Instilling daily brushing and flossing habits in your children will keep their teeth healthy and help them avoid costly dental procedures in the future. While brushing usually isn’t hard to teach, getting your kids to floss regularly can be challenging. Learn some positive ways to teach your children how to floss from Allen K. Hirai, DDS, a pediatric dental expert at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala in Honolulu, HI.

3 Pediatric Dental Care Tips to Teach Your Children How to Floss

1. Choose Your Tool

Dental floss can be difficult for young children to use. While traditional floss works, you may want to start them off with dental flossers to make the learning process simpler. Try to get flossers with cute and colorful designs that your child will be excited to use. If you do start with regular floss, show them the recommended amount to use, about 18 inches, and help them break off the right length.

2. Demonstrate & Teach Them

When using traditional floss, first teach your child how to wrap the floss around the index fingers, then help them set up the string. When using a flosser, show them how to hold it between index finger and thumb and guide the string between teeth. Pediatric dental care experts recommend flossing in a “C” shape around teeth to thoroughly remove food particles and plaque. Demonstrate the motion to your child and have them mimic you. 

3. Make It Fun & Be Patient 

Make flossing a family affair. When you floss with them, your kids will think of it as an enjoyable activity. Talk about dental hygiene positively and teach them the benefits of taking care of their teeth. You can also set up a reward system for flossing, and praise them each time they do. Always be patient with them. Flossing is a new activity they may struggle with at first, so comfort them if they get frustrated and encourage them to keep trying.

If you need pediatric dental care for your children, bring them to see a patient, caring dentist at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala. This dental practice provides a wide variety of dentistry products and services, including sealants, fluoride, and coaching for new parents. For more information on how they will help your children, visit their website, or call (808) 737-0076 to make an appointment today.