Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups with the pediatric dentist are all necessary components of your child’s overall oral health care. However, it can be difficult for little hands to floss properly, which is why it’s essential to work with your pediatric dentist to find the best technique for you and your child. When it comes to helping your child floss their teeth, consider the following three tips to keep their smile bright and white.

3 Flossing Tips for Children

1. Use Floss Picks 

Using traditional dental floss can be tricky for young children, which makes floss picks ideal for teaching them the ins and outs of cleaning between their teeth. Floss picks contain already-threaded pieces of floss between two tines on a handle, making them easy to grip and maneuver. You should demonstrate to your child how to place the picks of floss between the teeth and gently push and pull to loosen trapped food.

2. Teach Proper Mechanics

Most children are ready to start flossing with minimal assistance once they reach the age of seven or eight. However, it’s important to teach them the proper way to floss to ensure they’re cleaning their teeth effectively. Teach your child to make a loose ‘C’ shape with their floss and gently glide it between their teeth. Encourage them to use a different section of floss as they switch between teeth to not spread germs.

3. Make Flossing Fun

Developing healthy hygiene habits is important when your children are young, so find a way to make flossing fun, whether you make it a family activity or take them shopping to pick out their own special products. From different colored floss picks to flavored floss, there are several ways you can personalize their experience to make it more fun. You can also reach out to your pediatric dentist for more ideas on how to foster proper flossing at home.

Proper brushing and flossing are the building blocks of your child’s oral health, which is why the professionals at Dr. Dean T. Sueda, DDS, MS in Honolulu, HI, advocate patient education. Voted the best pediatric dentist in Hawaii since 2009, Dr. Sueda offers a multitude of oral care services for young patients, from regular cleanings and orthodontics to emergency treatments. To learn more about why parents choose Dr. Dean T. Sueda, DDS, MS for their child’s dental care, visit them online or call (808) 944-1603.