When is It Safe to Start Flossing My Child’s Teeth?

Brushing twice a day may seem like a lot for your wiggly little one, so you may be asking the question: Do I really have to floss my child’s teeth?

Let’s not forget – kids love sugar. It’s amazing how they can find it no matter where they go. But even those kids who have to a healthy diet need to floss regularly.

Harmful bacteria accumulate between the teeth and in the pockets of the gums. This bacteria buildup can cause cavities, gum disease, infections, and dental pain over time.

To protect your child’s healthy smile, help them brush and floss every day, and keep regular appointments with your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles.

You can get the job done with a toothbrush alone until your child has 3 or more teeth in a row. This usually occurs when a child is 2-3 years old, although everyone is different. Check your child’s teeth regularly and/or ask your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles if it is time to incorporate flossing to your dental hygiene regimen.

Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide for Flossing Your Child’s Teeth:

1. Tear off about 18 inches of floss. Wind one end of the floss around one middle finger, and a bit of floss 2 inches down with the other middle finger. Use these inches to floss the teeth. Alternatively, grab a pre-threaded flosser.
2. Guide the floss between the child’s teeth using a gentle rubbing motion, curving it against the teeth one by one. Rub the tooth, pushing very gently into the gums. Do not use force, as this may damage the gums.
3. Repeat these steps until each tooth has been cleaned, moving down two inches of floss after each tooth, or rinsing/wiping the flosser after flossing each tooth.
4. Rinse or brush the teeth after flossing to remove any loose particles or bacteria.

When Can My Child Start Flossing His or Her Own Teeth?

Every parent should help their child floss until their dexterity is as to tie their own shoelaces properly. At this point, they may be ready to floss on their own.

How to Make Flossing More Fun

Flossing is going to seem like a chore at first, but it will quickly become part of your daily routine. For now, here are some fun flossing tips from your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles:

• Let your child pick their own floss from the store – characters on the packaging, brightly-colored floss picks, or delicious flavors can make flossing more fun.
• If your child isn’t adapting well to traditional floss, try pre-threaded flossers. They’re a little easier for parents, and toddlers can try to use them on their own.
• Model flossing to your child, or have their older siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins model flossing.

Regular flossing will give your child not only fresh breath but a healthy, beautiful smile.If you are considering incorporating flossing into your daily routine, it is always in the best interest of the child and all parties to consult with your pediatric dentist in Los Angeles before to ensure effectiveness.For further information or to schedule your child’s routine check-up or cleaning please contact Crystal Dental Centers at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com to learn more.