In the Know for You to Know

Flossing your child’s teeth is especially important. Yet it is frequently overlooked. This is because no one really teaches us how to floss our own teeth, let alone our child’s teeth.

Last week we talked about why it’s so important to floss your child’s teeth.

Today we’re discussing the basics on how to floss your child’s teeth. This is your step by step description for flossing.

Types Of Dental Floss

There are so many types of dental floss 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 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 entertained and interested. Remember to clean the floss with a tissue after flossing between each tooth.

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

Where To Start Flossing

You may want to start between the two front teeth and floss towards the back. Or you may want to start in the back and floss all the way around.

Which ever is your preference and works best for you and your child, remember to floss the back side of their most back teeth.

What If My Child’s Gums Bleed?

Your child’s gums may bleed when you first start flossing. This is because when flossing isn’t part of your nightly routine their gums become inflamed (aka gingivitis).

As you continue your nightly flossing their gum’s get healthier and the bleeding stops.

How To Floss Teeth

So what are the steps~

1. Take a piece of floss about 20 inches long (think shoulder to shoulder) and wind most of it around your index (or middle) finger,
2. Wind the rest of the floss around the same finger on your other hand (this is the finger you will wrap the used floss around),
3. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers,
4. With your thumbs pointing upward for the top teeth (and downward for the bottom teeth) guide the floss down between your child’s teeth. Go gently you don’t want to push onto their gums,
5. When the floss is between your child’s teeth curve the floss so that it forms a “C” around their tooth and hugs the tooth,
6. Gently slide the floss into the natural space between the tooth and the gums and rub the side of their tooth. You want the floss to go around their tooth and under their gums,
7. When you’ve finished flossing that tooth, unwind the clean floss from your first finger and and wind the used floss around the same finger of your other hand,
8. Now floss their next tooth, and their next tooth as you go all around their mouth.

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.

Usually around the time children are 10 or 11 years old they start flossing and you start watching. This way you make sure they are flossing between all their teeth, especially the hardest to reach ones all the way in the back.

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

Remember, you’re helping your child form healthy habits that will last a lifetime!

How old was your child when you started flossing their teeth? Are you flossing their teeth or have they started to floss? What flossing tips and tricks work best for your family? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com, Like Us on Facebook

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