At What Age Should Your Child Start Flossing in Ontario?
As a parent, you have many reasons to see that your child develops good oral hygiene habits from a young age. While brushing twice a day is extremely important, it can only do so much. Equally as important in ensuring a healthy smile, flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gumline—areas even dental professionals can’t reach. But one of the most common questions parents ask family dentist in Whitby, Ontario is: when should children start flossing?
Here, we take an in-depth look at when you should introduce your child to flossing and why this is such a key part of dental health care along with some hints on how to make it more enjoyable for them.
Why it Is Important That Children Floss
Flossing helps your teeth stay healthy and free from cavities and gum disease. Plaque, a bacteria-rich film that sticks to teeth and inflames the surrounding gums, develops on this surface through the course of each day. Brushing can remove the plaque from surfaces of teeth and omitted areas are harrowing spots as when some food is struck, it may get tartar but the spaces between two adjacent teeth where a toothbrush doesn’t reach so flossing is required to take care. If left to accumulate, tartar directly causes cavities and gingivitis before gum tissue breakdown occurs into even more severe periodontal diseases.
When kids learn to floss early it can create practices that will prevent dental issues from playing out as they get older. A very important step is required in Ontario where emphasis on dental announced, to prevent this common childhood issue such as cavities occurring between teeth are much harder to diagnose and treat.
One of the most common questions we receive is when a parent should have their child start flossing.
1. Age 2–3: Start Flossing
Your child’s molars will begin to arrive at age 2-3 (upper left image above) so teeth are now touching. You are now ok to start daily, gentle flossing of your child’s erupting teeth. Be gentle and smooth to avoid hurting their fragile tummies. Remember this is supposed to be a good experience, so take your time and keep up the encouragement. You can begin with flossing just one or two teeth and slowly move on to more as your child gets used to the sensation.
2. Age 4-6: Developing the Habit
The better your child gets with manual dexterity, the more they can help floss. You may also begin to instruct them on how they should hold the floss and slide it between two teeth. But even with this upgrade, they will require your help in making sure that all the spots are cleaned thoroughly. Floss holders or picks can help make this process easier, and specialized options designed for children are available.
3. Age 7-8:
By the age of 7 or 8, most children have developed the necessary coordination to floss by themselves. However, you must supervise them at this stage to ensure they’re flossing correctly and reaching every space between their teeth. Encourage your child to floss once a day preferably before they go to sleep to eliminate any food particles that may have accumulated throughout the day.
In Ontario, a province that greatly values dental health, it is essential to teach your child how to floss so they maintain their oral hygiene later on in life. Getting them started when their teeth first make contact and staying in there with positive reinforcement as they grow up will go a long way to giving the child habits prevention.
