Teaching your kids to brush their teeth is important for their dental health. But with all the other things on your to-do list, it can be easy to let flossing fall by the wayside. Flossing should be part of your child’s daily dental routine. You can follow a few tips to help you make sure your kids’ teeth are healthy and sparkling.
1. Start Early
It is always advisable to teach your kids the importance of flossing in their early stages. While they may not have a lot of teeth yet, those baby teeth are important for their development. Ensure you’re consistently stressing the importance of flossing as recommended by Pediatric Dentistry in Boston, Kids Dentistry. This will help them get into the habit of flossing and make it a part of their daily routine.
2. Use the Right Technique
Using the right technique is the best way to teach kids how to floss. The first step is choosing the right floss type for your child’s needs. If they have sensitive gums, choose a waxed floss that will be gentle on their gums. Show your child how to hold the floss and use a gentle motion to clean between their teeth. It’s important to avoid using too much force, as this can damage the gums. Finally, they should rinse their mouth with water or Mouthwash to remove any remaining debris.
3. Make It Fun
When it comes to flossing, kids can be pretty resistant. They may not like the floss taste or the feeling between their teeth. As a result, many parents need help to get their kids to make flossing a regular part of their oral care routine. The good news is that some simple tricks can make flossing more fun for kids. First, let them choose their floss. There are a variety of flavors and colors available, so they’re sure to find one they like. You can also try using bubble gum-flavored floss or electric toothbrushes with built-in flossers. For added fun, let them choose their toothpaste and toothbrush. If they’re involved in the process, they’re more likely to enjoy it. Finally, make it a game. See who can floss the longest or who can find the most plaque. Whatever you do, make sure that flossing remains a positive experience for your kids.
4. Be a Good Role Model
As a parent, you know it’s important to set a good example for your kids. After all, they’re always watching and learning from you. That’s why it’s important to be a good role model when teaching kids to floss. When you floss every day, your kids will see that taking care of your teeth is important. And when you make flossing a part of your daily routine, they’ll be more likely to do the same. They’re sure to follow suit when you lead by example and show them that flossing is important to you.
Conclusion
Even though flossing may seem like a tedious and time-consuming task, it is important to teach kids the importance of flossing at an early age. By removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth, flossing helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. While you may be tempted to skip the flossing step, it is important to work with Dr. Matt and learn about teaching kids how to floss correctly.
Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
