Flossing Tips for Your Kids: All That You Need to Know

Interdental cleaners are an essential part of taking care of your teeth. Floss is the most popular form of interdental cleaner. It is important to clean the space between your teeth as residual food particles get stuck here to initiate dental decay and plaque. When it comes to oral health care of kids, flossing is as important as brushing. Introducing them to proper techniques of flossing as well as its benefits is essential.

Here are some of the things you can do to help your kids get the hang of flossing faster and take a liking to it too.

• Let Your Child Choose the Floss: Helping your child be an active part of their flossing routine is the best when they are involved in it too. A desirable way to do so is by letting them choose the floss they want to select. Each floss can help them differently in their practicality and usability. So when they decide on the floss they wish to use themselves, they are able to follow their routine religiously.
• Teach Them by Example: Children will learn faster when they emulate their parents. The best way to do so is to floss next to them. You will be next to them when they need your help and can adjust their hand if their technique is not right. This also helps them to understand whether they are taking the right amount of time to complete their flossing or are they just rushing through it.
• Make Flossing a Game: This is the right time to make flossing a fun activity for your kids. Whether it is like your kids competing with each other, or let them see who can floss better than the other. Another game could be to set the timer for flossing and make sure that your kids floss until the timer’s complete duration. The end of this all could be to give them rewards. So that the next time they are thrilled and motivated to floss.
• Provide Your Kids the Motivation They Need: Ensuring that flossing becomes a part of their daily oral health care routine involves continuously motivating your kids. Here are some of the things you can do to make sure they like flossing:
  • They choose the color of the floss they want to use.
  • You can make a sticker chart for flossing correctly for your kids.
  • Considering flossing takes time, you can use it to make it interesting with their favorite story or video.
  • Children can count their teeth while flossing; this not only helps them in learning to count but also makes sure that flossing can be done perfectly.

Some Things to Keep in Mind While Teaching Your Kids How to Floss:

• Always make your kids use a soft-bristled brush.
• The length of the floss should be equal to that of your finger to the elbow.
• Now, take your child’s fingers and wrap equal amounts of floss on both their right and left fingers. Here, one side will be used for cleaning whereas the other will collect the dirty floss.
• Show your child how to glide the floss gently.

Flossing is essential to maintain the health of your mouth just as brushing and tongue cleaning. Introducing your kids to the right techniques at an early stage can make them habitual to this great habit for the rest of their lives. You can also visit your nearest dentist to get tips on flossing and adequate oral care.

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