Four Ways to Get Your Child To Floss
Lets face it; bedtime routines can be challenging for parents. The nightly agenda likely includes bathing, teeth cleaning, story time and more. Although you may be tempted to slack off on flossing your child’s teeth in that moment of exhaustion or haste, it is vitally important to your child’s dental health that you get the task done each night.
Flossing is responsible for cleaning up to 35% of a tooth’s surface that a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing helps prevent plaque buildup that causes cavities, discoloration and gum disease. By teaching your child the importance of flossing at a young age, they are likely to grow up to be disciplined in the habit as adults. The result is a healthier, brighter and longer-lasting smile!
Flossing doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some ways to make flossing a stress-free daily habit:
Use A Chart: If you have a child that is motivated by rewards, a chart is an excellent way to encourage flossing. Allow your child to design his or her own chart and mark their success with a sticker. At the end of the week (or month), reward them with a job well done. Try to pick a special privilege or small prize instead of candy!
Make it Fun: Children respond beautifully with positive reinforcement. Try to make the task a fun experience. Play your child’s favorite song, make silly faces or play a game while you floss.
Invest in a New Product: When it comes to flossing tools and kids, the options are expansive. There are handheld color flossers, animal-shaped flossers and even Waterpiks designed for kids. You may be surprised at how much easier the task becomes after buying a trendy gadget.
Lead by Example: Never underestimate the importance of actually showing your kids the importance of flossing. Let them see that you are flossing each night and diligently caring for your teeth and gums.
If your child has two teeth that touch, they need to floss. Of course, you’ll need to do the job for them until they have enough dexterity and coordination to do the job correctly. In fact, until your child can tie his or her own shoe, parents should do the flossing. At our dental office in Park Slope, we deeply value the importance of making dental care a positive and rewarding experience for kids. In doing so, we always look for ways to help parents instill strong dental habits at home. If flossing your child’s teeth is a daily battle, we’d love to help you!
Posted on behalf of Park Slope Pediatric Dental and Orthodontics Empowered by hellosmile