Did you know that tooth brushing cleans only about 30% of tooth surfaces? Children who don’t floss develop tartar and plaque between their teeth, which cause gum disease and cavities. That’s why flossing, even for children, is a necessity! If you want your child to develop healthy habits, learning to floss, and flossing daily, is key.

 

Flossing Avoids Bad Breath

Halitosis isn’t just an adult problem. Kids who don’t floss have food stuck between their teeth, which decompose and, due to unhealthy bacteria build up, emit the smell of rotten eggs and create a bad taste in your child’s mouth.

 

Flossing Keeps Gums Healthy

Sensitive and swollen gums can develop due to bacteria left behind when flossing is avoided. The plaque that develops can infection, resulting in bleeding when brushing or flossing. These problems can lead to full-blown gum disease.

 

Flossing Prevents Cavities

Plaque is the hard substance that builds up between teeth when flossing is avoided. This leads to cavities, gum disease and erosion of the dental enamel.

 

Some Helpful Flossing Tools

There are many flossing tools at your local store or online. Here are just a few of them.

 

Kids Floss Picks

These are plastic picks with a short length of floss between two “poles.” Because you don’t have to stretch a foot of floss between your fingers, flossing goes faster, something that’s advantageous when you’re trying to floss a wriggling toddler’s teeth! I do not recommend them for the long term because they tend to deposit bacteria on the teeth due to repeatedly using that same short length of floss but it’s a viable option for the short term.

 

Ultra Floss

As your child gets baby teeth and later loses them, gaps between the teeth can make flossing with traditional floss a bit uncomfortable. Enter Ultra Floss! This stretchy floss is great for kids because it accommodates different sized spaces between the teeth.

 

Floss Threaders

These handy tools are great for kids with braces!

 

Dental Tape

Another option for kids in gaps in their teeth. It’s flat, wide and especially gentle, a plus for kids whose teeth are loosening!