A Parent’s Guide to Proper Flossing

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we are committed to helping our young patients build healthy habits to ensure they enjoy long-term healthy smiles. In addition to routine pediatric exams and cleaning, we emphasize the importance of proper at-home oral hygiene practices, including flossing, to keep dental disease at bay. We are happy to demonstrate proper techniques and provide tips to make flossing a part of your child’s daily routine. 

Why Is Flossing Important?

Even though many children regularly brush their teeth, flossing is often overlooked. Together, these home oral hygiene practices can lower the risk of dental disease, safeguarding your child’s smile. 

The following is a look at some of the many benefits flossing offers: 

• Flossing helps remove food particles between teeth and along the gum line, where your little one’s toothbrush can’t reach.
• By removing plaque, flossing helps prevent it from hardening into tartar, which can only then be removed by a dental professional.
• Removing plaque buildup helps prevent gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. 
• Flossing helps reduce the risk of cavities from those hard-to-reach places between the teeth.
• Flossing helps remove plaque, food debris, and odor-causing bacteria, which helps keep your child’s breath cleaner and fresher. 
• Flossing helps remove particles and plaque between your child’s teeth, preventing them from dulling and yellowing your child’s smile. 
• Lowering the risk of dental disease is cost-effective, reducing the risk of involved and costly procedures down the road. 

When Should You Start Flossing Your Child’s Teeth?

Many parents wonder when flossing is appropriate. The simple answer is when two teeth touch, around age two to three. You’ll need to floss your children’s teeth until they are old enough to take over this important task. Children who floss as a part of their daily routine from a young age are more likely to continue to do so into adulthood, helping ensure they maintain bright and healthy smiles.

Proper Flossing Techniques for Long-Term Healthy Smiles 

Here are some tips to make the most of flossing time:

• To begin, cut a piece of floss about 12 inches long and wrap its ends around your middle fingers.
• Hold the floss stretched between your forefingers and thumbs, and then gently slide it between the teeth using an up-and-down motion – avoid moving the floss from side to side so you don’t accidentally damage the gums.
• For younger children, using a floss with a handle may be more appropriate, and easier for them to tolerate.
• Curve the floss strand into a “C” shape against the sides of each tooth as you floss to remove plaque and debris from below the gum line.
• Now it’s time to celebrate a job well done! Remember – positive reinforcement is a great way to get your child to build good flossing habits!

Preventative Dentistry Near Me in San Marcos, CA

At Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos, we believe in the old saying, “Prevention is better than cure.” Our board-certified pediatric dentists and kid-friendly team are happy to demonstrate how to floss effectively to build positive oral health habits right from the start. Call 760-798-2825 to schedule your little one’s appointment, or request one online today!