Saskatoon Dental Group is a locally owned, full-scale Saskatoon dental clinic offering general dentistry services. At Saskatoon Dental Group, we are dedicated to offering excellent care to our amazing patients who are like family to us. Did you know, a toothbrush grip is very important for your children’s oral hygiene and health? Now that we’ve talked about teaching your children how to hold a toothbrush, we will talk about how to floss your children’s teeth.
How to Floss Your Children’s Teeth
Did you know that flossing goes beyond what your toothbrush can achieve? Skipping flossing leaves a significant 30-40% of your teeth untouched by cleaning. Mind-blowing, isn’t it? Let this fascinating fact inspire you to grab that floss and give your teeth the care they deserve!
Wondering when to start your child’s flossing journey? As soon as two teeth make contact, it’s time for them to start flossing. Typically around ages 2 to 3, but it can vary. If your child is brushing tolerably and hasn’t yet hit the two-tooth touchpoint, introducing floss early on helps them ease into this essential oral care habit.
So, how do you floss those tiny teeth? Opt for kid-sized floss picks and delicately glide them between the teeth to clean gums and teeth. Remember to use a fresh section of the floss pick or rinse it with water before moving on to the next tooth—no one wants to clean with a dirty floss!
For those floss-resistant kiddos, focus on the areas where teeth touch the most initially. Then, rotate to a new area the next night. Follow a simple schedule like Monday for the bottom middle teeth, Tuesday for the bottom right back teeth, and so on. The ultimate goal is to floss every tooth every night.
Thinking of transitioning to string floss? Once your child is comfortable with floss picks, consider making the switch. Keep in mind, that children usually need assistance until around age 8, even if they can handle the flossing themselves.
And if braces are part of the equation, or if there are manual dexterity or sensory concerns, try a kid’s water flosser from age 6 onwards. Consistency is key, aiming for at least once a day. Don’t forget to floss before brushing for optimal oral health!
Click Here to Read our other articles about good dental habits
We are grateful to treat whole families in Saskatoon across multiple generations and have a multicultural team speaking multiple languages. Consulting your Saskatoon Dental Group dentist can provide personalized recommendations based on an individual’s unique oral health situation.
Book your appointment today! Saskatoon Dental Group is always welcoming patients looking for a new dental family. If you would like to book a checkup or have any dental questions please do not hesitate to contact our team.
See you soon!
