Pediatric Dentistry: The Importance of Flossing for Your Child’s Oral Health

Pediatric dentistry works with parents and children to keep gums and teeth healthy. Brushing daily may be an important part of oral care, but it is not enough. Flossing must be a habit in kids as well. If you want to know more about the importance of daily flossing, here are the details straight from a pediatric dentistry professional.

The importance of early flossing

Pediatric dentistry professionals can explain that flossing is an important part of a child’s oral health. Starting as early as pre-school can support a child’s teeth and gums. At this time, a child’s teeth will be close enough for plaque to build up. Understanding this dental habit at an early age can set healthy oral care practices until adulthood. Flossing before bedtime is ideal for most families.

The benefits

Studies show that brushing alone cannot remove all the plaque between teeth. That is why pediatric dentistry stresses how important flossing is. Using dental floss is a more difficult habit to set. But starting early will allow the child to understand and feel the benefits of flossing.

Flossing can remove food particles and plaque between teeth. It prevents plaque buildup. Bad breath, gum disease, and cavities can be avoided too. Children should form the habit of flossing to maintain healthy teeth and gums while growing up.

Tips on how to teach children to floss

The pediatric dentistry professional can help teach parents and children how to floss. Discussing the proper flossing techniques can make this habit easier for the kids. It is common to have some resistance at first. But with some practice, the child can incorporate flossing into everyday activities. Below are some pointers for teaching kids to floss at an early age:

• Using soft floss will not hurt a child’s gums. This is a type of comfort floss that works for many adults as well. Most kids prefer flavored floss.
• Letting the child choose the first floss can let the child feel good about flossing. Themed flossers can work at first. Transitioning to regular dental floss will be easier as the child grows up.
• Comparing notes and creating a family flossing chart can make this dental practice an entertaining game.
• Reminding kids about the importance of flossing can result in fewer dental visits.
• Giving the child a non-food reward by the end of a flossing week is a good training method.

The ideal age for flossing

Parents must start encouraging their children to floss as soon as baby teeth gaps close up. When teeth are close together, food can get caught between them. Children will need the help of a parent, guardian, or pediatric dentistry professional when flossing starts at age two or three. Some children start at age six when the baby teeth gaps close up.

Pediatric dentistry practitioners say that children can learn to floss early depending on their motor abilities. The goal is for kids to floss by themselves by 10 years old. This means more effort on the part of the parents. Even so, the rewards will be satisfying as the child grows up.