Children And Oral Hygiene: 4 Tips For Getting Your Child To Floss Regularly

If you have children, you probably know how difficult it is to get your child to do anything related to their oral health: brushing, flossing, and dentist visits. While it may not be easy—and your child may not like it—proper oral hygiene is important to their health. Once your child has gotten the hang of brushing, it is time to introduce flossing. If you are wondering how you will get your child to floss daily and enjoy it, use these four tips to make it happen:

1. Use the Proper Tools

There are all sorts of different tools available for flossing today. You can use a waterpik, traditional floss, or even the handheld flossers to help your child get the hang of it. As for the floss itself, you can use any variety that your child likes: thick, thin, flavored, or unflavored.

If you do not know what your child likes, switch up the flossing tools and see which one your child likes best. Stick to their favorite and soon they will be a flossing pro.

2. Be an Example

Just like brushing, you should aim to be an example for your child. Show your child that you floss your teeth too. You might also want to brush and floss alongside your child. It will help make the experience more fun for your child. Plus, you can use those precious minutes for bonding.

3. Offer Rewards

If there is one thing children like, it's rewards. During the beginning of your flossing adventure, consider offering your child a reward for good behavior or proper technique. It doesn't have to be candy or food, you can use toys or stickers as a reward. You can also offer extended playtime, reading, or TV time, as a reward too.

4. Start Early and Go Slow

Finally, make sure you start instilling good flossing habits early. The younger your child starts, the better. Starting young will also ensure that they continue the habit throughout their life. In addition, make sure start slow. Your child may not get the hang of it immediately and that's perfectly acceptable. Show them the ropes, practice daily, and soon they will be a master at flossing.

Flossing is a crucial part of a good oral hygiene routine. It helps to remove plaque buildup and it keeps the gums and teeth healthy. If you are trying to introduce flossing into your child's routine, use these four tips. Additionally, make sure they are visiting a pediatric dentist on a regular basis. For more information of pediatric dentistry, contact a professional like those at Montillo Dental Associates Braintree.