Parenting comes with a lot of duties but is also very gratifying. As parents, we must teach our children self-care skills such as eating independently and cleaning up. A critical component of an efficient cleaning regimen is oral care. Most parents do an excellent job of teaching their kids how to clean correctly, but flossing is frequently more challenging.
Tips to Help Your Child Floss Effectively.
Children can start using tooth floss around seven or eight, but it’s always early enough to teach them! It would be advantageous if you began teaching your kid to floss when they have two teeth close together. What makes cleansing crucial? Answering this question is necessary before we continue. Brushing is the first line of defense against decay, bad breath, and periodontal disease, with flossing coming in second. Brushes can’t reach areas of the lips that dental floss can. Food and plaque are frequently concealed along the gum line and between teeth. The development of cavities or periodontal disease is possible if food particles are not eliminated by flossing. There are numerous types of floss, including:
- String Floss: Give your child 18 inches of floss, and instruct them to wind most of it around one finger, typically the pointer on the left or right hand. The leftover floss will then be wound around one finger on the opposing hand, being careful not to coil it too tightly. The finger with the most floss will discharge the most of it between each tooth, and the other finger will collect it.
- Flossing Picks: Many small kids prefer dental floss instruments (and even many adults). Despite being more straightforward, regular floss still beats them in effectiveness. Tips are still an excellent alternative for children with difficulty using standard floss, but regular floss is recommended for adults. Picks for dental floss come in harp or Y shapes. Like you usually would move the floss up and down the molars. When the floss begins to appear faded, replace the pick. Between your teeth, rinse it.
How can you make it fun when deciding which floss to use with your kid? Do it jointly! Start flossing while listening to upbeat music and making silly expressions at yourself in the reflection. Ideally, your child will look forward to spending more time with you as much as they look forward to cleaning their teeth! A flossing calendar is a beautiful tool for urging your kid to use dental floss daily. Add a star to the board each time your kid uses the bathroom. Reward them for five days every time they floss. Let your child choose the mouthwash they want. Take your child to the shop so he can choose the kind and flavor of floss he wishes to use before you start teaching him how to floss. An excellent incentive is getting their favored shade or taste when they floss.
Let Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry Help You and Your Child Floss Correctly!
Your kid should see a pediatric dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning, checkup, and instruction on how to brush and floss properly. Call (832) 271-6114 immediately to arrange an appointment with Dr. Mayuri Appareddy at Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry!
