Every parent loves the toothy grin that their toddler gives, but without good oral habits, that toothy grin can quickly turn into a gummy grin!
Here at Family Dental Centre (FDC) we recommend establishing a regular dental routine as soon as your children’s first teeth emerge. This routine should consist of regular brushing and flossing as well as trips to our kids dentist in Singapore for checkups.
When it comes to daily dental habits for kids both brushing and flossing are important to prevent cavities and caries. Not flossing could result in plaque buildup, cavities, gum disease, bad breath, or bleeding gums – making it important you help your child cultivate healthy dental habits as soon as possible.
Here are some tips to make your kids flossing routine as smooth as possible:
Many parents wonder “When should i introduce my toddler to flossing?” and may put it off till they get their full set of teeth in. However flossing for kids should actually begin once two teeth are touching.
Even after an early introduction to flossing it’s very common for kids to be unable to floss properly until they’re between 7 to 10 years old. This is due in part to their developing motor skills as well as their maturity level. Even if they seem to be confident with the dental floss try to supervise their daily flossing sessions until you’re satisfied that they are doing a good and consistent job.
Flossing can be uncomfortable for kids and adults alike. Get your child comfortable with the idea by letting them pick out their own dental floss, floss sticks, or other flossing methods.
Apart from traditional string floss alternative flossing methods include pre-threaded floss sticks, dental picks, interdental brushes, or water picks (water flosses). Introduce these alternative methods only when appropriate for your child’s age as some options may pose a choking hazard.
Each option has its own pros and cons but what’s important is to build your child’s trust of the process so that they feel comfortable with flossing. Remember to supervise your child during the flossing process for their own safety as well as to monitor their flossing technique.
Focus on making flossing fun to help distract your child from the new sensations and sensory experiences. For example you can play your child’s favourite song and floss in time to the beat or make up a nonsense song you can sing while flossing.
Flossing is an essential part of a daily dental care routine and it’s best to get children used to it early so they can carry the habit into adulthood.
If you are having trouble getting your child to floss, get in touch with our dentists at any of our dental clinics in Singapore. Our children’s dentists at FDC Victoria Hougang are particularly liked by our young patients and are known for being good in managing them throughout an appointment!
Book an appointment with us today and take the first step to ensuring your child’s dental and oral health.
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