Flossing for Children

Often overlooked, flossing your child's teeth is critically important for development as well as cavity prevention. Flossing is an important because it allows you to clean in-between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach and where cavities are likely to form.

When the baby teeth begin to make contact with each other, you can begin flossing. Sometimes it happens with the first front four teeth just shy of a year old. If there is more spacing between the teeth they do not need to be flossed until the back teeth begin to come in, and touch. 

The easiest way to floss a young toddlers teeth is with a floss stick. They are super easy to find in any drug store or grocery store. Floss sticks allow bigger adult hands to reach inside the toddlers mouth allowing you access to the back molars without actually putting hands inside their mouth.

When flossing for your child, the position is key. The easiest way is to have your child lie on their bed with their head in your lap. You should be flossing their teeth until they are able to tie their own shoes. They lack the coordination to floss on their own until they have reached the age of 6 or 7.

Until then, they will learn habits from watching you. Lead by example and teach the importance of good oral hygiene.