Dental Flossing For Kids

Dental flossing for children should always be mentioned along with brushing. Many people take flossing as an additional option; however, it is as essential as brushing your teeth. If you instill flossing habits in your child, they are highly likely to continue it throughout their childhood and later life.

For some parents, deciding when to begin flossing for their child can be challenging. This article will surely facilitate you in this direction and reflect on the benefits of flossing. So, let’s get started.

Why Is Flossing Important For Your Child

Dental Flossing for kids is important for your child because it encourages dental care routine and helps them maintain good oral hygiene. When your child uses dental floss, they are saved from the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Flossing helps clean your child’s teeth effectively. It removes food particles stuck between the teeth, which might convert into bacteria and cause tooth decay. It also helps to disrupt the colony of bacteria that builds up every day. Therefore, it is recommended to use dental floss regularly.

The Right Age To Start Flossing

According to pediatric dentists in the United States, it is best to start teaching your 2–3-year-old child to use dental floss. Things learned early in life are carried on later in life. A general rule is to start flossing when your child’s teeth fit closely together. This mostly happens between the ages of 2-6.

However, children are too young to use dental floss by themselves. Therefore, parents need to supervise and assist their children in mastering the art of flossing. Regular dental flossing for 2-5 minutes helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and calculus.

The Top Five Benefits Of Flossing
  • Flossing helps to remove plaque which constantly forms on teeth. It removes the pieces of food and plaque accumulated on the hard-to-reach areas. Flossing removes around 40% of plaque formed on the teeth and can damage tooth enamel otherwise. Therefore, it is best to use dental brushing accompanied by flossing every day.
  • It helps to prevent tartar buildup, which can otherwise coat the exterior of teeth.
  • Daily flossing prevents bad breath and smelly odor from the mouth.
  • Regular flossing helps prevent gum disease, which is mainly caused due to accumulation of tartar and plaque. Flossing helps clean the areas below the gum line that are hard to reach with brushing alone.
  • Flossing is more effective than brushing alone. It is estimated that around 35% of the teeth’s surface remains uncleaned if one neglects to floss. Therefore, flossing is recommended for kids and adults at least once a day.
Final Thoughts

Flossing teeth has excellent benefits for your child. It helps prevent tartar buildup, fights bad breath, and reduces the risk factor of gum disease. Today, dental floss is available in different colors and flavors. Pick the one that suits your child’s liking. Also, consult your dentist in this regard. It is also important to be patient while your child learns the art of flossing.

Contact your Stockton dentist for kids, Sajjad Rizvi DDS at Happy Kids Dental today to learn more about dental flossing for children.

Resource

How To Properly Brush And Floss

*Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. We highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition. *

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