One of the hallmarks of home dental care, flossing is just as essential for kids as it is for adults. To ensure your child maintains a healthy, beautiful smile, learn more about when to start and what pediatric dentists recommend to help your little one make flossing a habit.

The Benefits

Floss, water picks, dental tape, and similar products go where toothbrushes can’t—underneath the gums and between teeth. They dislodge food particles that feed oral bacteria in addition to removing plaque itself. Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Flossing helps protect baby teeth from decay to avoid premature loss that can interfere with chewing, speech, and permanent teeth development. It also keeps gum tissue healthy, so permanent teeth enjoy a strong foundation.

The Right Age

Once your child’s baby teeth fully erupt, it’s time to start flossing. Baby teeth are close enough to each other for food particles, bacteria, and subsequent plaque to linger.

Start flossing your child’s teeth between the ages of 2 and 3, depending on baby teeth development. Keep in mind that even kids with gaps between their teeth can and should still floss. At the latest, a child should floss by age 6, either independently or with your help, to prevent plaque buildup.

Helpful Flossing Tips

Your pediatric dentist will show you and your child how to floss properly, which involves forming a “C” shape around each tooth to remove bacteria under the gumline.

Floss together since children typically imitate their parents. Pique your child’s interest in this daily task by having them choose their floss at the store. Children’s dental floss comes in softer materials and fun flavors to encourage oral health habits. If your child has trouble with traditional floss, look into water picks, assuming they’re old enough to use the tool responsibly. 

If you could use professional help teaching your child to floss properly, consult the pediatric dentists at Honolulu Keiki Dental. Since 1982, they’ve provided young patients in Honolulu and Kapolei with the services needed for a lifetime of outstanding oral health. For your convenience, they offer Saturday and early weekday appointment options. Call (808) 944-1603 to make an appointment, or visit the pediatric dentists online for new patient information. Find more dental care tips on Facebook.