I don’t know about you, but I love a good flossing session. Maybe it has to do with the fact that my mom flosses 2-3 times a day, so I’ve inherited a love for it, or maybe it’s the fact that flossing cleans at least a third of all the gunk in our mouth, but either way, I’m here for floss!! Dr. Ashley is always so wonderful about challenging us with her monthly floss challenges, and helping people get in the habit of pulling that floss out! Even if you’re a regular flosser, you may not know the protocol for starting flossing with your kiddos, so Dr. Ashley is here to teach!
Did you know flossing cleans the areas of the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach? That means, without flossing, you are leaving 30-40% of your teeth uncleaned. Did I just blow your mind? I’m glad, because maybe that fun fact will entice you to get out that floss!
When should kids start flossing?
When two teeth touch, kids should start flossing! This is usually between ages 2 to 3-years-old, but can vary depending on the teeth coming in. That being said, if your baby tolerates brushing and doesn’t yet have two teeth that touch, you can still floss! This helps them get used to it.
How to floss kids’ teeth?
Use kid-sized floss picks. Gently slide the floss pick between teeth to clean gums and teeth. Before moving to the next tooth, use a new area of the floss pick or rinse the floss pick with water [Remember: We don’t want to clean other teeth with dirty floss!].
If your child does not tolerate flossing, focus on the areas where the teeth touch the most. Then, rotate to a new area the next night.
Schedule Example:
Monday: floss bottom middle teeth
Tuesday: floss bottom right back teeth
Wednesday: floss bottom left back teeth
Thursday: floss top middle teeth
Friday: floss top right back teeth
Saturday: floss top left back teeth
Sunday: repeat
*Eventually the goal is to floss every tooth each night. But this schedule can be good to help your child get used to flossing*
When to switch to string floss?
Once flossing is well established with floss picks, you can switch to string floss. Remember, kids need help flossing until about age 8. They can floss themselves, but a caregiver needs to assist them afterwards.
My favourite string floss for both kids and adults is Coco Floss. You can use code DRASHLEY20 for 20% off.
If your child has braces:
If your child has braces, an appliance, manual dexterity issues, sensory issues, and/or trouble flossing, try a kid’s water flosser! This is for ages 6-years-old, and up.
Our goal is to floss at least once a day! And, remember, floss before brushing!
Happy Flossing!
Dr. Ashley shared her favourite floss. I wanted to also mention that in my natural product searches, I’ve come to enjoy RiseWell floss, which has no artificial flavours, and is Teflon-free, plus it has Hydroxyapatite right in it! You can use code LAURENEB10 for 10% off all their products.