The City Kids Dental team knows there are so many things to juggle as a parent.  Here is why flossing should be one of them:  
  • Flossing is a fantastic way of keeping kid’s teeth and gums healthy.  It is good to be cavity free.
  • Flossing sets your child up a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene habits and is an important part of overall health.  
  • Flossing cleans between the teeth and removes hard to reach plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach. 
  • Flossing prevents bad breath!

 We offer the following tips and tricks to make your job easier:

  • Know when to start. Your child should begin flossing when two or more teeth begin to touch. For some, that happens at age two and others meet this mark at age five. Focus your flossing on the touching teeth, then add other teeth into the routine as they begin to touch. The goal is for your child to floss independently by age 10, or whenever they can demonstrate proper technique on their own.
  • Find a the right tools. Some children find it easier to use traditional floss string while others prefer floss picks. We always encourage products that reduce plastic waste, ask us for a reusable E-Z-Floss Dental Floss Holder at your child’s visit. Many stores have flavored floss, which may add some excitement for your little one.
  • Master the technique. If using traditional dental floss, begin by using a length of floss that spans from your elbow to your hand. Show your child how to wrap the ends of the string around each index finger to reduce slipping on saliva. Make sure they use the floss to clean all the way to the bottom of each tooth, cleaning off the floss in between teeth so as not to spread plaque from one tooth to the next.  Mouth Healthy by the American Dental Association offers 5 Steps to a Flawless Floss. 
  • Make flossing a family activity. Your child will be more willing to learn when they watch you floss, too. Make the most out of their desire to imitate interesting things and challenge them to imitate your flossing technique.   
  • Reward a job well done. Consider offering tangible incentives when your child flosses properly, such as a sticker or small toy. 
Flossing can be fun, and we love giving parents the tools they need to succeed. As they learn to floss, your child will add another method to help keep their teeth strong and healthy. Teaching your kids healthy oral hygiene habits will provide long-term care for their teeth. If you need extra support, our hygienists are always happy to work with families to develop a flossing routine that works for you.   We are here to help you Flip for Floss and Floss like a Boss!