Flossing for Kids

When Should Kids Start Flossing?

Kids should start flossing as soon as their teeth begin to grow in and touch each other. Flossing plays a crucial role in removing plaque, food particles, and other debris that can get stuck between teeth and along the gum line—areas that brushing alone often can’t reach. If your child’s teeth are still spaced apart, you don’t need to be overly concerned about flossing just yet, but it’s important to keep an eye on them as they develop.

It’s best to introduce flossing when their teeth grow close together to help them develop healthy habits early on. Teaching children that flossing is just as important as brushing their teeth will encourage great habits as they grow. Most kids will need help with flossing at first, especially when they’re young, and as they get older, they might still need occasional reminders to floss regularly. After all, even adults struggle with keeping up with flossing consistently! Starting early ensures that flossing becomes a natural part of their daily dental routine.

How Can I Encourage My Kid to Floss?

The key to getting your child to floss regularly is to make it part of their everyday routine. Show them how to floss properly, remind them frequently, and eventually, it will become second nature to them. Once flossing becomes a habit, it will feel odd for them to skip it.

For younger children, particularly those under the age of 8, traditional flossing can be challenging due to their small hands. In these cases, flossers are a great option. Many flossers come in fun colors and designs, which can make the experience more engaging and enjoyable for kids. This can motivate your child to look forward to flossing. As they grow older, switching to traditional floss is recommended, as it does a better job of cleaning out plaque between the teeth. However, if regular floss is difficult for them to manage at first, using flossers is still much better than not flossing at all.

What if My Kid Has Braces?

Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential for maintaining proper oral hygiene. The wires on braces block floss from getting from the top of the tooth to the gum line so floss threaders are an essential tool to ensure proper cleaning. Although it takes more time and patience, flossing with braces is especially important to prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues. Floss threaders allow your child to continue flossing as they would without braces, ensuring that every area between the teeth gets cleaned. If your child needs help learning how to use a floss threader, we’re happy to demonstrate it at their next appointment to keep their smile bright and healthy.

While flossing might seem daunting at first, starting at a young age and developing a consistent habit helps kids understand its importance. If your child struggles with traditional flossing, flossers are an excellent way to build the habit early on. As they get older, especially if they get braces, they’ll need to relearn how to floss with the help of floss threaders, but mastering this skill is key to maintaining their dental health!