An A-Z Guide Of Flossing In Children’s Teeth Written By: Dr. Ankita Shah, July 2019

A healthy mouth lays down the foundation for overall health. It’s best to teach children and inculcate oral care from a young age as a part of daily routine. We all know that brushing is an important aspect of preventing your teeth from decay. But did you know flossing also plays a very crucial in maintenance of oral hygiene. If you don’t floss you miss cleaning 40% of your teeth surfaces.

WHAT DOES A FLOSS DO?

A floss reaches the areas between two teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. It helps in getting rid of plaque and food particles from these areas and thus prevent cavities. Additionally flossing also helps in reducing bad breath by clearing away the odor provoking bacteria from between teeth.

WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN START FLOSSING?

Milk teeth generally have spacing between teeth. A floss should be used only when teeth are in close contact. Ideally a parent can start flossing their child’s teeth by 3 yrs. We recommend you to supervise the flossing until they turn 8-10 yrs and have attained the dexterity to do it on their own.

WHICH ARE THE BEST KIDS FLOSSERS?

A waxed dental floss moves easily through the teeth unlike an unwaxed dental floss. Also a braided dental floss is infused with fluoride and a variety of flavors like mint, bubblegum, fruity which makes it more enjoyable for children. We recommend using a braided dental floss since it covers a larger area and is very gentle on the gums. Dental floss picks have a pre-strung piece of floss on a plastic handle. These are most useful for children who are just learning to floss. Water flossers are much more fun for kids aged 6 and above. It’s perfect for children with braces. It shouldn’t be used a substitute for other forms of flossing.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD FLOSSING BE DONE?

The American Dental Association recommends flossing atleast once a day especially after a meal. A mild amount of bleeding when flossing is common and it subsides in a couple of days once the gums become stronger.

HOW TO FLOSS CHILDREN’S TEETH?

Children are great imitators. They can perform a task well when parents demonstrate the process and repeat it every day. It’s called the loop/circle method. Cut off approximately 18 inches of the floss and tie it forming a circle. Next, place all the fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Then, use your index fingers to guide the floss through the lower teeth and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth. Make sure to bend the floss to form a C and go below the gumline. A new section of floss should be used when moving to the next tooth to avoid spreading of germs.

HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS EXCITED ABOUT FLOSSING?

It’s a task for adults to floss regularly, so no wonder getting kids excited about flossing is another challenge. Try some of these tips to make flossing an enjoyable activity.

Make it a family activity

Positively reinforce them with their favorite gift or other incentives after a successful flossing session.

Show them some kid-friendly educational videos of what can happen if they don’t floss their teeth.

Make a flossing game and compete with one another.

Take them shopping to pick up their favorite floss, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Flossing is crucial to oral hygiene and every parent must ensure to teach their child how to floss. A healthy outside starts from a healthy inside.

May the floss be with you!

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Keywords : children’s dental floss, how to floss children’s teeth, best kid flossers, water flossers, dental floss, oral care, flossing tips, dental floss pick

Note : This article was written and published by Dr. Ankita Shah for WorldOfMoms.

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