{"id":14409,"date":"2024-05-02T22:03:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T22:03:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/?p=14409"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:39:22","slug":"flossing-helping-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westgatedentalcare.net\/blog\/2024\/05\/02\/flossing-helping-children\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Flossing: How to Help Your Child Develop Good Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Helping your child adopt good oral hygiene habits at an early age is crucial. It sets them up for success and instills the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, while brushing may not be an issue, getting them to floss the right way can be tricky. To help you navigate this process, a local dentist is here to discuss why cleaning between teeth is essential as well as ways to make flossing<\/a> an easier and more enjoyable habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Flossing Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most children have few issues when it comes to brushing their teeth. Although it may take some time to ensure they are cleaning for the appropriate amount of time, it\u2019s something they pick up more readily over time. Flossing, however, is different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similar to adults, cleaning between teeth can often be ignored by children. Unfortunately, neglecting this oral hygiene step can have serious consequences, including cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason is that plaque and bacteria can easily accumulate between teeth and along the gumline. If left untreated, it can cause gums to swell and teeth to develop small holes, also known as dental caries. This leads to necessary restorative care in the form of dental fillings, dental crowns, and even gum disease treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proper Ways to Floss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For little hands that are just learning how to floss, it can be difficult trying to hold on to a piece of dental floss. This is why some dentists recommend picks or even water irrigators (i.e., WaterPik).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For slightly older children or teenagers, regular waxed floss can be used to effectively remove food particles and other bacteria from between teeth. All that is required is an 18\u201d piece of floss. Then, your child can follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n