How To Help Your Child with Flossing (and Why!)
When families think about oral care, chances are “brushing” is the first thing to come to mind. Brushing is a vital part of any home care routine. And flossing daily is another important part of tooth care, yet most children (and some adults!) find it to be harder to remember, and to carry out properly. Helping little hands manipulate dental floss can take some time, but your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist knows all about tooth care for babies and children, and can assure you flossing is too important to overlook.
Help Your Child By Modeling Good Flossing
Children learn from what they see, and if you floss every night (or one a day, however it fits your schedule) they are more likely to include flossing in their dental routine. Gliding the floss gently around and between teeth doesn’t take a long time, and you can explain to your little one that floss helps reach places toothbrushes can’t. Floss can also gently dislodge tiny bits of food and bacteria that can get underneath the gums. If not removed and rinsed away, these left-behind particles can begin a cycle of gum inflammation and infection.
Experiment with Floss Types to Find What Works
Young children will not have the muscular coordination to floss properly, so you may need to floss for them. Some families find pics and holders make the job easier, and aid in coordination and ease of gripping. By about age 8, children should be able to floss for themselves. There are an amazing array of colored and flavored flosses, along with differing degrees of smoothness, so experiment with your child to find what makes the job easy (and fun) for them. Our team is always glad to answer questions and make suggestions,
Why Bother with Flossing?
Good brushing can reach tooth surfaces, but the bristles are limited in their ability to clean between teeth. Harsh brushing the clean the gum line can also cause problems, whereas easing floss gently between the tooth and gum can clean this area without irritation and abrasion. Diligent flossing can mean quicker checkups and cleanings, with less time removing tartar deposits that form between appointments.
Help Your Child Be A Flossing Superstar!
Great flossers aren’t born, they are made, and it puts young ones on a solid path to a bright and healthy smile. To learn more, or to schedule a visit, contact our office at 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.
filed under: Good Hygiene