Kids Flossing

Do your kids floss?  No, I’m not talking about the dance!  The kind of flossing that cleans their teeth!  If not, it’s probably time to start.

When should kids start flossing? 

As soon as their baby teeth start to touch each other, you should start flossing your kids’ teeth.  This usually happens between 2-6 years old.  Establishing excellent dental health habits at this young age sets your children up to keep their teeth healthy for life! 

When your child is about 9-10 years old, they will likely have the dexterity necessary to start flossing their own teeth.

How do you floss kids’ teeth?  

You can use traditional floss (a long string wrapped around 2 of your fingers) or floss picks.  If you’re using traditional floss, click here to watch a video.  Since you’ll be putting your fingers in their mouth, make sure to wash your hands before and after flossing.

1. Get about 12-18 inches of floss and loosely wrap most of it around each middle finger leaving an inch of floss between to work with.
2. With your thumb and index fingers holding the floss taut, place the floss between your child’s teeth.  Gently slide it back and forth until it goes down between your child’s teeth.  Be careful not to snap it down on your gums.
3. Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and gently move it up and down the sides of each tooth, make sure the floss goes a little under the gum line. Unroll a new section of the floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

If you’re having trouble with regular floss, try using the floss picks.   They can be more kid-friendly, and they come in different shapes, colors, and flavors to make them fun!

What if my kid’s gums start to bleed? 

Don’t worry, this is not uncommon.  If your kid’s gums bleed, that usually means that food, plaque, and/or bacteria have been building up along and under their gums.  Flossing will help clean out any debris.  If you floss regularly for several weeks, their gums will become healthier, less sensitive, and less likely to bleed.

Why is flossing important? 

Most of us have been told that we’re supposed to brush twice a day, but your toothbrush can’t clean every surface of your teeth!  Flossing cleans the part of your teeth that touch other teeth and the part of your teeth right below the gums.  Regular flossing will help protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease!

Keep in mind, that if your child has braces, it is even more important to floss. It will take a little more time and effort, but it’s worth it. Feel free to ask Dr. Oakley, Dr. Christenson or any of our team members for help with flossing or check out our website for some videos.