Flossing is as important as brushing in helping your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Brushing gets rid of debris on teeth surfaces and above the gumline, while flossing cleans the tight spaces between teeth and below the gumline.
Your child needs your help to floss their teeth as they’re still unable to do so effectively on their own. They may need your assistance until the age of 10, once they’ve developed manual dexterity.
Introducing your child early to flossing helps them establish the habit for a lifetime. However, you may be asking how you can get your child to like brushing or flossing—and what you can do if they resist your help.
Let’s talk about this and more in this blog post.
When should I start flossing my child’s teeth?
You can start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as multiple teeth start to come in. You don’t have to wait until their teeth come in contact with each other.
Some children like to floss their own teeth early on. But your supervision and hands-on help will ensure a proper and thorough cleaning.
Why is flossing important?
If you struggle to brush your child’s teeth, you may feel reluctant about flossing. However, brushing alone won’t remove all the plaque. There are places that the toothbrush cannot reach, and this is where flossing is crucial. Flossing also helps polish tooth surfaces and prevent bad breath.
What should I do if my child’s gums bleed during flossing?
Seeing your child’s gum bleed a little once you start flossing is normal, so don’t panic. Adults may also experience this when flossing for the first time. But if the bleeding persists, let your dentist know. This may be a sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Book an appointment with your dentist in NE Calgary to confirm everything’s okay.
Tips for flossing your child’s teeth
It can be challenging to floss your child’s teeth at times. If they’re not excited about the idea, try these tips to make flossing easier.
Daily flossing keeps your child’s smile healthy
Your role is important in helping your child develop healthy smiles. You need to floss their teeth, especially if they’re still very young and have limited dexterity.
Flossing may not be your child’s favourite activity, but with practice and patience they can start to cooperate.
It doesn’t matter if you choose to floss before or after brushing, or what type of floss you use. You can always reverse the order or switch to a new product your child prefers. See what works best for you and your child, and talk to your dentist for customized dental care tips.
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