Teaching proper dental care methods to your child should begin at a young age so they develop healthy habits to maintain their baby teeth. Flossing is a crucial part of dental care that they should learn as soon as they’re able, but it can be difficult to get them interested. Below are some tips to help guide the experience.

How to Teach a Child to Floss

1. Show Them the Right Technique

Measure a piece of floss about the length of your forearm. Wrap most of the floss around one of your child’s middle fingers, leave a few inches of length, then wrap the rest around their other middle finger. The latter finger will be used to wrap dirty floss around as they go along.

They should hold the length of floss between the pointer finger and thumb, and use a gentle back and forth motion on each tooth, getting just under the gumline. Use a new section of floss for each tooth.

2. Explain Why It Matters

Your child may be more inclined to floss if they understand how significant it is to their health. In age-appropriate language, explain to them that flossing removes food and bacteria between teeth that brushing can’t reach. Without flossing, they’re more likely to have painful cavities, gum irritation, and bad breath. If they let their baby teeth become damaged, their permanent teeth may not grow in properly.

3. Use Rewards

Children respond well to positive reinforcement. Outline milestones, like flossing each day for a week, and create rewards for each one. Get their input on some of the rewards, such as a new toy or trip to the movies, and make sure they understand when they’ll get them. You can also offer a small reward, like a sticker, after flossing each time to keep them engaged.

4. Use the Right Tools

When teaching, pick a soft floss that won’t cut or irritate your child’s gums. They may prefer a flavored floss to make it more pleasant.

If they struggle to maneuver the floss properly, look into getting dental picks that are safe for children, which have floss strung between tines on a handle for easier maneuverability. Let them pick their dental care supplies so they’ll be more likely to use them.

The pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates on Oahu and Maui, HI, will help with your child’s dental care, from flossing advice to exams. For over 25 years, they’ve offered pediatric services, like cleanings, digital imaging, and emergency care, with a focus on prevention. Learn about your child’s first visit online. To make an appointment, call the Aiea office at (808) 487-7933, Honolulu at (808) 735-1733, or Kahului at (808) 877-0066.