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Many people don’t realize that personal care such as oral hygiene is an important part of one’s overall health. Obviously, there are many personal benefits as well.

However, it can prove to be a challenge to get kids to want to do things like floss their teeth. Children that do it regularly do so because you as a parent make it a priority for them to do it.

This article takes a closer look at the importance of flossing for children this. Read on to find out more. 

  • The Importance of Flossing for Children’s Teeth and Gums
  • How to Floss Children’s Teeth Properly
  • The Benefits of Flossing for Children’s Teeth and Gums
  • What to Do if Your Child Is resistant to Flossing
  • The Consequences of Not Flossing Children’s Teeth

As a parent, you will do everything in your power to keep your child healthy. Oral health is an important part of your child’s well-being. According to the CDC, children with poor oral health are absent for more days from school and perform worse than their peers. 

Thankfully, you can start creating oral hygiene habits with your children that will help them have good lifelong oral health. Many parents teach their children to brush their teeth twice a day, but overlook the importance of flossing. 

Flossing removes food, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth that brushing alone will not remove, and it helps fight against tooth decay and gum disease. Experienced pediatric dentists like Dr. Bob and Dr. Monika at Brushin’ on Belmont recommend that you start flossing your children’s teeth early. 

Intimidated by the idea of flossing your children’s teeth?  Keep reading to learn more about how important it is and get some tips on how to teach your children to floss and make it part of your oral hygiene routine. 

When to Start Flossing? 

You should start to floss your children’s teeth as soon as they are close enough together that they touch or that food can get caught in between them. For most children, this will happen when they are between 2 and 3 years old, and for all children by 6 years old. 

Young children will need you to floss for them until they are coordinated enough to do it for themselves. 

Parents sometimes wonder if it is necessary to floss when their children still have their baby teeth that will fall out. The answer is yes! Baby teeth are necessary for chewing, help with speech development, and hold space for adult teeth, so it is important to take good care of them.   

By starting to floss early with your children, they are more likely to make it a habit that they maintain throughout their lives. 

Talk to your pediatric dentist at your child’s next appointment if you have questions about when you should start flossing with your children. When you visit the best dentist for children, they will be able to answer your questions and address any concerns.

The best dentists will be able to answer your questions and address any concerns you have. 

Why Is Flossing Important? 

If you have ever had a piece of food stuck in your teeth you know how important flossing is to get hard-to-reach food items out of your teeth. Food that is not removed from the tight spaces between teeth can become a space for bacteria and plaque buildup, leading to bad breath, cavities, and tooth decay. 

Over time, this buildup will not only damage your teeth but affect your gum health too. It is estimated that up to 50% of children have some form of gum disease, and this number only goes up for adults. Caring for gums from a young age is important because they are what hold teeth in place. 

Despite the importance of flossing, many people do not regularly do it. Many adults have negative associations that they pass on to their children. The earlier a child begins to floss, the faster it becomes part of their routine, ensuring they will continue to floss as adults.  

How to Floss Children’s Teeth

For many parents, the idea of flossing their children’s teeth is intimidating. Remember to stay calm and be gentle. Try to pick a time to start flossing when your child will be the most receptive to this new part of your routine when they are not overtired or in a rush to get ready for the day.

To floss with traditional dental floss, wrap it between two fingers and gently move it between teeth from the surface of the tooth to the gumline. Many parents find that it is easier to use a floss pick with their children. They are easier to hold and come in kid-friendly colors and flavors! 

Your children’s gums may bleed the first time you floss. This is normal and will stop over time. 

Flossing can be a strange new sensation for children. Some will complain that they do not like the feeling of flossing, but as they get used to the sensation, they will accept it as part of their daily routine. 

If you want more help learning how to floss your child’s teeth, take advice from the best dentist in Chicago. Do not be afraid to ask Dr. Bob and Dr. Monika at your child’s next appointment.

Teaching Children the Importance of Flossing

Children learn through example, so the best way to teach them the importance of flossing is by doing it yourself every day. Children who watch their parents floss will be more likely to accept it as part of their routine and continue flossing as adults. 

Tips for Flossing Your Children’s Teeth

With years of experience as pediatric dentists, Dr. Bob and Dr. Monika have advice for you to start flossing with your children. Here is what the best dentist for kids recommends. 

Try to make flossing fun! Make up a song, silly routine, or a story for when you floss your children’s teeth. You can have a reward system with prizes for family members who remember to floss every day.

Let your child participate in the flossing process by picking out their floss. Floss picks come in a variety of colors, flavors, and themes.

Be gentle and avoid irritating your child’s gums. Make sure to use gentle floss for your child, they will especially like it if it is flavored.

Be honest and knowledgeable about the importance of flossing. Teach your children that flossing helps protect teeth and gums and keeps them from having bad breath.

Time for Healthy Habits

There is no better time than now to teach your children the importance of flossing! 

Taking care of your child’s teeth and gums is a gift you give them that will last a lifetime. Good oral health comes from daily brushing and flossing at home, and routine visits to your child’s pediatric dentist. Trust the best dentist for children at Brushin’ on Belmont to help you keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. 

Need a little extra help to start flossing with your child? Dr. Bob and Dr. Monika are compassionate pediatric dentists, who can help you improve your family’s dental hygiene routine. Contact Brushin’ on Belmont to schedule your visit with a top dentist in Chicago today!