Getting your children started with managing their own dental hygiene can be seriously daunting! Sometimes, it can just be easier for an adult to step in, but the sooner your child learns to brush, floss, and use children’s mouthwash properly, the better off everyone will be. Costa Dentistry is here to help you get started with this advice on how and when to teach your children to floss.
Tips for Helping Children Learn to Floss Their Teeth
Generally, kids can start to learn how to floss as soon as they start brushing their teeth at age 2 or 3. If you haven’t started with your child, that’s OK! You can start by demonstrating and assisting them with a flosser, and always keeping up with their dental appointments.
Show them First
Take a few minutes to deliberately show your children how you floss your own teeth. Try to get them to ask questions. Find online videos about flossing and dental health to show your children the process and to help them understand what happens when germs are left behind when they don’t floss.
Try Kid-Sized Pre-Threaded Flossers First
If your child’s small hands are still learning to hold a pencil, be patient with floss. Using smaller flossers may be easier than wrapping floss around their fingers. Whichever format, be sure to emphasize gliding down the tooth gently and curving around the edges.
Make it Part of the Routine
Morning and bedtime routines are the best times to focus on dental care for kids. While adding flossing to the routine will likely be hard for the first few days, it will get easier if everyone keeps trying. Hanging a dry-erase or magnetic checklist in the bathroom can help children feel the sense of ownership and accomplishment when they check off brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Motivate Kids with Stickers, Fun Flossers, or Games
Making difficult things fun is the hallmark of raising children, right?! While the little ones are still little, spring for the flossers with animal or dinosaur shapes or fun colors. Make it a game by using a visual timer, favorite song, or pretending the dinosaur flosser is roaring! Try a sticker chart for the first 30 days of flossing, with a prize at the end.
Keep Your Own Teeth Healthy and Tell Your Children
Talk to your children about your visits to Costa Dentistry, especially with the hygienist. Tell your children about how you use tools from Costa Dentistry’s Comfort Menu to stay calm. Let them watch you brush, floss, or rinse your teeth whenever you get the chance. Show them healthy eating habits and invite them to join you in brushing everyone’s teeth after treats or to prepare for the day.
If you’re having trouble teaching your child to brush, floss, or rinse, talk to your child’s pediatric dentist or one of Costa Dentistry’s team at your next visit.