How To Encourage Children To Floss

Much has already been said about the importance of brushing the teeth regularly as part of maintaining children’s proper oral hygiene. However, flossing should also be included in the routine because it is the best way to extract food debris that is trapped between the teeth or the spaces where gums meet the teeth, areas that a toothbrush could not reach.

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As many parents know, it is quite schallenging to get their children to floss for a variety of reasons. Listed below are some tips on how to encourage kids to floss.

  • Demonstrate how it is done: Flossing obviously requires more dexterity than brushing, which is why parents should show the kids first how it should be done. It is better to pay a visit to a dental clinic so that both parents and children would get to learn the proper way of flossing. The family can even make it a family affair by including it in the nighttime routine.
  • Use floss picks or floss holders: Because it may take time before children can master the proper way of flossing, an alternative is to buy floss picks because it provides an easy-to-hold option, eliminating the need to learn how to wrap the floss around the fingers.
  • Let them shop for floss: One way to motivate kids to floss is to allow them to pick out what floss to buy. By letting them choose flavors or designs, it could encourage them or make them more eager to use it.

    • Image source: multivu.com


    It is Dr. Kami Hoss’s desire to educate children about oral hygiene. He is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the biggest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego, and he sponsors events that are geared toward his advocacy. Read more about him by visiting this Twitter page.

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