Do I need to floss my child?

Flossing Children’s Teeth

Flossing is just as important for children as it is for adults. Flossing removes bacteria and plaque below the gumline that regular brushing cannot reach.  It helps to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and cavities.

When To Start Flossing With Children:

Once a child’s teeth start to break the surface of the gums, it is imperative to start brushing and flossing. Many parents do not see the importance of this until children have their adult teeth, but these habits are also for gum health and preventing gum disease. Where many only associate gingivitis and other gum diseases with adults, it is important to prevent them from occurring in children as well, especially as their permanent adult teeth emerge.

Crowding

Children often have more space between each tooth, especially with their baby teeth. This is called “primate spacing” and exists to allow space in the mouth for adult teeth in the future, which require a larger area of bones and soft tissues. Crowding in the mouth can occur when a child does not have enough “primate spacing” between their baby teeth to allow for their larger adult teeth to emerge. The need for flossing is even more imperative for these children to prevent cavities, as it is more likely that excess food will be impossible to remove with brushing alone.

Flossing Your Child’s Teeth

It is difficult for a child to have the manual dexterity to effectively loss their own teeth, so it is important for parents to help in this process, most often until they reach the age of 10. Starting the habit of regular brushing and flossing at an early age will encourage your children to continue maintaining a proper routine for oral health throughout their lives. Remember – flossing isn’t easy and takes practice, so ensure you are providing encouragement and help along the way. Ask your dentist for any tricks or tools they may be able to provide to aid your child in flossing on their own.