Best Types of Floss for Kids

by | Nov 1, 2021 | Dental Health

Flossing is important, but it can be tough to remember to floss regularly if it’s not fun. Thankfully, there are some awesome products out there designed to make flossing both fun and convenient for kids, and parents too! Let’s talk about the best types of floss for kids so they can start out caring for their teeth correctly.

When Should Kids Start Flossing?

Before figuring out the best types of floss for kids, it’s important to know when the right time is for your child to start flossing. In general, it’s a good idea to start flossing as soon as your child’s teeth begin to fit closely together. The age that this happens can vary, but it’s usually between the ages of 2 and 6. Of course, such a young child isn’t going to be able to floss their own teeth, so you’ll need to do all of the work for them initially.

Whichever age they are, you should demonstrate the proper way to floss and supervise their brushing and flossing for as long as your dentist recommends or until you observe that they are able to use the right amount of toothpaste and floss, and safely care for their teeth independently. Many children are ready to care for their own teeth around the ages of 7 or 8, although each child is different.

Floss Picks for the Win!

It can be tough at any age to first learn how to floss, but especially for children who may not have fully developed the dexterity that many adults have. This is why the best types of floss for kids are often floss picks or dental picks.

Regular floss typically comes as a long string wound around a spool that can be cut to whatever length you prefer. Once cut, it also needs to be wrapped around your middle fingers on both hands and then pinched between your thumbs and index fingers in order to be properly used to clean between your teeth. This process can be difficult for younger children and will be taught when they have the proper dexterity.

Floss picks, on the other hand, simply come as small plastic sticks with a pre-stretched strand of floss at the end. They are both easy to hold and to maneuver between teeth, which can make learning to floss a lot more enjoyable for you and your child. Some brands also make them in fun colors and shapes, especially for kids!

Talking With Your Child’s Dentist

Your child’s smile is as unique as they are so it’s important to talk with your child’s dentist about how to know when it’s the right time to start flossing their teeth. Their dentist can also give helpful input about the best types of floss for kids and how to help meet any individual or special needs your child has that may affect their dental care. The goal is to make sure your child feels supported and has the best tools to empower them to care for their teeth right from the start.

Call our Gilbert, Mesa or San Tan Valley dental offices, to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

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