When it comes to flossing, it’s probably a child’s least favorite aspect of dental hygiene. In fact, 8 out of 10 children skip this imperative step completely! As a dedicated child dentist, our family at Smile Boutique would like to take this time to cover the basics of flossing, why it’s so important, and to provide you with a few helpful tips to make flossing with your kiddo easier!
Why is Flossing Important?
When you brush your teeth, you do a great job of cleaning the surfaces of your teeth. But there are tiny spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush just can’t reach. That’s where flossing comes in! Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria) from between your teeth and along the gumline.
If you don’t floss, those bits of food and plaque can stay stuck in your mouth, which can lead to cavities (tiny holes in your teeth) and gum disease. Yuck! By flossing every day, you’re giving your teeth and gums extra protection and keeping your smile bright and healthy.
How to Floss: A Step-by-Step Guide
Flossing might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! Here’s how you can do it:
- Get Your Floss Ready: Take about 18 inches of dental floss (that’s about the length of your arm). Wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger on your other hand. You’ll use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss.
- Start Flossing: Gently slide the floss between your teeth. Be careful not to snap it into your gums—your gums are delicate and can get hurt easily!
- Make a “C” Shape: When the floss is between your teeth, curve it into a “C” shape around one tooth. Gently slide it up and down against the tooth, going just below the gumline.
- Move to the Next Tooth: After cleaning one tooth, move the floss to a clean section and repeat the process for the next tooth. Don’t forget to floss the back of your last teeth, too!
- Be Consistent: Flossing only takes a couple of minutes, but it does so much good for your teeth. Try to floss every night before bed to make sure your teeth are squeaky clean.
Helpful Tips for Making Flossing Fun
- Use Floss Picks: If regular floss is tricky for you, ask your parents to get floss picks. These little tools are easy to hold and use, and they can make flossing faster and more fun.
- Floss with Music: Put on your favorite song while you floss! It’ll help pass the time and make the routine feel like a fun part of your day.
- Flossing Rewards: Create a flossing chart and give yourself a sticker every time you floss. After a week or a month of flossing every day, you can earn a special reward!
- Floss with Family: Flossing together can be more fun! Ask your parents or siblings to join you. It’s a great way to make sure everyone has a healthy smile.
- Start Early: Even if you still have baby teeth, it’s never too early to start flossing. The sooner you get into the habit, the easier it will be to keep your teeth healthy for life.
Massachusetts Child Dentist : Smile Boutique
Now that you have the tools, it’s time to find a child dentist that your family feels comfortable with. That is where our team at Smile Boutique comes in. We believe in providing personalized care because you and your child are unique, and your dental care should be as well. Reach out today and experience the difference in Massachusetts dentistry!
