How To Teach Your Kids To Floss

Posted on 8/21/2023 by Fariba Mutschler

It is hard to underestimate the importance of flossing, no matter what your age is. Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. While preventing gum disease is important, kids don't always floss well and may need some pointers. Here are some tips to make sure your kids have amazing flossing skills.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Flossing your teeth goes hand in hand with brushing. You floss because while you are eating, food particles become trapped in between your teeth and gums. By flossing, you remove those particles that can act as a food source for bacteria. Those bacteria are always present in your mouth- but the more you don't floss, the more food supply the bacteria would have to cause both tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing is a great preventative measure for amazing dental health.

Teaching Your Kids to Floss

One of the best ways to teach your kids to floss is to let them watch you floss first for a period of time. At the stage where you want children to imitate your flossing, you may want to switch to flossers. Flossers are easy for children to floss with because they have a small handle that is perfect for small children's hands.

Be sure you open your mouth wide and explain to your child what you are doing. Emphasize to the child not to push on their gums too hard, because that will cause them to bleed.

Once your child has the act of flossing down, it's time to let them try flossing on their own. It's a great idea to allow your child to pick out their own toothbrush and tooth flossers so they can be excited about flossing. You can also try a flossing chart with your kids, so they know if they do a great job, they will get a reward. By teaching your children good flossing habits, you are setting them up for a lifetime of great dental health.

My daughter was a little nervous to have her dental work done but everyone in the office was super friendly and very reassuring and that helped her nervousness go away. Thanks for the excellent dental experience. ~ Lilyana G.

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Our Dental Blog | Great Grins Pediatric Dentistry - Portland, OR
Dr. Fariba Mutschler & Dr. Mark Mutschler have created this informative blog to help educate the community. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the share it button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
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