A common myth is that flossing your children’s teeth is not as important as flossing your adult teeth. This could not be further from the truth! We’re here to help you and your family understand the importance of flossing at all ages and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Why is Flossing Important?
Did you know that the tooth has 5 surfaces and brushing only reaches 3 of those? When you neglect to floss, you’re leaving your mouth vulnerable to a swarm of dental conditions. Flossing removes plaque and tartar buildup between your children’s teeth. Plaque, if not removed, can irritate your child’s gum tissue and cause gingivitis. Moreover, plaque can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria that produce acids that attack and destroy the enamel between your child’s teeth, resulting in tooth decay and cavities.
Methods of Flossing
- Traditional floss: This is also known as string floss and comes in waxed or unwaxed versions. You can remove sections at a time and thread them between your index fingers before use. With children, the adult should operate this floss until the child is old enough to perfect this style of flossing on their own.
- Dental picks (Dinosaur Handles): This option is most commonly used for children. They come in many fun styles and colors to keep your child involved.
- An interdental brush: These helpful tools are similar to small toothbrushes. These may make it easier to clean difficult-to-reach areas of your kid’s mouth. These are best used to get around the brackets and larger gaps between teeth for our children in braces.
- Flossing devices: Many alternatives available for purchase, including water flossers that have gained recent popularity like the brand Waterpik. We do not recommend using these exclusively, as you should still use traditional floss every once in a while, especially in children.
