Tips for Flossing
Anchorage, AK
Tips for Flossing provided by our doctor
in Anchorage, AK at Aurora Children’s Dentistry
 Good oral hygiene starts early. Helping your child develop strong dental habits from a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We understand that parents play a crucial role in teaching children how to care for their teeth and gums. From brushing and flossing, to eating right and visiting the dentist regularly, every step matters.
As your partner in your child's oral health, we're here to offer simple, yet effective oral hygiene tips. This is true especially when it comes to flossing, which is often an overlooked part of dental hygiene. We want to help you and your family build a strong dental routine and make flossing a natural part of your child's daily care.
What Does Oral Hygiene Look Like for Kids?
Teaching kids about oral hygiene can be fun, engaging, and rewarding. A complete oral care routine includes more than just brushing.
Here are some of the essential steps children and their parents should be taking:
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Brushing and flossing every day
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Eating a variety of healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables
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Drinking plenty of water to rinse away food and sugar
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Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, like candy, juice, and soda
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Brushing after consuming sugary foods, especially before bedtime
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Visiting the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups |
These habits help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. They also teach responsibility and encourage kids to take joy and responsibility in their smile.
Brushing
Brushing is the most familiar part of an oral hygiene routine, and it's important to make it both effective and enjoyable for your child.
Toothbrush Tips
Look for a toothbrush that fits your child's mouth and has soft bristles. Many children respond well to brushes featuring their favorite colors or cartoon characters. Letting them pick out their toothbrush can make brushing feel like a special daily event rather than a chore. Be sure to supervise and assist younger children until they develop the motor skills needed to brush thoroughly on their own. You can even brush alongside your child, so they see you brushing your teeth too.
Toothpaste Advice
Choose a fluoride toothpaste appropriate for your child's age. For kids under three, a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice is ideal. Children three and older can use a pea-sized amount. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities, but using the correct amount is key to keeping it safe.
Consistency in oral hygiene is everything. Encourage your child to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.
Flossing
Brushing only cleans the surfaces of teeth. To remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles can't easily reach, flossing is essential. Teaching your child to floss their teeth is just as important as teaching them to brush.
When Should My Child Start Flossing?
You should begin flossing your child's teeth as soon as any two teeth touch. This often happens between the ages of two and three. At this age, your child will need your help with flossing, but it starts to build a routine they'll eventually take over as they grow.
Children usually develop the coordination to floss on their own around the age of eight to 10. Until then, it's important for parents to guide the process, and emphasize the importance of flossing. It can be an easy step to skip, especially for young children.
Flossing Technique
Flossing correctly helps prevent gum inflammation and cavities between teeth. Be gentle; forcing the floss can damage the gums and discourage your child from wanting to continue flossing.
Here's a basic technique for parents to follow:
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Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with
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Gently slide the floss between your child's teeth using a back-and-forth motion
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Curve the floss into a "C" shape around each tooth and slide it under the gumline
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Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque |
When to Floss
The best time to floss is once a day, ideally at night before brushing. This ensures that any food particles and plaque between the teeth are removed before your child goes to sleep. Flossing before brushing also helps fluoride from the toothpaste reach between the teeth.
Turning flossing into a nightly routine reinforces the habit and helps kids recognize it as an important part of their oral hygiene.
Types of Floss
There are several types of dental floss that can make the process easier and more appealing for children. There are more options available than just the standard mint, string, dental floss.
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Traditional waxed or unwaxed string floss
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Floss picks – small plastic tools that hold a short piece of floss, easier for small hands
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Flavored floss – options like bubblegum or berry can make flossing more enjoyable
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Water flossers – gentle devices that spray water to clean between teeth (good for older children or kids with braces) |
Every child is unique, so don't be afraid to try a few different options to see what works best for them. What matters most is consistency and good technique.
Schedule an Appointment to Learn More!
Brushing may get all the attention, but flossing plays an equally important role in your child's oral health. Making it part of your family's oral hygiene routine can help prevent cavities, protect gums, and encourage lifelong dental habits.
If you're unsure where to start or want to ensure your child is flossing correctly, our team at Aurora Children’s Dentistry is here to help. We're committed to making dental visits positive and educational for kids and parents alike.
Let us support your child's journey to a healthy smile. Schedule a visit in Anchorage today by calling (907) 621-4521. Take the next step toward strong oral habits that last a lifetime.
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