4 Easy-to-Follow Flossing Tips for Children

Parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. One of your many responsibilities includes teaching children how to clean up after themselves, feed themselves, and maintain good hygiene. As you already know, dental care is a significant part of an effective hygiene routine. However, teaching a kid how to floss is a battle many parents struggle with. Before you give up, here are some easy-to-follow tips to help your little one master the art of flossing!

Use Visuals

If you hand a child some dental floss, they’re not going to automatically know what to do with it. That’s why using visuals is a great tool for teaching children how to floss! One way of showing them the proper technique is by giving them a demonstration. For example, have your child watch you eat chocolate. Once you’re done, thoroughly floss your teeth to show how well it removes leftover food particles. You can give your little one a floss pick to practice on their own teeth!

Give Rewards

Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage children to complete tasks. You can create a chart and give your child a gold star each day she flosses. If they are consistent and floss every day, you can reward them at the end of the week with a prize or a fun activity. Over time, it’ll help them turn flossing into a solid habit.

Create Fun Activities

Does your child avoid caring for their teeth because they find it dull and boring? Well, you can help them get excited by making the experience fun! For example, you could make brushing and flossing a family activity. Gather everyone in your household into the bathroom and floss at the same time. It’s a great way to instill the importance of flossing! You can also play your child’s favorite song and dance while they clean their teeth, showing them how fun it is.

Establish a Flossing Routine

Your child should start flossing as soon as their teeth touch one another. After teaching them how to floss, make sure you remind them to do it at least once a day (ideally right before bed). It’s worth noting that most children will need assistance with this oral hygiene step until they’re at least six or seven years old. However, practice makes perfect! Keep encouraging them and offering tips until they become a master at it.

Are you struggling to teach your child how to floss? Follow the tips outlined above! If needed, you can always ask your dentist for more ways to make flossing fun for children.

About the Author

Dr. Melissa Rozas has helped growing smiles thrive for over two decades now. She is passionate about giving every patient outstanding dental care. After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, she completed her pediatric dental residency in Houston at UT/Herman Hospital. Today, Dr. Rozas is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. For more easy-to-follow flossing tips for children, visit her website or call (972) 393-9779.