Flossing is essential for clean and healthy teeth. Without flossing, the tight spaces between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach are vulnerable to plaque and tartar buildup. Food particles can also accumulate in these spaces [1].
Without flossing, kids and adults are more prone to bad breath, gum disease, and cavities between the teeth. As parents and caregivers, understanding the right age to introduce flossing to kids can make a significant difference in their lifelong oral health.
But what age should you teach kids to floss? Here’s when to introduce flossing and how to get your kids to floss effectively.
Start Teaching Kids to Floss Around Age Six
Although you can start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that touch, eventually, your child will begin to brush and floss on their own. You can start teaching your child to floss around age six, when most children have the dexterity to start flossing on their own.
By this time, your child should have a clear understanding of the flossing process and why it’s important. Parents can start to guide them on how to floss effectively, using age-appropriate flossers or traditional floss.
It’s essential to make sure children floss properly and don’t harm their gum tissue by going too far underneath the gumline. As such, most children will need supervision flossing until they are between eight and 10 years old [2].
How to Teach Kids to Floss
Teaching kids to floss can be a challenging but rewarding experience for both parents and kids. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Show by example. Show them how to wrap the floss around their fingers, slide it between the teeth gently, and curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, scraping the sides of each tooth with a clean section of floss. You can demonstrate on your own teeth to show your child the proper technique and have them try on their own in the mirror.
- Use fun tools. There are numerous child-friendly flossers available. Your child might benefit from using small brushes or other flossing tools to effectively clean between their teeth until they get the hang of using traditional floss [3].
- Stick to a routine. Children tend to respond well to routines, so incorporate flossing into your child’s daily brushing routine to make the habit stick. Making flossing a habit can set the stage for lifelong oral health.
Set Your Child Up for a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles
While helping children adjust to handling their own dental care can be challenging, it’s a crucial part of their oral health and allows them to establish healthy habits for life. Teaching your child to floss is an important milestone that can make all the difference for their smile. Ask your child’s dentist for more flossing tips during their next checkup!
Sources:
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/flossing
- https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=flossing-and-children-90-P01852
- https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(21)00657-7/fulltextÂ
