Flossing is not anyone’s idea of fun, especially young children. As parents, it is often a battle to get your child to floss their teeth. Due to a recent article stating that flossing may not be as effective as once thought, you may find yourself wondering if you are fighting a pointless battle. Despite the recent claims from the Associated Press article, daily flossing should still be a part of your child’s oral hygiene routine. As a pediatric dentist in Amherst, we recommend children floss their teeth each day to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Why is Flossing Important?
Often, many tend to believe that brushing the teeth twice a day is enough, especially for children because the baby teeth will eventually fall out. However, this is not true. Everyone, no matter their age, needs to floss their teeth daily. Flossing is vital for maintaining the health of the teeth and gums.
Brushing is not enough to remove harmful plaque and bacteria from in between the teeth. When plaque and tarter are not removed, cavities can develop in between the teeth. When sugars combine with the bacteria, it turns to acid, eating away at the enamel. Over time, a cavity will develop.
In addition, if plaque is not removed from between the teeth, the bacteria found in plaque can cause the gums to become infected. This infection is known as gum disease. While many often think that only adults can get gum disease, children can develop the infection as well.
To protect the teeth and gums, children need to floss their teeth each day, preferably at night.
How Should My Child Floss Their Teeth?
It is not uncommon for young children to have a difficult time flossing their teeth properly. You may need to help them floss their teeth for a while until they develop the coordination to floss correctly. In some cases, young children might find flossers to be easier than standard floss.
When it comes to choosing a dental floss, there are a lot of options. Choose a floss that features the ADA Seal of Approval, which means the ADA deems the floss safe and effective. Teach your child to use about 18 inches of floss. Have your child insert the floss between two teeth and then “hug” the tooth by forming a “C” shape around the tooth. The floss is then slide to the gum line gently and back up to the top of the tooth. This process will be repeated for each tooth.
Is Brushing and Flossing Enough?
Your child’s home oral hygiene will play a vital role in your child’s oral health; however, brushing and flossing are not all your child’s oral hygiene care. Your child needs to visit their pediatric dentist in Northampton twice a year for a regular checkup and cleaning.
With the right care at home and regular visits to the dentist, we will work together to ensure your child develops a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact our office to schedule an appointment today.