Parents are usually skeptical when it comes to flossing. Questions like, “Is it safe?” or “Will it hurt my kids?” often comes to mind when their dentist recommends it. But what is flossing? And why was it recommended even for kids?
In this article, we will discuss the importance of teaching kids the importance of flossing and why most pediatric dentists recommend it. We will also provide you with a proper explanation of the benefits of flossing. Let’s dive in!
What is flossing?
Flossing uses a thin, flexible thread to clean between teeth and remove food particles and plaque. It promotes oral hygiene and prevents cavities and other dental problems.
Why is Flossing Important for Kids?
Flossing is as important as brushing. As you may notice, brushing is excellent for teeth cleansing, but some parts of our mouth can’t be easily cleaned by just brushing our teeth. Flossing helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria trapped in these hard-to-reach areas.
Flossing can remove plaque
Indeed, brushing can also remove plaque, but not everything, especially between teeth. Children usually eat a lot of sweets, and as you may know, this can cause cavities and other dental problems. Flossing should be used to remove the remaining residue of these harmful foods. Flossing helps prevent cavities and promotes healthy gums by removing plaque between teeth.
It promotes oral hygiene.
To improve oral hygiene, we should ensure our mouths and teeth are 100% clean. As we mentioned, flossing can do the remaining job that regular brushing can’t finish. Poor oral hygiene can have a negative impact, especially on kids. Parents must teach them proper and complete cleaning for better oral hygiene.
It helps prevent periodontal disease.
Out of all dental diseases, one of the most common yet scary is periodontal disease. This disease affects teeth and gums, often leading to severe tooth loss and other health issues such as cardiovascular diseases. The most effective way to avoid it is to have proper oral hygiene; flossing can increase your chance of having a 100% clean mouth.
When should kids start flossing?
Flossing becomes advisable for kids when they develop two teeth that touch each other. Usually, this occurs when they turn two or three. Since flossing involves a thin film that can cause harm, parents and caregivers should do their best to guide kids until they are ready to do it independently. Ten years old and above is usually the best age for them to do it alone.
Tips and Tricks for Flossing with Kids
Flossing is more challenging to teach than brushing, so as parents, what can you do to make it easier for your developing kid? Since they should start at an early age of 2 or 3, you can make it fun for your kids! Learning is always fun with games and tricks, so let’s see what fun things you can do to make learning easier and fun for them.
The Flossing Game
Have you ever heard of the flossing game? It’s easy to do and fun for both parents and kids. You only need a set of legos, play dough, and a string or yarn. What you need to do is to start building the Lego to look like blocks of teeth. Make sure that you leave space for the play dough. Once you finished building the legos, insert a few play doughs between blocks. The play dough will act like the plaque, and the legos are demonstrated as teeth. Kids will need to get the playdough out using the yarn. This will teach them the basics of flossing and what happens when they floss. Make sure to explain it to them so they will understand.
Ask a Pediatric Dentist for Advice
Pediatric dentists are trained to help a child learn about oral health and to help clueless parents with what to do. They are professional in handling kids and will help your kids learn properly. With that saying, it’s practical to ask your pediatric dentist for advice on how you can teach your child.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Falls Church, VA, look no further than Junior Smiles of Stafford. They are a trusted choice for exceptional pediatric dental care in the area. Their team is dedicated to providing a positive and comfortable dental experience for children of all ages.
Use Flavored Floss
Like toothpaste, flavored floss can add a bit of excitement for your kids. Many flavored flosses are available online and in your local drugstores. Make sure that you pick a flavor that your kids will love. This will make flossing more manageable and more delicious for them. In addition, don’t let them eat the floss.
Demonstrate It.
Other than fun and games, you must show them the proper flossing technique. Start with teaching them how to handle the floss and how they will use it in between teeth. Ensure you explain the importance of being careful with it and guide them through the process. Kids can have an impulse to be fast, so it’s only proper to explain it before you start letting them do it.
Final Thoughts
Kids are still in their development stage. As parents, we should teach them the importance of things they will need as adults, and flossing is one of them. Flossing is safe if you give them proper guidance and help them learn the appropriate way of flossing.
If you are having difficulty teaching your kids, you can always ask your pediatric dentist to help you provide the proper training and information for your kids. Start them young to help them live their best oral health until adulthood.
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