Most parents understand the importance of teaching their children to floss regularly. However, not everyone understands exactly why this dental care task is so important. Proper education is crucial to thoroughly emphasize why your child should keep up with this task. To better relay this message to your little one, consult the guide below. 

3 Reasons Flossing Is a Crucial Part of Dental Care

1. Aesthetics

A great smile is probably the simplest reason for a regular dental care routine, making it a great starting point for discussing flossing with your child. Flossing helps keep the teeth clean and white, which means your little one’s grin will be bright and beautiful.

2. Inflammation

When food particles remain between the teeth, they can attract bacteria that live beneath the gums. Eventually, this will lead to irritation and inflammation, which is both uncomfortable and unattractive. Explain to your child that flossing regularly removes these bits of leftover food, minimizing the chances of an infection. 

3. Bad Breath

Beyond causing inflammation, leftover food particles can also contribute to less-than-stellar breath. As the bits of food remain and attract bacteria, they start to emit foul odors, causing the breath to smell bad. Tell your child that just like they need to bathe every day to avoid body odor, they need to floss to keep their breath fresh.

If you need help explaining the importance of flossing to your little one, enlist the help of the dental care professionals at Alaska Dentistry for Kids. Based in Anchorage, these dentists have extensive experience dealing with children of all ages. They offer a variety of services, ranging from special needs dentistry to fillings. Visit their website for more information on how they can help you, and call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment for your little one today.