Flossing is a vital part of dental care for people of all ages, as doing it daily wards off dental decay and helps keep cavities at bay. If your child does not know how to floss yet, it’s best to teach them sooner rather than later. If you’re unsure of how to teach your kids how to floss, check out the helpful tips below. 

Your Guide to Teaching Your Children How to Floss

What Is The Purpose of Flossing? 

It’s easy for food and bacteria to get stuck between the teeth, and over time, it will lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Tartar and plaque eat away at the tooth’s enamel, which can lead to bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. It’s important to floss at least once a day, and children should start when their teeth start to come in close together, approximately between the ages of two and six. 

Why Is Flossing Important For Children? 

Just like teeth brushing, flossing is a dental care habit that should be formed as early as possible. If they aren’t taught how to do it themselves while they are young, they may be less likely to floss regularly when they are older. Though children will need help and coaching in the beginning, learning and applying this daily habit will save them the cost and hassle of extensive dental work in the future. 

How Can You Teach Them? 

Don’t think of flossing as a chore. Instead, portray it as a fun activity for your children. Have “flossing parties” with your whole family and give prizes for doing a good job. Since regular dental floss can be more difficult for children to use, provide floss picks instead to make the learning process easier for them. Have them slide the string up and down gently between each tooth in a C-shaped motion and offer to help them if they need it. Comfort them if they get discouraged or frustrated and praise them throughout the process. This will help them enjoy flossing rather than dread it. 

Children should always feel guided when taking care of their dental health. Other than implementing dental care techniques at home, opt for a dentist they’ll feel comfortable with by taking them to the professional, compassionate dental care team at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry, in La Crosse, WI. They offer teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, fillings, sealants, and much more to ensure your child has a beautiful, healthy smile. For more information, visit their website or call (608) 782-4054 to set an appointment today.