A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Learn the importance and techniques of flossing for babies, toddlers, and children with Meri Sehat. Prioritize oral hygiene for your child's health.

Flossing For Babies, Toddlers, And Children: A Complete Guide

Introduction

No one tells you when you have a baby, how much more is in store for you when it comes to training them to live independently, and how early that training begins. Like flossing. As soon as your child pops 2 teeth that can make contact, you need to start flossing your child&rsquo;s teeth. This can be as early as 2 years. For the next many years, you will be flossing your child&rsquo;s teeth yourself because it will take those little hands some time to develop the dexterity to perform such a task.

Now you may be wondering if it&rsquo;s even possible to pass such a fine thread between the teeth of these tiny humans who can&rsquo;t even sit still for 5 minutes straight. But this is one of those things that cannot be avoided; baby teeth care is crucial for them to maintain their pearly whites throughout life.&nbsp; This article will guide you on how you can not only achieve it but make it a positive experience for your little one. 
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Flossing is an essential second step in your oral hygiene routine, the first being brushing, of course. It involves a strand of dental floss that can be conveniently positioned to remove anything that might have become stuck between the teeth.

Food can remain lodged between the teeth even after they&rsquo;re brushed twice a day. Floss helps scrape off and dislodge these food particles, debris, or plaque. If not removed, plaque causes the breakdown of enamel (the outermost protective layer of teeth) and results in tooth decay and gum disease. 
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Understanding the Importance of Flossing for Children

Some people have the misconception that since baby teeth fall out sooner or later, there isn&rsquo;t a need to care for them as much as you need to care for the permanent teeth. If only you knew how much of a nuisance it would be for you and your child both if baby teeth are not sustained until permanent teeth set in.

If your child has baby tooth decay, has multiple cavities with infection, and they do not have the patience to sit in a dental chair, they may need to get treatment under general anesthesia. Moreover, if a baby tooth has to be extracted due to infection arising from a cavity, there is a chance that their permanent teeth will grow out improperly and they would require braces to straighten them out later in life. This should be enough motivation for parents to set good hygiene practices from a young age. 
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According to studies, 30&ndash;35% of all cavities in children form between the teeth, especially between the primary molar teeth<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp;That is precisely the area flossing is supposed to clean.

People tend to use other objects, like their nails, pins, or toothpicks to remove the food stuck in between their teeth post-meal. According to a 2017 survey, most Americans have used methods other than floss to remove the debris from their teeth<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>. These practices damage teeth and increase the space between teeth, which will then store more food particles and, thereby, lead to tooth decay. Not only that, it can cause oral injuries to the cheek or gum. 
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Enforcing flossing habits will make sure your children do not resort to using anything other than floss to dislodge food stuck in their teeth. The process of decay begins with gingivitis (gum inflammation) and if it&rsquo;s recurrent or ongoing, it can quickly become periodontitis (gum disease). Contrary to popular opinion, children who still have baby teeth frequently experience gingivitis and dental decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 and 11 suffer from dental decay<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
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The American Academy of Pediatrics advice is to start flossing your baby&rsquo;s teeth when they&rsquo;re 2-2.5 years old or when their teeth start to rub against each other<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

Depending on the space between teeth, some kids just need to floss a few of their back teeth while others might need to floss every tooth. Consult your child&#39;s dentist if you&#39;re unsure about when to start teaching your youngster to floss. Whenever you choose to floss, rest assured that by instilling appropriate dental hygiene practices in your child at a young age, you&rsquo;re ensuring that they continue into adulthood. 
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You will need to floss for your child till the age of 8 or 10 years. Once they take over, you will still need to supervise them until you feel confident that the process is being done properly. 
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According to a recent study, it may be best to floss your child&#39;s teeth before brushing them. In the study, researchers discovered that when individuals flossed just after brushing with fluoride toothpaste as opposed to brushing with fluoride toothpaste before flossing, their mouths had lower levels of plaque and higher levels of fluoride (a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay). 
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This is only one study, though. The American Dental Association claims that the sequence in which you brush and floss is unimportant.

Before brushing, try flossing your child&#39;s teeth. You are free to reverse the order if it causes any difficulties. The most important thing is that your youngster flosses and brushes their teeth completely each day<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
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Do you know the right technique for flossing a child&#39;s teeth? Numerous parents don&#39;t. To assist in removing as much plaque as you can without harming your child&#39;s gums, use the techniques listed below: 
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<h5>1. Spool Method (Aka Finger Wrap Method)</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Remove 18 inches of floss from the roll.</li>
	<li>Wind most of the floss around one middle finger (this will be your clean middle finger), and wind a little bit around your other middle finger (this will be your dirty middle finger). Make sure 2 inches of floss remains unwound between both fingers. 
	 
