Flossing for kids may seem unnecessary, however it is a great way to start kids off with good dental habits from an early age. If flossing becomes second nature to them as children, they will carry the habit throughout their adult lives too. Flossing cleans the surfaces between the teeth, where a toothbrush simply cannot get to.

There are alternatives to flossing that can be good for kids as they are a little less dextrose than adults. These are things like picksters, flossers and floss threaders. These are all tools which clean the space between the teeth and gums, but are a little easier for small hands to use. You can purchase these items from most chemists and some supermarkets, or at Vivid Dental. If your child has braces or orthodontic appliances, flossing can be tricky – but it’s even more important. Braces and appliances can also build up plaque and bacteria if not cleaned properly. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. It’s crucial to use floss threaders or ‘superfloss’ to ensure your child is flossing between braces or appliances.

Try helping your child to get used to flossing, just slowly. At an early age, it isn’t crucial for them to be flossing as thoroughly as adults do, however it’s really important to get kids into a good routine. This can protect against deciduous tooth decay and further cavities in the future, as well as staining, calculus and gum disease. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum inflammation, so if you notice any bleeding from your child’s gums, it’s even more important to focus on cleaning the gums by flossing.