Taking care of teeth is serious business, and from childhood it’s essential to teach little ones how to care for their teeth. But it’s very common for parents to have doubts about certain habits and products that may or may not be used with children, and one of them is dental floss. We know how important its use is, but can children use dental floss?

What Is Dental Floss For?

Dental floss is one of the essential items for daily health and hygiene. Not everyone takes it seriously, but the recommendation is that it should be used at least once a day, every day. Its main function is to remove bacterial plaque and food from places where brushing can’t reach or remove. When used, it ensures that food debris doesn’t get stuck in the “corners” of teeth, preventing future problems.

When Should You Start Using Dental Floss?

Children can use dental floss from the age of 4, but always under adult supervision, to avoid injury. Ideally, dental floss should be introduced as soon as their little teeth “are close together” and can trap or accumulate bits of food in between. Usually, the molar teeth, which are located at the back of the mouth, are the closest together and accumulate the most residue. The second molar, which sits close together, typically emerges around age 2, so it’s important to keep an eye on oral hygiene and make sure it’s being done right.

Which Dental Floss Should Be Used for Children?

In fact, any type of dental floss can be used with children, as long as they are supervised by parents to prevent accidents, to make sure they aren’t injured and, above all, to ensure correct use. However, there are thinner models of floss that provide more comfort when passing between teeth. There are also flossers with holders, which make flossing easier for parents so they don’t have to keep their hands inside the child’s mouth. As children grow, it’s important to teach them to floss on their own, following these steps:

  • Wrap a small piece of dental floss around your fingers on both hands;
  • Hold the floss tightly;
  • Place it between the teeth and gently move it back and forth;

Teaching good hygiene habits includes teaching oral health. Showing children how to care for their teeth using a toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash is essential for healthy teeth. If it’s difficult to floss after every brushing, set a specific time to do a complete cleaning routine. Usually, before bedtime is a good time to check all your child’s teeth. That way you’ll ensure your children grow up with healthy teeth, free from cavities and with great maintenance to avoid toothaches. When your child uses floss for the first time, do the procedure on yourself so they can watch. After seeing how easy it is, floss their teeth and show how quick and painless it is. So, if you were wondering if children can use dental floss, the answer is yes! Dental floss should be introduced early on into children’s routines, creating good oral hygiene habits. Insisting on this every day will make flossing as normal as bathing or combing hair daily.

Children’s Dental Hygiene

Since the eruption of the first baby teeth, children’s dental hygiene is a serious matter. Some parents think that if the baby only drinks milk, cleaning isn’t needed, but that’s not true. Even at a very early age, as soon as the first tooth comes in, it should be cleaned daily.

How Do I Choose the Right Toothpaste for My Child?

These days, there are countless brands of children’s hygiene products, including oral hygiene. But did you know that not all can be used for every age group? It’s essential to check packaging before buying to see which age the product is for, and especially the fluoride content. An important factor is the amount of toothpaste applied to the brush. The recommended use is an amount the size of a grain of rice on a soft-bristled brush, which is enough for proper brushing.

How Do I Choose the Most Suitable Toothbrush for My Child?

The best choice for children and their very sensitive gums is a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium-bristled brushes are often uncomfortable for little ones and can even cause slight gum bleeding.

How Do I Brush My Child’s Teeth Correctly and Gently?

Brushing should always start at the top of the teeth and move downward. With the brush slightly angled, use rotational movements from top to bottom, removing any food debris between the teeth. With the brush in a vertical position, brush the back teeth with back-and-forth motions, and always remember that the tongue is part of oral hygiene and should also be brushed.

Toothbrush Care

Since a toothbrush is a personal item, it should never, under any circumstance, be shared with anyone else, not even another child. Something few people realize is that cavities can be passed from person to person, and this can happen when using the same toothbrush. After each use, the toothbrush should be well rinsed with water, all toothpaste residue removed, and stored upright in a safe, clean place until next use. See Also: How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Babies and Children Photo: pxhere