Flossing before brushing also ensures your child actually flosses. If left until after brushing, they may neglect or forget to floss.
What’s important is that they floss once a day, whether that be before or after brushing.
Best Floss for Kids
Choose a floss that is easy for your child to use. Here are some options to consider:
- Traditional floss: If your child has the manual dexterity to handle regular floss, opt for waxed floss, which slides easily between teeth.
- Floss picks: Floss picks or pre-threaded flossers are excellent for kids who struggle with traditional floss. They’re easy to hold and maneuver.
- Water flossers: Also known by the brand name Water Pik, these are a great option for older kids with orthodontics. They can be used on you get kids, but you will have to do it for them.
- Flavored floss: Flavored floss can make the flossing process more enjoyable for kids, encouraging consistent flossing habits.
Flossing Techniques: How to Do It Right
Proper flossing technique is key to getting the most benefit. Follow these simple steps to ensure effective flossing:
- Cut a piece of floss: Use about 18 inches of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers.
- Gently slide between teeth: Hold the floss between your thumb and index finger and gently slide it between your child’s teeth.
- Form a C-shape: Once the floss is between the teeth, curve it into a C-shape around each tooth and gently slide it up and down.
- Use clean floss for each tooth: Make sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring plaque and bacteria.
- Don’t forget the back teeth: Make sure to floss the upper teeth, lower teeth, and the back molars, where food particles and plaque often accumulate.
What Happens If You Don’t Floss?
If you skip flossing, food particles and dental plaque build up between the teeth and along the gumline, contributing to:
- Tooth decay: Plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to cavities and decay if not removed.
- Gum disease: Left unchecked, plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis (gum disease), causing inflammation, bleeding gums, and potential tooth loss.
- Bad breath: Food particles left between the teeth attract bacteria, resulting in persistent bad breath.
Tips for Making Flossing Fun for Kids
Flossing can be a challenge for kids, but with a few tricks, you can help them establish healthy habits:
- Create a routine: Make flossing part of the daily oral hygiene routine.
- Positive reinforcement: Praise your child for flossing, and offer rewards for consistent flossing sessions.
- Make it a fun activity: Use fun, child-friendly packaging or flavored floss to make flossing more exciting for your little one.
- Pick a floss option they like: Whatever method you choose, make sure it’s something they enjoy using. Flossers are great because they can use them on-the-go.
Bonus tip: Throw flossers in their lunch bag, sports bag and back pack. Keep them in the car and give them to your child to use when traveling to and from school or just any time you think of it!
Book Your Appointment at Denver Youth Dentistry Today!
Flossing is an essential part of your child’s oral hygiene routine and helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
By establishing good flossing habits early and using the right tools, you can ensure your child’s smile stays healthy and bright for years to come.To book an appointment at our Denver, Aurora. Thornton or Hampden locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online inquiry form!
