Baby teeth are more important than you might think. As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, you should begin a flossing routine. Learn everything you need to know about healthy flossing for the love of your child’s teeth.
If you have any questions about cleaning your child’s teeth, be sure to talk to your child’s dentist. If you do not have a dentist, your WIC counselor may be able to offer you a referral.
What do I need to know about flossing?
- There are a lot of different types of floss. Your dentist will help you choose the best one for your family.
- For best results, flossing should be a daily routine. Children cannot floss well until they reach the age of 10 or so. You will need to floss their teeth for them. As you talk to them about what and how you are flossing, they will learn.
- Teach your children to be kind to their gums. Show them how gentle hands will avoid doing damage to their gums. Commit to helping your child floss every day!
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How to floss?
- Pull out enough floss for the number of teeth your child has. Be sure to pull enough for a different part of the string for each go between each pair of teeth. Also, choose a length that gives you enough to hold onto comfortably.
- Snapping the floss in between teeth is asking for trouble. Instead, use a gentle back and forth weave movement. Aim to get the string down to the gums between the teeth.
- Pay attention to what is on the floss. After each swipe, you should look for changes in the color of the floss or any smells you do not recognize. If you have any concerns, be sure to schedule an appointment with your child’s dentist. Remove harmful bacteria and plaque build-up by making flossing a thoughtful priority.
If you have any questions about how to floss, be sure to ask your child’s dentist for more details.