Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

As a parent, you are undoubtedly very careful about the dental health of your child. However, while you may be aware that you should start cleaning your baby's teeth with a washcloth and that you should start brushing once teeth start to pop up, you may not be aware of when is the right time to start flossing your child's teeth. Flossing is just as important as brushing, and after reading this article, you will be armed with the knowledge of how and when to start flossing your child's teeth.

At What Age Should Your Child Begin Flossing?

Flossing should start as soon as your child begins to grow multiple teeth. Most children can begin flossing between the ages of two to six years old. When your child is young, you should floss their teeth yourself and, as they get older, you can show them what to do and supervise the process so that they don't hurt themselves.

What Should I Do if Bleeding Occurs?

It is normal for teeth to bleed a little when your child flosses, especially for the first time. However, as soon as your child's gums start getting accustomed to flossing, you will find that bleeding decreases significantly. If gums keep bleeding for more than a week, you should check with your dentist because it is very likely that something is wrong. Continuous bleeding may be a sign of the gum disease Gingivitis.

Is There Any Way to Make Flossing Easier?

The type of floss you choose is very important. In the beginning, it is best to choose a wider and flatter type of dental floss. As your child grows, you can then select traditional dental floss and teach them how to wrap it around their fingers to remove food particles from their teeth.

Is Dental Floss the Only Option for Flossing a Child's Teeth?

Thankfully, the answer to that question is no. There are flossing picks available that you can use to get between your child's teeth. These are usually easier to use than regular floss and come in many colors and shapes that make them fun for kids to use.

You are now ready to start flossing your child's teeth if you are not already been doing so. If you have already started, then following these tips should make the process easier. The key take away is that there is no need to shy away from flossing your child's teeth since it is a highly effective way of reducing plaque and cavities when done right. Speak to a pediatric dentistry clinic for further tips and information.