Plaque gathers on a child’s baby teeth throughout the day. Snacking, meals, and drinking sweet beverages make this happen. Regular removal of plaque is necessary. Doing so can help prevent the development of gum disease and cavities.
Toothbrushing baby teeth two times a day is important in plaque removal. Yet, this is not enough. The spaces between teeth are too thin for the toothbrush bristles to reach. Flossing can clean these difficult areas. Forming the habit can remove plaque with consistency. It prevents cavities and keeps gum disease at bay.
Baby teeth erupt and then touch each other. This will signal the need for flossing. Toothbrushing is not enough to clean baby teeth anymore at this point. The routine must begin as soon as there are two baby teeth touching.
Parents can help their children floss until they can do it by themselves. Flossing may be difficult at first, but children will learn. Children capable of tying shoelaces by themselves can floss by themselves. This is often a rule most parents follow. Kids need the dexterity to floss.
Learning this skill should be gradual and stress-free. Each child learns in a different way. Younger children often take longer to learn. Making it fun can help children associate flossing with something positive.
Starting with a few teeth is good. Frustration must not overwhelm the parent or the child. The last thing anyone wants is for the child to feel uncomfortable while learning to floss. Working on the next set of teeth the following night and so on can build the technique without pressure. This will help the child form the habit in a positive way.
Children need to be involved in dental care. Even so, it could be challenging to encourage them to learn to floss. Encouraging children to pick the flavor of the floss. Colorful pre-threaded floss picks are available to make this activity fun. These picks can give toddlers more control during flossing. Asking an older sibling or cousin to show the process can make the child accept the activity.
Flossing before toothbrushing is better than the other way around. Studies show that there is less plaque if a person flosses before brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Some dentists say that the order is not important at all. The important thing is to practice brushing and flossing.
This activity can happen whenever the parent and the child are free to do so. It could be in the morning, afternoon, or before bedtime. Having a routine to look forward to is important. Sticking to this routine will cement it.
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Brushing teeth can remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing leaves teeth and gums cleaner, with less plaque. Your pediatric dentist can demonstrate the proper way to floss your child’s teeth. Setting the routine with patience can help your child learn this new dental care habit in a fun and positive way.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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