When it comes to oral hygiene, brushing has likely been at the forefront of it. You may be teaching your child the proper technique and making sure they follow it, but you shouldn’t forget about flossing! It’s just as important in removing harmful bacteria from their growing smiles. To help you get ready to teach them, here are a few tips that can encourage them to stick to this beneficial habit.
Show Your Child How It’s Done
Before you allow your child to dive right into flossing, it’s important that they know how to do it properly. By showing them the right steps, they may be confident to start it themselves. Even doing your teeth while they do theirs can help give them the push they need. This is how the process should look:
- Get an 18- to 24-inch piece of dental floss. Look for some that are soft; that way, it’s gentle on your loved one’s gums.
- Wrap the ends around a finger, usually the index and middle, and do the same for the other hand.
- Slide the floss between your child’s teeth and hold it to make a “C” shape. Move it up and down to get rid of bacteria and debris.
- For each tooth, use a different, clean section of floss.
- Repeat until done!
Physically Demonstrate the Importance of Flossing
Some kids may start flossing because their parents said so, but just as many may give a little pushback. If this is true for you, then you can give them a small nudge by doing a demonstration! For instance, you can wear a glove and have your child run a spoonful of peanut butter between your fingers and on them. Once it’s all smeared, close them tight.
Now, have your loved one use a spare toothbrush and get to cleaning! They can rinse as needed, but make sure they notice how difficult it is to get between your fingers. Relate this to teeth, and now give them floss. They can then use the floss thread to get between your fingers.
Offer Rewards and Make It Fun
A little incentive can also be helpful! You can make a chart and mark off with stickers every day your child flosses. Once they do it consistently enough, then you can give them a treat, whether it’s a small toy, a privilege, or an outing!
Not only that, but you can also allow your loved one to pick out their own floss. Let them look at the different colors and flavors, so they can feel like they are taking ownership. It can be the encouragement they need to want to do it. That way, flossing doesn’t seem tedious but rather an important step in keeping their growing smile strong.
About the Practice
At The Dentists at Orenco for Kids, your child benefits from the compassionate care of Dr. Andrea Beltzner and Dr. Michael Royse. Our team understands the importance of keeping young grins happy and healthy. Through preventive care, we can find areas that need more attention and offer advice you can incorporate at home. If you need help getting your loved one to floss, schedule an appointment or call our office at (503) 640-6565.