Are your kids flossing properly?
The answer: probably not!
In today’s blog, the Teeth R Us team outlines the reasons why your kids likely are not flossing adequately… as well as why it matters to their general oral health, the common mistakes kids make when flossing, and how to get their flossing routines up to snuff.
The Importance of Flossing
Flossing is a non-negotiable step in any healthy oral hygiene routine.
In fact, flossing:
- Removes existing plaque from between teeth, which, in turn, mitigates the risk of gum disease and cavities
- Provides you or your child with the opportunity to examine their mouth for any signs of inflammation or tooth decay
- Bolsters the health of sensitive gums to limit future sensitivity and reduce bleeding over time
- Helps prevent the staining of teeth when done after meals in combination with brushing
In short, flossing a minimum of twice a day is as essential for your child’s oral hygiene as brushing twice a day.
Common Mistakes Kids Make When Flossing
One of the most common mistakes we see related to children flossing is not teaching them to floss early enough.
Flossing should be taught to children as soon as they have a minimum of two teeth that touch one another. Having a parent or guardian step in to floss for them during this time will not only help ease them into the habit, but will also help the teaching process along once they are old enough to try flossing for themselves. This age is typically between six and seven years old.
The second-most-common mistakes kids make when flossing is, of course, not flossing for long enough. Not thoroughly flossing (which means either not flossing all teeth or flossing only briefly) will not work to provide the myriad benefits that flossing touts. This tends to become apparent if a child receives braces, which can make flossing more challenging.
How to Get Your Child’s Flossing Routine Up to Snuff
Here at Teeth R Us, we have a few tried-and-true ways to help get your child’s flossing routine up to snuff.
These flossing tips and tricks include:
- As mentioned, starting your child’s flossing routine early (typically when they are six or seven years old)
- Monitoring your child during flossing time or making it a family activity
- Asking your dentist for fluoride treatments or supplements to enhance the resilience of your child’s teeth
- Opting for electric flossers or dental picks if your child lacks the coordination to floss properly with traditional flossing methods
- Querying your dentist about dental sealants if you have concerns that your child will develop tooth decay
Whether you have further questions or comments about why your kids likely aren’t flossing properly or are looking to book your child’s next appointment, reach out to us today: the Teeth R Us team is always happy to help!