By dental hygienist Karina Carvalho
As a dental hygienist, I have helped many kids to boost their home care by demonstrating oral hygiene techniques and tricks. I also answered many questions from parents who wanted to improve their kids’ oral health. Unfortunately, many of these parents learned after the fact that their kids had some type of dental problem. To help prevent this, I gathered 6 of the most frequent questions parents have asked me regarding flossing their kids’ teeth.
My goal with this article is to provide you with simple tips to make flossing a healthy habit at a young age. Believe me, if you encourage kids to create healthy oral care habits early, they will last a lifetime.
So, here we go:
1. At what age should I start flossing my kid's teeth?
According to the American Dental Association, parents should start introducing flossing when kids have two teeth that touch one another. Parents should always floss their kid’s teeth and never let them floss by themselves at a young age.
2. Is flossing necessary for kids with baby teeth?
I always get asked this question, and the answer is YES! Flossing is particularly important, even for baby teeth. Without proper flossing, your kid will be at a higher risk of developing cavities and gingivitis.
”Flossing is the only way to clean between the teeth. Brushing alone does not remove the plaque and bacteria that reside between the teeth.
3. Should I floss my kid's teeth or let my kids floss alone?
Kids learn by example. It is a good idea to become a flossing role model and let your kids see you flossing your teeth every day. Children watch and mimic behaviors as early as infants. Parents should floss their kid’s teeth until they are old enough to floss independently using correct flossing techniques. Kids can usually floss on their own by the time they are 6 or 7 years old but only under adult supervision.
4. What is the best type of floss for kids?
Most kids have a tough time handling traditional dental floss, which can be frustrating, causing them to give up on flossing. To make flossing easier, use children’s floss picks. Parents should teach their kids to gently glide the floss pick up and down, back and forth to remove any food particles or dental plaque.
5. How often should my kids floss their teeth?
The American Dental Association suggests that kids should floss once a day. It is your choice to floss either before or after you brush. The best time to floss your kid’s teeth is before bedtime.
6. How can I get my kids to stick to a flossing routine?
Consistency is the best foundation for establishing healthy habits. Set a schedule and stick to it. For example, every night, before bedtime, it is time to floss. For teaching healthy flossing habits, it is essential to make it a fun family activity. Fun Forms Habits!
Starting kids out early with good dental care habits will pay off as they enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth. Flossing is an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Early instruction and encouragement to floss will lead to healthy and happy smiles.
If you have any questions or if you would like to share successful flossing stories, reach out at hello@flossminder.com.
