So, how soon should (could) kids start flossing?
What age to floss?
Too young to do a good job, but great age to introduce!
Most dentists agree that teeth should be flossed as soon as any two of them touch and brushing with a toothbrush will not clean between them! This translatets to beginning flossing anytime from about 8 months on! Flossing correctly (see future Blog!) takes some talent however, and most little kids cannot floss well until about age eight. However, it is a good idea to have them start trying to floss sooner so that it becomes part of a routine for good oral hygiene.
Still too young to floss on his own, but great practice!
Parents should floss their kids teeth until they can do it adequately themselves. To floss a young child’s teeth, it may be easiest for a parent to have their child lay on the floor. This makes it easier to see into your child’s mouth and is usually more comfortable for the child! Kids are not as prone to periodontal disease and gingivitis as adults. Because of this, flossing can be a pretty quick affair just to clean between the teeth. No real need to manuver the floss below the gums unless there are signs of gingivitis – bleeding, swollen or puffy tissue, or redness.
Kids can usually maneuver floss between teeth
At this age, between teeth with floss often ends being between multiple teeth
Our office – well my (Dr. Gillis‘) motto is this: Flossing is Fun! Really! Well, it really isn’t fun, but flossing is so beneficial to the health of the gum tissues which is good for your whole body, and the enjoyment of health IS fun.
It is our experience that most people could use some additional motivation to floss more and to floss correctly. So in answer to the above question, how soon should kids start flossing, is this: introduce flossing early, help out until your child has adequate dexterity to floss on his or her own, and promote the benefits of a healthy mouth for a lifetime!
Too young to do a good job, but great age to introduce!
This information shared with you by Julie Gillis, DDS PC. Our office is located in Grand Junction, Colorado. We feel that your dental health is the top priority. and if we can make your smile more attractive while improving your health that is wonderful! Dr. Gillis practices restorative and cosmetic dentistry including porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, implants, crowns, bridges and periodontal care. Our office website is www.juliegillisds.com. For further information, please contact us at (970) 242-3635.