You have Thanksgiving marked on your agenda — but what about the day after? For the past 20 years, National Floss Day has been held the day following Thanksgiving. This year the event takes place on November 24. To recognize the occasion, the dental care professionals of Pedodontic Associates in Hawaii, want to remind their patients of the importance of flossing — for all ages. With offices in Honolulu, Central Oahu, and Maui, these pediatric dentists have been helping patients achieve beautiful smiles for over 25 years.

Flossing is an essential part of dental care and should complement brushing every day. For kids, you can start flossing as soon as they have two adjacent teeth that touch. This reaches areas that a toothbrush can’t, removing excess food particles and plaque to stave off cavities. The American Dental Association® recommends flossing at least once daily. Ideally, do this in the evenings after the last meal of the day, before bed.

The importance of such preventative dental care measures is clear, as tooth decay in baby teeth of children aged two to five years has increased to 28 percent, according to surveys from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention™. If you are uncomfortable or unsure of how to floss your little one’s teeth, talk to a pediatric dentist. They can show you the ropes and introduce you to kid-friendly tools. A hand-held flossing device, for instance, is easier for many people to use than traditional floss.

For pediatric dental care in Hawaii, look to Pedodontic Associates. They have been recognized as the “best dentists in Hawaii,” and are accredited by the ADA and American Academy of Pediatric Dentists. These professionals are dedicated to providing top-quality dentistry for children in a fun and friendly environment. Get to know their doctors and have a look at their qualifications online. For an appointment at the location nearest you, give them a call at (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, (808) 487-7933  for Aiea, or (808) 877-0066 to reach Kahului.