The Importance of Flossing

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics

www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

Flossing is ESSENTIAL to anyone's oral health routine, children especially. Sometimes flossing isnt the easiest thing for children to do - but don't worry, we have some tips to help them with solid oral care habits:

1. Hand held 'floss sticks' are a very useful tool in helping kids learn how to floss on their own and is much easier for small hands to hold. Use a similar flossing technique with the same zig-zag motion as you would with standard floss. Make sure not to pop or snap the floss, slide the floss around each tooth gently.
2. Schedule a dental check up and have your child show the dentist their flossing technique. This way the hygienist can instruct your child the correct flossing method and help them fix their technique.
3. Have your child watch you floss your own teeth! What better way to set an example. Have your child brush and floss along side of you to reinforce good habits.
4. Chart their progress and reinforce their efforts! Good habits take time to develop. Have a flossing chart in the bathroom is a great reminder for kids to floss everyday. Gentle reminders also help as well as praise when your child does floss on their own.

Feel free to contact us for a dental check up and we can go through the importance of flossing with your child. Do you have helpful tips to get kids into a flossing habit? Share with us on our Facebook page!