	The reason there is a clean and dirty finger is that, after each tooth is cleaned, the floss will be unwound from the clean finger middle to dispense clean floss, and the used floss will be wound up onto the dirty middle finger. This prevents the bacteria from one tooth to come in contact with the other teeth. 
	At the end of the procedure, the dirty finger will have all the floss used to clean all the teeth. The floss should not be on your index and only on your middle finger because the index finger is needed for the next step. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Use your index fingers and thumbs to hold the unwound floss tightly</li>
	<li>Using a gentle rubbing motion, guide the floss between your child&rsquo;s teeth</li>
	<li>Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a &ldquo;C&rdquo; shape so that it wraps your child&rsquo;s tooth.</li>
	<li>Hold the floss firmly and rub it up and down the tooth. Be careful when you are near the gum as it is delicate and pushing your floss into it can cause bleeding.</li>
	<li>Repeat steps 4-6 until all the teeth that touch have been cleaned. Remember to wind the floss after each tooth is cleaned. Wind up the used floss, and unwind the same amount of clean floss. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>2. Loop Method (Aka Circle Method)</h5>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Take out an 18-inch-long piece of floss</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Knot the ends well to form a circle</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">You should place all your fingers inside the loop except for your thumb.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Use the index fingers to move the floss around the lower teeth and the thumbs for the upper teeth.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Move the floss below the gum line, and bend it into a C so it can floss the sides of each tooth. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Other Methods To Floss

There are alternative methods of flossing if traditional flossing is not acceptable for you or your child<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
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<h5>3. Flossing Tools</h5>

&nbsp;For people who struggle with their hands or are beginners at flossing, tools like a floss holder or pre-threaded flossers are available to help. These are excellent instruments to use when brushing someone else&#39;s teeth, such as your child&rsquo;s. 
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<h5>4. Water Flossers</h5>

For those who wear braces, water picks are suitable. These work well for cleaning food debris from braces or other difficult-to-reach areas. It is not generally recognized to effectively remove plaque, though. 
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The first few times your child flosses, they might experience bleeding as they might be flossing a bit harshly near the gum. There is no reason to panic, they will learn to be gentle after a few tries. However, if the bleeding continues for more than a week, you should consult with your child&rsquo;s pediatric dentist, because bleeding gums also result from gingivitis, which is an infection of the gums. 
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<ol>
	<li>Unwaxed Floss: Unwaxed floss is the most popular kind of floss and is created by twisting many strands of nylon fabric together. It is chemical-free and ideal for people with smaller gaps between their teeth because there is no flavor. Due to its extreme thinness, this form of floss can be more prone to breaking or shredding than the other varieties. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Waxed Floss: The construction of this floss is similar to that of unwaxed floss, except it contains a layer of wax on top. It is far more durable and difficult to shred than unwaxed floss. While the wax covering makes the floss easier to slide between teeth, the smoothness of the floss makes it more difficult to hold. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Dental Tape: If there are larger gaps between your teeth, dental tape is your best bet. Although it is flatter and shaped like cello tape, it is thicker than other varieties of dental floss. Dental tape is available both waxed and unwaxed. Children who have begun losing teeth may be able to use a strip for one or two specific gaps, but it is preferable to use the thinner varieties of floss for kids. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>PTFE Floss: This is formed from&nbsp;a substance called polytetrafluorethylene. This floss is great for people who have tiny gaps between their teeth because it is resilient, easy to work with, and won&#39;t break or shred. Even though it seems perfect, it is better to steer clear of this floss while using it on your kids. Perfluorooctanoic acid, which harms the immune system, is used in its manufacture. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Super Floss: This is the floss to choose if your child has braces. This floss is made up of a stiff end threader, ordinary floss, and sponge floss. To effectively handle the floss and clean the teeth, use the stiff threader. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

The best time to brush and floss your child&rsquo;s teeth is when it fits both of your schedules. If your family has a busy morning schedule, flossing your child&rsquo;s teeth before bed may be the best course of action.

Or you can try flossing your toddler&#39;s teeth in the morning or afternoon if they grow drowsy and resist it right before bed.

