Flossing is an important part of dental hygiene, and not just for adults. Teaching your child to floss and make it a part of their daily routine will be important for their oral and overall health.
Flossing should begin when a child has more than one tooth and they start to grow closer together. Since floss can reach surface areas of the teeth that brushing can’t reach.
Helps Protect the Bone and Gums
Many think that because the child’s baby teeth will fall out that flossing isn’t as important, but flossing helps protect the bone and the gum. If these are not taken care of in childhood, they can give an adult problems. Kids can also get gingivitis if their teeth are not properly cared for.
Start the Habit Early
A child will have to floss as an adult and for the rest of their life, so it’s a good idea to instill good dental habits in your child from an early age. If they develop the habit early then it will be something they always do, even after they leave the nest.
Prevent Decay
Baby teeth can still get cavities and even if the teeth are going to fall out anyway, they still matter. Not only can cavities in baby teeth hurt, and no one wants to see their child suffer, but also baby teeth cavities can still damage the root and require more extensive treatment. Cavities in baby teeth will also make it difficult for your child to eat and sleep, which can cause behavioral problems and missed days at school.
Helps Prevent Other Diseases
Bacteria in the mouth can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. Starting flossing early can have an impact on the long-term health of your child.
To find ways to make it easier for your child to floss, talk to your dentist. A dentist may recommend that they use a floss stick or pick since regular floss can be difficult for young children. Always help and supervise your children while flossing.
For more information about dental health for your child, contact the team at Southfield Kid's Dentist today. From children's cavity treatment to a special needs dentist we can help.
