According to the Canadian Dental Association, flossing and brushing are two of the crucial ways to care for your teeth and should be included in your dental hygiene. We all are aware of the importance of flossing for oral hygiene for adults. But can children floss? This is a question that most parents ask us when they come to our clinic. The answer is ‘Yes.’ Absolutely! Teaching your child to floss at a young age can have a significant impact on their oral hygiene as they grow older. So, let’s explore how flossing can benefit your child’s dental health.

Increase Effectiveness with Brushing

Brushing twice a day will go a long way towards maintaining oral health. The toothbrush can only remove plaque from the teeth with its soft bristles. The use of fluoride toothpaste enhances the effect of the toothbrush as it reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth. But, it is not enough to achieve optimal and adequate cleaning only through brushing. This is where floss comes in. A floss is a tool specifically made to remove tartar from the interdental spaces and under the gums. With the type of food kids have, it is essential to include flossing in dental care for children.

Protects Your Gums

Plaque and tartar that get accumulated in interdental spaces and under the gums can lead to puffy, reddish inflammation called gingivitis. Yes, your child can get gingivitis too. Your child’s mouth has soft gums, and baby teeth hold spaces open for the permanent teeth to come in. It is important to maintain dental care for children as tiny particles of food can get lodged, and plaque can harden over time to form tartar. Flossing removes the plaque that causes tartar in its early form before it hardens into tartar.

Prevents Other Dental Diseases

Flossing requires a lot of coordination and dexterity. If your child is under the age of 10, she might need assistance or supervision to get in the habit. This habit can contribute to a lifetime of health benefits. Tooth and gum diseases can have effects that can go beyond discomfort, bad breath, or discoloured teeth. There are extensive studies that found out that the bacteria that flourish in an unhealthy mouth can harm the body that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. So think about your child’s future and don’t let the dental conditions affect your child’s overall health. Teach your child the right way to floss the teeth.

Flossing is a significant part of a healthy mouth and a healthy body. So, incorporate flossing into your family dental routine and dental care for children.