Flossing is important for oral health- getting your kids into the routine at a young age can be very helpful. Your dentist in Lutz, FL shares their top tips.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

It's ideal for your child to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day to help prevent gum disease. Although brushing works well to remove plaque from the back and front of teeth, brushing can't always get into those hard-to-reach places and spaces between teeth. Even after your child brushes their teeth, they'll most likely still have plaque and food particles stuck in between their teeth.

Floss is one of the best ways to remove this plaque and stop cavities, gum disease, and more serious oral health issues from forming. Before brushing, take the time to look at your child's teeth. You should be able to see where plaque or food particles are still present. 



Floss will be able to quickly and efficiently remove all leftover food and plaque and leave your child's teeth clean and healthy.

A great first flossing tip to keep in mind is to start flossing your child's teeth early. Once their teeth begin to grow, it's ideal to get them used to the idea of flossing. The earlier you begin the flossing process, the better your child will do with it. 



If you wait until your child's several years old to begin flossing, they might not warm up to it as much. Ensure flossing is a part of their brushing routine at an early age so they understand it's a part of the routine and will feel comfortable with it. 

2. Choose a Floss They Like

If you want your child to easily transition into flossing, then it's beneficial to choose a floss they like. There are many different types of floss to choose from. Wax floss is a great choice because it'll easily slide between teeth and remove food and plaque. 

You can also find floss in a variety of different flavors. Bring your child to the store with you and allow them to pick out a floss. They'll be more willing to try it out when it's something they chose. 



Floss picks with a short amount of floss on one end work great to keep with you while on the go, but in the home, remember to use floss that's at least 18 inches long. This gives you enough floss to easily glide through the teeth.

3. Teach Them Proper Flossing Techniques

Next, you want to teach them some proper flossing techniques. Rather than having your child floss their teeth with a straight piece of dental floss, have them create a "C" shape with the floss. This will allow them to cover more area around the tooth while flossing. 

Teach them to use this technique by having them wrap the floss around both of their middle fingers. Then, have them hold the floss between their thumbs and forefingers. You'll now have them glide the floss between their teeth holding the "C" shape. 



Move the floss up and down to remove plaque from all areas of the tooth. 

4. Stay Consistent, Floss With Them

every day, twice a day. To ensure they stay on schedule, you can create a reward chart for them. 

Each time they complete a flossing session, they can put a sticker on that time and day. If they complete every day's worth of flossing by the end of the week, then they can receive a small reward. It's also important that you floss with them.

Flossing with them will set a good example and will ease their anxiety of having to floss while other family members are doing other things. 

5. Read Books About Flossing

Fortunately, there are many great children's books about brushing and flossing. Try to find a children's book about flossing that features some of their favorite characters. When they see their favorite movie or TV show characters flossing, they'll want to give it a try too. 



You can also find children's books about visiting the dentist and the importance of doing all the above. 

6. Schedule Regular Dentist Appointments

Although teaching your child how to floss your teeth and how to brush is essential, so is taking them to regular dentist appointments. Make sure to find a reputable dentist for your child near you. Then, speak to them about how often you should take your child to the dentist. 



A general rule of thumb is once every six months. However, if your child is suffering from current oral health issues, then they might need to be seen more often. Visiting a children's dentist on a regular basis will keep your child's oral hygiene in check and prevent any future issues from occurring. 

A Good Dentist in Lutz, FL Will Help Keep Your Child's Teeth Healthy

Flossing and brushing your child's teeth at home is a great way to help keep their mouth clean and healthy. As stated above, however, another important part of maintaining good hygiene is seeing a children's dentist in Lutz, FL. Regular brushing and flossing paired with regular dentist appointments is the best way to teach your child about the importance of flossing and ensure they have a clean and healthy mouth.



Are you ready to schedule a dentist appointment for your child? Contact us today to get started!