Teaching Your Children that Flossing is Important

Teaching Your Children that Flossing is Important

Every dentist and parent has said it and every child has heard it – “Don’t forget to floss!” Despite the constant reminders, people are more likely not to floss than to actually do so. Many more people feel the act of brushing their teeth is more important and will make a point to brush at least twice a day. Unfortunately, not nearly as many people floss even one time during the day.

Flossing is a very important part of proper dental hygiene. The better you care for your teeth, the longer you will have them. Brushing takes care of the outside and surface of your teeth and gums. Flossing gets in between them.

Some people have gaps between their teeth, while others have very little space between their teeth. Floss is designed to get into those in-between places that your toothbrush can’t get to. Also, brushing has been proven to be more effective IF you floss before you brush.

Your dental hygiene is a three-part process and each step has significance.

First, brushing. This helps prevent plaque build-up, bad breath, and food particles from sticking to the gums and surfaces of the teeth. Second, flossing. This is interdental cleaning, dislodging any food or debris that is stuck in the gaps between the teeth. Third, antibacterial mouthwash. This helps kill the plaque, prevents it from building up, and eliminates bad breath (unless the bad breath is caused by something internal, such as periodontal disease or halitosis.

Teach your children how important it is to follow these three processes every morning and evening, at least. Remind them of the dangers of not brushing and flossing. Help them understand the benefits that will last throughout their lifetime.