Do Kids Need To Floss?

Posted March 27, 2020

Many parents make sure their kids brush their teeth regularly, which is vital for maintaining optimal oral health and avoiding the onset of cavities. But they also need to floss! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist talks about how often kids need to floss, and why this is so essential for keeping little smiles bright and healthy.

When to Start

Children need to start having their teeth brushed as soon as the first one erupts. Likewise, kids need to start flossing as soon as there are teeth sitting side-by-side. Even if they brush or have their teeth brushed twice a day as recommended, this may not reach and remove the bits of food stuck between the teeth. Unless removed, bacteria can break down these trapped particles. This process leads to high levels of oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque buildup, a sticky bacterial byproduct linked to a higher risk of cavities and gingivitis.

Cleaning Smiles Every Day

You should help your little ones floss every night before they go to bed. For young children, you may use a floss pick, moving the floss up and down each side of every tooth, and dipping briefly below the gum line in a “c” motion. This helps remove all trapped food particles. As they grow older, you can upgrade to a floss tape and show them how to do this themselves. Be sure to monitor them at night to make sure they’re cleaning their teeth properly! These actions in adulthood not only help keep cavities at bay, but are a major factor in avoiding the onset of gum disease, so instilling these habits early is essential for better oral health in adulthood.

Brushing and Better Snack Habits

Your children also need to be brushing in the morning and again at night, for about two minutes each session. Make sure they use a rice-sized blot of fluoride toothpaste, and an age-appropriate toothbrush. You can find and download fun podcasts and apps to make the process fun, and even walk children through it. Be sure to stock your house with healthy snack choices. Instead of candies, chips, and sodas, offer water, fresh fruits and veggies, yogurt and cheeses, and nuts. If you have any questions about protecting little smiles from home, then contact our team today. We want to make sure our patients and their families are ready to maintain optimal oral health!

Do You Have Questions About Children’s Dentistry?

We want to make sure parents have the knowledge needed to help their kids enjoy healthier smiles. To learn more,  by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.