As adults, you know that routine and daily flossing helps safeguard your smile against everything from tooth decay to gum disease. Now, what about children? Turns out that as soon as your child has teeth that sit side-by-side, flossing becomes vital for avoiding poor oral health. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk proper flossing for children.
The Importance of Flossing
When we brush our teeth, we clean the available surfaces and help remove food particles. However, bits of your meal could remain trapped between teeth or stuck along the gum line, and no amount of brushing could remove them. When we floss, we actually target and remove these particles. Otherwise, they remain stuck between the teeth to be consumed by bacteria, process that leads to higher levels of oral acidity and a layer of plaque buildup coating the teeth. Plaque not only weakens and erodes enamel, but also irritates and inflames gum tissue, increasing the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and even periodontal disease. People of all ages should floss every night before gong to bed. You need to move the floss tape up and down the length of each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line. Remember, proper flossing always means making contact with the gums!
Helping Kids
If your child hasn’t flossed, their gums could be sensitive. They may find a floss pick is easier to use than tape, and you can assist your baby and toddler aged children. You should also monitor your older kids to make sure they’re cleaning their teeth properly. To assist in the process, you could look for fun apps or podcasts to time your little ones and walk them through it.
Don’t Forget to Brush!
Let’s briefly talk about cleaning teeth with a toothbrush. Kids should do so in the morning and again before bed each night, each session should take at least two minutes. Be sure you use an age appropriate one for babies and toddlers. Your older kids may have fun picking out their own, just make sure it has soft bristles and that you replace it every three to four months, or as soon as the bristles become worn down. Also, make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride and that you only use a small dab, about the size of a grain of rice. If you have any questions about helping your little ones clean their teeth each day, then contact our team today for more information.
SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO DISCUSS CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we know that kids of all ages need regular care to avoid serious oral health issues. If you have questions about children’s dentistry, then you can contact our N. Zaragoza dental practice by calling 915-849-9000.