Now Offering Free Orthodontic Consultations!
When your child gets their first baby teeth, they usually grow in different areas of their mouth. But you’d be surprised by how fast they start to get a complete set of teeth.
To maintain the optimal preventive dentistry routine, most children need to start flossing their teeth and brushing them during their toddler years. This guide from pediatric dentists Staci Brunell, DMD, and Priyanka Patel, DMD, of Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry in Yorktown Heights, New York, explains when to start flossing your child’s teeth and how to floss them correctly.
If your child only has individual teeth dotted around their mouth, it’s only necessary to brush them with a small toothbrush. Once your child gets their first two teeth right next to each other, it’s time to add flossing to their routine.
Most children get two teeth that grow next to each other between 2 and 3 years old. Start by flossing only the two teeth that touch, adding more areas as further teeth grow in.
By flossing as soon as your child has teeth that touch, you ensure you get any plaque and pieces of food out of their teeth and gums that a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is essential in preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath in children.
When your child is young, they lack the dexterity to floss correctly themselves. You can help your child get the most out of flossing by doing it for them at least once daily.
A child with a complete set of baby teeth needs a piece of floss at least 18 inches long to floss most thoroughly. You can use the same floss you buy for adult teeth, as long as it’s thin enough to get fully between your child’s teeth.
Begin by cutting a piece of dental floss the correct length for the number of teeth your child has. Wrap each end of the floss around your middle finger until about 1 inch remains.
Gently place the 1-inch piece between two teeth that touch, and move the floss up and down before curving it around each tooth. When you’re finished, remove the floss, roll it up, and move on to the next two teeth that touch with a clean section of floss.
Continue until you’ve flossed between all of your child’s touching teeth.
Flossing is a bit trickier than brushing your teeth, so you can expect your child to need help with the flossing part of their routine for longer. Most children master flossing between 8 and 11 years old.
As your child grows up, you can get them more involved in flossing and explain to them what you’re doing as you floss their teeth. Over time, your child can take over more flossing until they do everything themselves.
If you or your child need assistance with flossing, our team is here to support you. We can demonstrate flossing and help you and your child learn at dental cleaning appointments.
By flossing your child’s teeth from a young age, you’re not only keeping their teeth clean but also setting an example that promotes your child continuing to floss for life. Contact us to discuss flossing and other preventative dental needs for your child.
