Flossing Tips

In the Know for You to Know

Flossing every night before you brush your child’s teeth goes a long way to teaching them this is something they will always do. Repetition lets them know, even from a young age, that is their normal, their routine, their habit.

So, when to start? The best time is when they are toddlers and they have 2 teeth touching. Yes, when any 2 teeth are touching.

If you can’t see a full uninterrupted 360 around a tooth, that tells you it’s time to floss.

Why Floss?

Brushing alone doesn’t remove everything.

Floss goes where no toothbrush can go. The bristles on a brush may look like they can go everywhere. They can’t. They can’t because they are too thick (really, no joke, totally serious). Unlike a toothbrush, floss fits in between their teeth and along the gum line under where the teeth touch.

Not only does this help with cleaning all the tooth surfaces, flossing also helps control bad breath.

Remember to floss first and brush second, so that you brush away the food and plaque the floss takes out from between the teeth.

Types of Dental Floss

There are so many to choose from –

• waxed and unwaxed,
• flavored (grape, bubblegum, mint) and unflavored,
• wide and regular,
• textured and smooth

There is also –

• regular string floss,
• pre-threaded flossers (great for children!),
• floss holders (you put on and change the floss with each use),
• floss threaders (if your child has braces).

Floss Techniques

Pre-threaded flossers are great when flossing your children’s teeth. There are so many colors, shapes, and flavors to choose from which makes this easier for you and keeps them interested and entertained. Remember to clean the floss with a tissue after flossing between each tooth.

Floss holders, once they have the floss put on are like using the pre-threaded flossers.

Floss threaders are great if your child has braces. You place the string floss through the loop and pass the floss threader at the tip top point of the triangle their gums form between their teeth, floss, and pull the threader with the floss straight out. Do not pull up or push down as this can dislodge their braces.

String floss is also a good choice. With this method you are wrapping floss around your fingers (like you do for yourself).

Where to Start –

You may want to start between the 2 front teeth and floss towards the back on each side. Or you may want to start in the back and floss all the way around their mouth, like a circle. Which ever is your preference and works best for you and your child, remember to floss the back side of the most back teeth.

How Long Do I Have To Floss My Child’s Teeth?

Like tying their shoes this takes time and dexterity. Don’t worry if it takes a little longer than you’d like, expect, or are hoping for. Usually around the time the children are 10 or 11 years old they start flossing and you start watching.

This way you make sure they are flossing between their teeth, especially the hardest to reach ones all the way in the back.

Success Is 1 Step At A Time

Don’t be discouraged if this is hard when you start. Try starting with 1 or 2 teeth a night in the beginning, and don’t forget to congratulate yourself on your success!

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!