Flossing for Kids: How Often Should You Floss Your Child’s Teeth?
A quarter of Australian children aged five to 10 have some sort of untreated decay in their baby teeth. What can you do to make sure dental decay doesn’t affect your child during these important ages?
Managing your child’s dental care should be a priority. It’s just as important as taking them to see their paediatrician.
You know that it’s important to floss your teeth as an adult, but is it necessary for children? Get all of the facts you need to make sure your child has a healthy and beautiful smile with our guide to flossing for kids.
Start Early
Great oral hygiene starts early. You should have a soft bristle tooth brush for your baby’s first teeth and a gentle tooth paste as well.
What’s the right age for children to begin flossing? Doctors recommend that you begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch, around ages two or three.
Starting a healthy flossing routine for children early gets them used to the activity. It also starts them on the path to great lifelong dental health.
How to Start Flossing Your Child’s Teeth
When they are very young, it’s best to use floss picks for your baby’s teeth. It’s easier than using string floss at the beginning.
Around the time that they turn six, they should be able to use both picks and string floss on their own. Always monitor their use until they get the hang of it.
Practice the Right Flossing Techniques
Make sure that their flossing techniques are correct. If not, they could miss out on trapped particles of food which can lead to tooth decay.
With floss picks, run the floss between your teeth, rinsing after each pass. Replace the picks as they get worn out.
With string floss, cut off around 18 inches to use. Have your child wrap them around their pointer fingers and work the floss between and around each tooth.
The best time to floss is right before bed. Don’t give your child anything to eat or drink besides water after flossing.
Make Flossing Fun
The best way to get your kid invested in these healthy habits? Model the behaviour you want them to do!
They look up to you and want to copy what you do. Show them that flossing is important, easy to do, and fun.
Get them involved by having them pick out their own floss. Make a sticker chart and create a rewards system for each time they floss.
Demonstrating good dental hygiene habits is a great way to get them flossing on a regular basis. Plus, it helps decrease anxiety whenever they have to visit the dentist.
Guide to Flossing for Kids
Taking care of your kid’s teeth isn’t just about brushing and going to the dentist. Flossing is important too, and now with this guide to flossing for kids, you know how to do it right.
Are you in the Bondi area and looking for a dentist that can help your child’s smile sparkle? Contact us today to find out more about all of the services we offer!