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Establishing good dental hygiene is a critical part of ensuring your child maintains a strong, healthy set of teeth. Your pediatric dentist will recommend daily flossing, but it can be difficult to get children into the habit. The following guide explains what parents should and shouldn’t do when teaching their kids how to floss.

Do:

Read kid’s books on flossing.

Stories can be a fun and creative way of introducing concepts like dental hygiene to young children. Colorful picture books about flossing will show kids the importance of the routine and illustrate how it’s done in an age-appropriate format that your child will understand. As you read, ask your little one questions about the characters and flossing to keep them engaged.

Start early.

Ideally, you should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they grow a neighboring pair. Start talking about flossing when they reach kindergarten, and hand them the reigns when they’re six or seven years old. If you ingrain dental hygiene into their routine from a young age, they’ll be more likely to stick with it as they age.

Demonstrate proper technique.

Even with picture books and explanations, your child will likely need a demonstration. Have them mirror your movements as you go. Show them how to properly place and wrap the floss around their fingers, and make sure they know not to tie it too tightly. Demonstrate using the floss between each tooth, moving on to a clean section of floss after every gap.

Don’t:

Let young kids floss alone.

dental hygieneNever leave beginners to floss on their own. Supervise young children as they learn how to floss and step in for corrections when necessary. This will ensure they learn the proper techniques for removing food residue and bacteria, which can prevent tooth decay and gum disease when combined with brushing. When your child is done, offer praise for practicing good dental hygiene.

Be afraid to have a talk.

Many children have an aversion to flossing, so they may need a bit of a push from well-meaning parents. Without immediate consequences, it might be challenging for your child to conceptualize the dangers of dental decay. In simple terms, discuss how flossing will help protect their teeth, and explain what can happen if they neglect dental care. If they remain skeptical, ask your dentist to revisit the conversation during your next visit.

 

Your child’s first dentist should be gentle and reliable, so count on William U. Britton DDS, MAGD for exceptional pediatric dentistry. Located in Chillicothe, OH, this family dentist offers a comfortable environment for adults and children alike. With state-of-the-art equipment, friendly service, and comprehensive dental care, they make dental hygiene easy. Learn more about their pediatric services online. To schedule an appointment for you and your child, call (740) 772-2225.

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