Contrary to popular belief, flossing is just as important as brushing. Unfortunately, a lot of people overlook flossing even as adults. So, naturally, a lot of kids grow up not flossing.
Teaching children good oral health habits begins as soon as the first tooth sprouts through the gums. Along with brushing twice a day, it’s important to regularly floss your child’s teeth. It only takes a few minutes to do, yet the benefits are immense in size.
If your child is very young, you will have to floss their teeth for them. As they get older, you should teach them to do it themselves. Let’s take a look at why flossing is important – even for children – and the benefits it provides.
Is Flossing Necessary for Kids?
Yes! Some parents believe that flossing is unimportant because their children still have baby teeth. However, even the tiniest teeth can get cavities. Brushing may clean the surface of your child’s teeth, but it does not reach in between them. This is where food particles can stay and eventually attract cavities. In short, flossing reaches the areas that brushing cannot. When brushing and flossing are combined, your child is well on the way to a perfect smile.
Introducing the habit of flossing is best when your kids are still young. Not only will you instill the value and habit of flossing from a young age, you will also help protect their teeth in childhood, so they don’t have to deal with dental treatments early on.
What Does Flossing Do?
The area where our teeth meet each other and connect with our gums are where flossing is most important. When we eat, bits and pieces of food can quickly get stuck between the teeth and around the gums. Most of the time, brushing cannot get these areas clean. Even though food may not be visible, it is most certainly there. Over time, the food particles lodged in these areas build up. When this happens, there is a much higher possibility for conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis. It also causes bad breath. Regular flossing can help remove the food particles between the teeth and save your child from a variety of dental issues. Regular flossing can also help reduce bad breath.
Family Dentist in Henderson, Nevada
Instilling the value of healthy oral care habits is a critical responsibility of any parent. If you have young children, the sooner you begin teaching them to brush and floss, the better. Studies show when you teach your child habits at a young age, they are more likely to stick with them as adults. Make sure to take your children to regular dentist visits so that you can work together to instill good dental habits in your child.
At Dedicated Dental, we prioritize your child’s dental health and work to teach them good habits early on. Make an appointment today with one of our experts. Call (702) 566-5509 to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.
