Should Children Floss Their Teeth?
We recently talked about how to help children properly brush their teeth. But what about floss? Do kids actually need to floss their teeth? In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about how to correctly clean between teeth, and how this helps benefit your child’s tooth and gum health.
Starting the Process
Kids should begin to floss as soon as there are teeth sitting side-by-side, as now particles from foods and drinks have a place to become trapped. For toddlers, you may need to do this yourself with a pick, but as your children grow older and dexterity improves, they can use a pick themselves and eventually upgrade to floss tape. This process is important because harmful oral bacteria will break down and consume the bits of food trapped between the teeth or in the gum line. In doing so, this elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a layer of plaque and tartar buildup. The buildup then weakens and erodes the outer enamel, making the onset of cavities more likely. For older kids, this could cause swelling and soreness in the gums, and lead to gingivitis.
Cleaning Between the Teeth
Essentially, whether you use a pick or tape, you need to clean up and down each side of every tooth. When you do, be sure to dip below the gum line in a “c” motion to extract any trapped particles. While there may be initial sensitivity when your child starts flossing, this goes away with time. Children should do this every evening before bed, without exception. Even if you’re traveling out of town or visiting family, be sure you and your family take time to brush and floss properly!
Dental Cleanings
We also recommend a visit every six months too. We can examine your child’s smile to make sure he or she is properly cleaning the teeth, and also offer tips for better oral hygiene. The cleaning process allows our team to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth, which helps lower the risk of cavities and gingivitis. The holiday season is right around the corner, so before things become too hectic, we recommend scheduling the last visit of 2021, so we can help your little one start 2022 on the path toward a bright and healthy smile. If you have any questions about caring for little smiles from home, or if you would like to schedule a checkup and cleaning, then give us a call.
Talk to Your Dallas, TX Dentist’s Office About Children’s Dental Care
Our team is ready to see your child and help end the year with healthier smiles. To schedule a visit for your little one before 2021 ends, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services