You probably already understand the importance of brushing your child's teeth even at an early age. However, you may not realize your child should also be flossing their teeth at this early age. As a matter of fact, dentists recommend flossing as soon as your child has developed two teeth that are touching one another. Because each child is different, the development of two teeth that are touching may occur between the ages of 2 and 6. This guide will teach you a few tips to help your child understand the importance of flossing.
Shop for Floss
Your child's pediatric dentist will most likely provide you with some floss to get started, but taking your child to the store and allowing them to pick out their own floss is a great way to get them interested in this task.
Today, there are many different types of floss available. You can choose from flossing tools, which are easy to use, or traditional flossing string in a variety of colors that would appeal to your child. In addition, flavored floss is an option to consider. Your child will enjoy flossing with cherry or bubblegum flavored floss that is delicious and effective.
Communicate the Importance
Brushing removes food residue and plaque from the teeth and gums, but flossing removes food and bacteria from in between and behind the teeth and gum tissue. Make sure your child understands the importance of flossing to reduce the risk of cavities, decay, and gum disease.
If necessary, show your child a few pictures of cavities, decay, and periodontal disease. This will help them understand the need for brushing, flossing, and good oral hygiene.
Floss Together
Your child will learn good oral hygiene habits from you if you have good oral hygiene habits. Therefore, make sure to spend time brushing and flossing with your child.
Allow them to watch you floss for a few seconds. Then, let them try to floss their own teeth on their own. Make sure to use encouraging words and guide them throughout the flossing process to ensure they are flossing the right way.
Play and Reward
Finally, make flossing a game that includes rewards if they floss properly without complaining each day.
Play music while you and your child are flossing. Make sure they have completed flossing by the end of the song. Inspect their teeth and gums to determine if they did a good job or not. If so, reward them with a small prize.
You can also create a calendar for documenting how many times they floss on their own. Each time they floss, place a sticker on the calendar day. By the end of a full week or full month of flossing, they can choose a special reward.
Share3 September 2018
The average dentist takes many client appointments each day and also deals with emergency situations on a regular basis. Dental emergencies are very common because people are likely to put off having tooth pain fixed until the pain becomes unbearable. Some people have anxiety about dental visits, and others are trying to avoid the expense of dental care. In either case, the end result is often a dental emergency. I have worked as a professional dental hygienist for many years and have seen all types of dental emergencies. I hope that this blog will help people identify potential emergencies before they become too serious and will allow people to know when to get help.