While the majority of individuals believe that flossing is only necessary after meals or right before bed, dental experts agree that as long as you floss every day, the time of day doesn&#39;t matter<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>. 
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Flossing doesn&#39;t have to be a hassle. However, kids can occasionally cause a scene and need to be reminded that they need to brush their teeth. 
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<ol>
	<li>&ldquo;Monkey See Monkey Do!&rdquo;-The best way your kid will learn is by example. So, if you don&rsquo;t floss your teeth, it&rsquo;s time to practice what you preach. Better yet, brush and floss your teeth with your child and turn it into a fun activity, especially if you&rsquo;re hard-pressed to spend quality time together otherwise. According to a report, nearly a third of Americans over the age of 30 never floss their teeth<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Do Not Go Overboard With The Rules. Let your child floss at any time of the day initially. And the first few times don&rsquo;t fret if the job isn&rsquo;t done perfectly or all the teeth have not been covered. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If Your Child Is A&nbsp;Fussy Flosser, maybe you could counsel them by telling them the consequences of bad oral hygiene in children. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Parents Must Be As Entertaining, innovative, and playful when it comes time to teach them life&#39;s essential skills! For instance, tell them that the tooth fairy charges extra for having clean teeth if they believe in the tooth fairy. You can offer them a reward every time they floss or read educational books with them about oral hygiene. If they have a favorite toy, ask them to help that toy floss and let them run the floss through their teeth. Try to choose a flavor and color of floss that your child will enjoy because there are several to choose from. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If The Child Struggles With Conventional Floss, it is much easier to use a dental floss pick. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Practice with them until they can thoroughly brush their teeth using soft, gliding motions. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>You can even let your child floss your teeth so they understand the anatomy of the mouth with a more accessible view. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Every Time They Finish Flossing, make sure to praise them a lot. One of the things that motivate children the most is positive reinforcement. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Conclusion

Your child&#39;s dental health is just as crucial as the rest of their physical health. Along with teaching children how to manage other everyday chores, like dressing, bathing, and even eating, you also need to give them the right training in maintaining good oral hygiene.

Even though flossing will take more parental hands-on effort,&nbsp;especially in the early years, the result of a cavity-free mouth makes the effort worthwhile. That&rsquo;s why flossing should be a daily ritual to teach your kids how to take care of themselves. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Flossing is an important part of your child&rsquo;s dental care as soon as two teeth protrude from their tiny gums.</li>
	<li>Parents need to be educated about the risks of not flossing, including the huge financial impact it can have on them if they wait long enough or if an infection sets in.</li>
	<li>Sometimes, when food gets stuck in the teeth after a meal and causes irritation, people tend to remove it using other objects like their nails, pins, toothpicks, etc. These practices damage teeth and create further spaces, which will then store more food particles and lead to tooth decay.</li>
	<li>While the majority of individuals believe that flossing is only necessary after meals or right before bed, dental experts agree that as long as you floss every day, the time of day doesn&#39;t matter</li>
	<li>Contrary to popular opinion, children who still have baby teeth frequently experience gingivitis and dental decay.</li>
	<li>For people who struggle with their hands or are beginners at flossing, tools like a floss holder or pre-threaded flossers can help.</li>
	<li>By explaining the importance of proper dental hygiene to your child at a young age, you may ensure that they continue these practices into adulthood.</li>
	<li>There are different types of floss available, each suited to individual needs.</li>
	<li>&ldquo;Monkey see monkey do&rdquo; is the best way your kid will learn. So, if you don&rsquo;t floss your teeth, it&rsquo;s time to practice what you preach.</li>
	<li>Every time they finish flossing, make sure to applaud your child&rsquo;s efforts. One of the things that motivate children the most is positive reinforcement. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[1] Flossing for children, Introduction for Children. The Kidds Place.

[2] How to Floss Kids' teeth: Children's Dentist NY. Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry.

[3] Hurst. A guide to flossing children's teeth: Tips & tricks. Hurst Pediatric Dentistry.

[4] Aiyer R. Flossing for kids - importance and methods. FirstCry Parenting.

[5] Administrator. How to get young children to Floss. Pediatric Dentist Spokane – KidSmile Dental.

[6] Person. Helping your kids floss: When and how to do it. Healthline.

[7] Higuera V. Cavities in kids: Causes, treatment, and prevention. Healthline.

[8] When should my child start flossing their teeth? Pediatric Dentistry Blog.

[9] Dr. T Jay Robinson DMD. What is the best way to Floss Kid's teeth. Junior Smiles Children's Dentistry.

[10] Dr. Dana FoxDr. Dana grew up in Portland and went to Temple University in Philadelphia. How to floss baby teeth: When to start flossing. Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.