How Do You Teach Your Kids The Right Way To Floss?

Flossing is one of the most important daily habits everyone should have. Everyone knows the importance of flossing for preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and fighting cavities. But not only do many children (and parents) not floss often enough, they also don’t floss correctly. Knowing the correct way to floss is just as important as developing the habit of flossing on a daily basis. And teaching that method to your kids can save them from having to deal with dental issues later in life.

The Correct Way To Floss

The key to flossing is consistency and following the right method. With traditional floss, it is recommended that kids wrap the floss around their fingers to avoid losing their grip. Then they need to floss between every single tooth. When they floss it is important that they floss both sides of each tooth. Many parents and children quickly pass the floss between the teeth without rubbing the floss against the teeth to remove bacteria. When using traditional strands of floss, remind your children not to use the same section of floss for multiple teeth as that can spread germs and bacteria. If you or your child use a dental floss pick instead of traditional floss you will need to rinse it after each tooth to ensure that you are not spreading bacteria. Your dentist can show you or your child how to properly floss.

How To Encourage Daily Flossing

Knowing the right way to floss is one thing, getting your kids to do it daily is another. Every child is different and they will likely react to different types of encouragement. But there are many methods that we recommend to make flossing part of your child’s daily routine.

• Floss as a Family: The first step to teaching your kids any good habit is to lead by example. Brush your teeth and floss with your younger children to help them get into the routine of daily oral care. As they get older they will naturally transition into doing these activities themselves.
• Use A Calendar: Many families have an oral care calendar with a checklist. Kids can use stickers to mark that they brushed and flossed and they can get rewards at the end of the week or month for not missing a day.
• Let Them Personalize Things: Part of encouraging your kids to have good oral habits is to encourage them through personalization. Letting them pick their toothbrush, toothpaste, dental flossing pick, or floss will help encourage them to use them more. Kids are more likely to use their oral care tools when they are the colors and designs that they handpicked.

For More Information Contact All Star Dental

To learn more about oral care or schedule an appointment for you or your children in the Chicago area, give All Star Dental a call by contacting one of our offices online.