It’s common knowledge that regular flossing is an important part of keeping your pearly whites beautiful and intact. However, when should you start teaching your child this healthy habit? Can they start too early or late? Your child’s baby teeth play a key role in their long-term oral development, so it’s essential that you teach them how to practice great oral hygiene early in life. Read on as your San Antonio pediatric dentist explains when your son or daughter should start flossing to keep their growing smile healthy.
When Should I Begin Teaching My Child to Floss?
A baby tooth is vulnerable to cavities as soon as it erupts, which is why parents should start brushing those tiny pearly whites as soon as they appear. However, you don’t need to start flossing your child’s teeth until they have two that are beginning to fit closely together. This can be quite early, so it’s a good idea for you to floss their teeth for them until you’re confident they can do it themselves effectively. Most children are able to floss their own teeth by six or seven years old, sometimes earlier.
Why Is It Important for Children to Start Flossing So Early?
It’s no secret that flossing isn’t one of the most popular healthy habits for both kids and adults alike. However, it’s the only way to clean out plaque, bacteria, and food debris from areas of the mouth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Since baby teeth have thinner enamel than permanent teeth, they’re particularly vulnerable to the harmful particles that build up between them. Teaching your child to start flossing so early in life will:
- Lower their risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.
- Keep their baby teeth healthy, which is essential for their oral development.
- Encourage them to keep up this habit all throughout life.
How Can I Help Make Flossing Easier for My Child?
To help make this healthy habit easier for you and your child, try:
- Using a waxed, wider type of floss.
- ADA-approved children’s floss picks.
- Watching children’s videos about flossing.
Additionally, your child’s San Antonio family dentist will be happy to help them learn how to floss correctly at their routine dental checkups. Remember, the healthy habits you teach your son or daughter now can set them up for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles!
About the Practice
The talented team of Laith Family Dentistry is proud to serve smiles of all ages in San Antonio, TX and the surrounding communities. With kid-friendly treatment areas, family block scheduling, and specialized children’s dental services, they go above and beyond to help your family maintain great oral health for life. If you’d like more information on teaching your child to floss, don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (210) 782-6842.
