Oral hygiene is crucial for your overall health. Since childhood is the best time to instill positive habits, flossing is an important task to practice with your kids. It's been a long time since you had baby teeth, though, which makes questions about flossing with children common. Here are some frequently asked ones to clear up any confusion.  

What to Know About Flossing With Your Kids

Why is flossing important for kids?

A lot of people think that pediatric dental care is less important, since baby teeth fall out, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Beyond instilling proper oral hygiene routines, flossing can also prevent gum-related diseases, ensuring that any plaque or bacteria gets removed before taking root and spreading. Children are quick learners and starting to floss when they're young will give them the knowledge and technique to continue as they get older. 

When should I start flossing my child's teeth?

There's really nothing to floss until there's teeth in a child's mouth, but once those teeth start growing, there's still no need to floss if none of them are touching. Instead, continue to brush the baby teeth, and once there are two teeth that are touching each other, which is where the food particles, bacteria, and plaque get trapped, you'll want to begin flossing. 

When should my child start flossing on their own? 

The answer to this question varies, because every child is unique. A dentist will suggest the correct oral hygiene routine for your child, but there are some steps to take to help encourage your child's independence. When they develop fine motor skills, have them practice flossing a few teeth on their own. This will get them used to the process, but it's important to monitor their flossing to ensure they're doing it properly. 

How can I encourage my child to floss regularly?

Be honest with them about the importance of flossing, but make it fun, too! There are kid-friendly floss picks that have animal-shaped handles, or otherwise exciting packaging. Try to sing a song for the oral hygiene routine or put on a podcast that has kid's stories or cool dental health facts.

If you’re looking for reliable dental care for your child, then reach out to Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC in Somerset, KY. The staff knows a visit to the dentist can be daunting for a child, so they take extra steps to ensure your young one feels at ease and receives the best treatment possible. They'll also give tips for at-home oral hygiene, helping with flossing and brushing routines. Call (606) 679-5437 to schedule appointments for your children.