Flossing For Kids- Importance and Different Methods

It is essential to floss regularly in order to maintain optimal oral health.  However, people who don't regularly engage in it may reasonably question its significance. Wouldn't it be enough to just brush your teeth every day? Brushing your teeth is great, but it can only clean the outside of your teeth and won't remove the food or debris that can get stuck between your teeth and thus contribute to breeding bacteria. Flossing is the second step in a proper oral hygiene routine because it removes food particles and plaque between teeth. Many mothers who are accustomed to flossing wonder if and when they should begin the practice with their children. When your child has two touching teeth, start flossing. Typically, this occurs between the ages of two and three. At this point, the child begins to branch out in his or her diet. You can't clean your child’s gums and interdental spaces properly with just a toothbrush anymore. If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up, it may end up with cavities, gum disease, and even more serious dental infections in kids. At the same time, it is not easy to establish a regular flossing routine for your children. This blog offers some tips that could be of some use.

What is flossing? 

Flossing refers to the practice of cleaning between one's teeth with a tool that looks like a string called dental floss. This procedure will assist in the removal of plaque and food particles that may have become lodged between the teeth or in any other area of the mouth that a toothbrush is unable to access. Flossing is the most effective method for warding off gingivitis and other dental and gum issues. 

What is the importance of flossing?

Flossing is essential for children's oral health. The majority of dental plaque can be removed by brushing teeth properly and consistently. However, plaque that is located in areas inaccessible by a toothbrush cannot be removed by brushing alone. This includes the spaces in between the teeth as well as the area beneath the gums. Plaque removal is just one benefit of flossing; other advantages include the following:

1. Lessens the risk of gum disease- Consistent flossing by children can greatly reduce their vulnerability to gum diseases. When plaque accumulates in the spaces between teeth and gums, it can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation and bleeding, a condition known as gingivitis. Eventually, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, causing problems deep within the gums and even the bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth. These gum problems can affect both adults and children of any age. Daily flossing is an excellent preventative measure because it removes food particles from the gum line before bacteria have a chance to colonize the area.
2. Effectively prevents bad breath- Inadequate attention to oral hygiene is the leading cause of chronic bad breath in children. The bacteria in the mouth feed on plaque (the sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth) if it's not removed with proper brushing and flossing. As they feed on the food debris and plague, microbes give off sulfur compounds that smell bad. Maintaining clean teeth and fresh breath all day long can be accomplished with regular flossing.

Flossing also

• Reduces the risk of cavities
• Improves heart health in the long run.
• Cleans and polishes teeth.

Types Of Floss

If you're looking for floss for your kid, know that there are many different types, flavors, and textures to choose from. If you want your child to maintain the habit of flossing, it's important to make it fun for them.  Some kids enjoy the novelty of flavored floss, while others prefer the convenience of pre-threaded flossers or floss holders. The different types of dental floss include the following:

• Waxed floss has a thin layer of wax on top and usually tastes like mint or cinnamon. To get more kids to floss, some companies make it in tasty flavors like grape, watermelon, coconut, and even chocolate. One advantage of waxed floss is that the wax improves the efficiency with which the floss string can move between the teeth. However, one drawback is that wax makes the floss itself thicker, making it more challenging to get between children's teeth.
• Unwaxed floss, consists of very fine strands of nylon that are typically flavorless and odorless.  Because of its non-slip grip properties, this floss is comfortable to hold, even when flossing another person's mouth. However, unwaxed floss has a negative reputation for fraying easily. 
• If you are a parent who is concerned about the environment, you can now purchase biodegradable floss. The floss is made from a biodegradable form of silk. The majority of these flosses have a minty flavor to leave your baby’s mouth feeling clean and fresh.
• Pre-threaded floss picks, which typically feature a brightly colored handle, are a more recent trend. This type of floss is designed to be held comfortably by even the tiniest of hands and is ideal for cleaning between the teeth and in the back of young children's mouths.

What Are Some Tips to Get My Children to Floss?

Your child's dentist can give you some great advice on how to incorporate flossing into your children's routines from a young age. Here are a few good tips:

• Allow your children to select their first floss. Use soft floss that won’t hurt their gums. 
• Reward flossing 
• Tell the kids that less time spent at the dentist's office is a direct result of their efforts to instill the habit of regular flossing. 
• Keep older children informed that flossing is crucial to preventing bad breath.

Different methods of flossing for kids

Teach your children the proper way to floss their teeth. Flossing correctly is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, so it's important to show your kids how to do it and go over it with them each time. The method you employ will depend on the type of dental floss you and your child prefer.

1. Traditional dental floss- Teach your child to grip traditional dental floss between their thumb and index finger. Demonstrate to your child how to wrap dental floss around their index finger to prevent slipping. Show your children how to bend the floss into the shape of a "C" and move it carefully back and forth between their teeth. In order to prevent the spread of germs, instruct children to use a fresh section of floss between each tooth. Ensure that the child cleans both sides of each gap and that the cleaning continues slightly under the gumline.
2. Dental floss picks- Your child may have trouble using traditional dental floss at first. In that case, invest in some dental floss picks designed for kids to make the task of flossing less daunting.
3. Loop (Circle) Method- The floss used in this technique is about 18 inches in length, and the two ends are knotted together to form a loop. Put your fingers inside the circle, but keep your thumbs outside. Use your index fingers to guide the floss along and between the bottom teeth, and your thumbs to do the same for the top. Use a "C" motion at the gum line to dislodge bacteria or food. 
4. Spool (Finger-Wrap) Method- For this method, you'll need a length of dental floss measuring between 18 and 20 inches. Wrap the floss string's ends around the tips of your middle fingers. Using your thumbs and index fingers, guide the floss between the upper and lower teeth of the child. To remove plaque and bacteria from below the gum line, you can use the C-Motion technique.

At What Age Should My Children Start Flossing?

Children should begin flossing as soon as they have enough space between their baby teeth to trap food. However, in order to get things started, your child will require your assistance.  Although this may increase parental effort for a time, it will be worth it in the long run. It is recommended that parents begin flossing with their children as early as age 2 or 3, and definitely no later than age 6 when the spaces between their baby teeth begin to close. Your child may be able to learn to floss on their own by the time they reach the age of 10; this will depend on their current motor skills and abilities.

Let's conclude

There should be a daily 2-minute session of flossing for kids. Although it's less important when exactly your kids' floss, it is important that you work it into their daily routines and schedules so that they are consistent. Let your kid pick out their own dental hygiene supplies like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and floss picks. As a result, they may find the task more engaging and enjoyable. At some point, your kid will figure out how to floss properly without you hovering over him or her. You should check in with them on a regular basis to see how things are going and to make sure they aren't rushing or skipping this vital step in maintaining their oral health.

FAQs

Does It Matter If You Floss Your Kid's Teeth Before or After They've Been Brushed?

When it comes to kids' teeth, some dentists recommend flossing first and then brushing. Before brushing, consider flossing your child's teeth. If this causes problems, know that it is acceptable to reverse the order. What's most important is that your kid practices good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

What is the best time to floss your child's teeth?

When it comes to flossing your kid's teeth, it's best to do it when it's convenient for both of you. For families with busy morning schedules, flossing a child's teeth before bed may be the most convenient time. Similarly, if your toddler becomes cranky and uncooperative right before bedtime, you might do better to floss his or her teeth in the morning or afternoon instead. The most critical aspect of teaching your child to floss is establishing a daily routine. Select a time that is convenient for both you and your child, and then stick to it.