Getting Your Child to Floss Every Day

Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach and should begin when any two teeth touch. Flossing is just as important as brushing, but it is often more difficult, less comfortable to teach. Fortunately, there are a few fun and effective ways to help get your children flossing every day.

• Do it for them: This is especially important for younger children. According to the American Dental Association, you should first help them learn how to floss by doing it for them. Take an 18-inch string of floss, wrap it tightly around one finger on each hand and leave about an inch or two of spare floss pulled taut. Now gently slide it between your child’s teeth and move it toward the gum line. Gently slide it back and forth against the edges of the teeth. At first, children often don’t like the sensation of flossing, but they need to learn to accept it. Odds are, you will be gentler than they will.
• Give them a floss holder: While they’re a touch more expensive than continuous-thread floss, floss holders are much easier to use—and children are less likely to unspool an entire floss holder for fun.
• Floss with them: Children learn by imitation. They need to floss every day— and so do you. When you floss with your children, not only do you help them pick up a good habit but you reinforce your own.
• Use a progress chart: Children like to feel a sense of growth and reward. One way to reward them for flossing is to put a weekly flossing and brushing chart on the bathroom wall. When they floss a predetermined appropriate number of times, give them a small reward.
• Use music: Children (and adults) enjoy doing things to a beat. Find a piece of music they enjoy and make it their “flossing song.” Teach them to floss to the beat, and turn off the music when they finish. (Just make sure the beat is not too fast.) This can help turn flossing from a chore into a fun way to develop a healthy habit.

At your next visit to KiDDS Dental, be sure to mention how much better your child has gotten at flossing. A little praise from the tooth expert can go a long way.