We are accepting new patients!! Here is what to expect at your first visit.

Teaching Your Child How to Floss

Dental floss

Being a parent is a lot of work, but it’s also incredibly gratifying. Our job as parents is to teach our children how to care for themselves. An effective hygiene routine must include oral hygiene. Most parents do an excellent job of teaching their kids how to brush their teeth correctly, but flossing is frequently more challenging.

Teaching Your Child How to Floss

Children can start using tooth floss around seven or eight, but it’s always early enough to teach them! It would be advantageous if you began teaching your child to floss when they have two teeth close together. What makes cleansing crucial? Answering this question is necessary before we continue. Brushing is the first line of defense against decay, bad breath, and gum disease, with flossing coming in second. Brushes can’t reach areas of the lips that dental floss can. Food and plaque are frequently concealed along the gum line and between teeth. The development of cavities or gum disease is possible if food fragments are not eliminated by flossing. There are numerous types of floss, including:

  • String floss: Give your child a length of 18 inches long, and instruct them to wrap most of it around one finger, typically the pointer on the left or right hand. The remaining floss will then be wound around one finger on the opposing hand, being careful not to wrap it too tightly. The finger with the most floss will release the most of it between each tooth, and the other finger will collect it.
  • Floss picks: A lot of young kids prefer dental floss instruments (and even many adults). Despite being more straightforward, regular floss still beats them in effectiveness. Tips are still an excellent alternative for children with difficulty using regular floss, but regular floss is recommended for adults. Picks for dental floss come in harp or Y shapes. Like you usually would, move the floss up and down the molars. When the floss begins to appear worn, replace the pick. Between your teeth, rinse it.

How can you make it fun when deciding which floss to use with your kid? Do it jointly! Start flossing while listening to upbeat music and making silly faces at yourself in the reflection. Ideally, your child will look forward to spending more time with you as much as they look forward to cleaning their teeth! A flossing chart is a beautiful tool for encouraging your child to use dental floss daily. Add a sticker to the board each time your kid uses the bathroom. Reward them for flossing each day for five days. Elect the detergent for them. Take your child to the store so he can choose the kind and flavor of floss he wishes to use before you start teaching him how to floss. An excellent incentive is getting their favored shade or flavor when they floss.

Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis Can Help Your Child Floss Effectively.

Your kid should see a pediatric dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning, checkup, and instruction on how to brush and floss properly. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Swati Singh in Indianapolis, IN, contact (317) 580-9199!