Although people have debated about the efficacy of flossing for decades, dentists agree that the practice is essential for great dental health. In addition to keeping the spaces between the teeth free of food debris and plaque, flossing also helps to reduce bacteria numbers. Despite all these benefits, it can still be difficult to make flossing fun for children. Here are three easy ways to get your kids excited about this oral health task. 

Tips for Making Flossing Fun

1. Shop for Dental Products Together 

Instead of buying dental products for your kids separately, include your kids in the shopping process. Take your children to the store with you and let them choose dental floss or flossing picks designed for kids. Children’s dental flossing picks are easy for kids to hold, making it simpler to navigate the floss through tiny spaces. 

2. Turn Flossing Into a Game

To make flossing more interesting for kids, turn it into a game. In addition to challenging kids to remove more plaque from between their teeth than they did the day before, use plaque disclosing tablets to compare results. Consider making a chart to help kids track their flossing and improve their technique. 

3. Reward Great Dental Checkups

When your child has routine appointments with the dentist, reward great checkups with non-food incentives. For instance, think about giving your child a special allowance for a cavity-free checkup, or shopping for a fancy toothpaste after the appointment is over. When kids tie daily habits to real-life rewards, the entire process becomes more interesting. 

Check to see how your child is doing with their daily flossing by booking a visit with Brian W. Charles, DMD in McCall, ID. In addition to offering preventative checkups and restorations, this experienced family dentist can also help with tooth extractions, dental implants, and cosmetic repairs. Find out more about how this trusted dentist can help you by visiting his website or by calling (208) 634-7653.