Good oral hygiene skills don’t come naturally, so they require practice from a young age. While brushing can be easy to teach, many kids find flossing frustrating and difficult. As a result, they often resist doing it at all, leading to more frequent visits to a pediatric dentist. Below, find out how to instill this essential dental care habit in your child.

How to Get Your Children to Floss

1. Model Good Behavior

Kids learn by watching adults, so setting a good example will help them build healthy habits. Flossing with your child teaches them that good oral hygiene is important and allows you to correct their technique. As an additional benefit, this also helps you keep up with your own dental hygiene, boosting oral health for the entire family.

2. Make Flossing Into a Game

Kids are almost always motivated by competition, so make practicing a proper dental care routine into a game. Give each family member a point for flossing, and set up a scoreboard somewhere in the house.

Give your little one awards for winning and even simply participating. Prizes can include extra toys or afternoon trips to your child’s favorite places.

3. Use Child-Friendly Products

Children often find wrapping floss around their fingers difficult or have trouble maneuvering the string inside their mouths. If such problems apply to your little one, try using floss sticks or a water flosser instead. These items are typically much easier to use.

Many brands create easy-to-use products designed especially for kids. Your child could enjoy using brightly colored sticks or dental care tools branded with their favorite comic book character. When shopping for products, let your little one choose the items they want. This approach will encourage them to floss more.

You can also help your child build good dental care habits by regularly visiting Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD & Associates, in Avon, OH. This pediatric dentist strives to ensure every child has a great time during checkups. Along with providing a comprehensive range of oral health services, from cleanings to fillings, they also help children build the skills to keep their smiles beautiful for a lifetime. Visit their website for more on their services, or call (440) 934-0149 to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist today.