Primary teeth, often called baby teeth, serve as the initial set of placeholders and chewing tools. While brushing cleans the broad outer and inner surfaces, it cannot effectively reach the narrow spaces where teeth make contact. Flossing cleans these inaccessible areas, preventing the buildup of plaque and food debris. Establishing this practice early is beneficial for long-term dental health.
The Importance of Flossing Primary Teeth
Flossing is necessary because a toothbrushâs bristles cannot physically penetrate the tight contact points between teeth. When food particles and bacterial plaque remain trapped in these interdental spaces, they cause interproximal decay. This decay can progress rapidly and is often difficult to detect during a visual examination.
The health of the primary teeth directly influences the permanent teeth developing beneath the gums. Baby teeth maintain the necessary space in the jaw and act as guides for the adult teeth that will eventually erupt. If decay causes a primary tooth to be lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth may shift, potentially leading to alignment issues. Incorporating flossing establishes a beneficial lifelong habit.
Determining When to Begin and Necessary Tools
The signal to begin flossing is not a specific age but a developmental milestone: when any two teeth touch each other. This usually occurs around the age of two or three, especially with the eruption of the back molars. Once this contact point forms, brushing alone is no longer enough to remove plaque from that surface.
Parents have two main tools to choose from: traditional string floss or pre-threaded floss picks. String floss, typically an 18- to 24-inch piece wrapped around the middle fingers, allows the caregiver to use a fresh section for every pair of teeth. Waxed floss is often recommended as it glides more easily through tight spaces without fraying. Floss picks offer greater ease of maneuverability in a small mouth, but string floss allows for a more controlled “C-shape” wrap around the tooth surface.
Step-by-Step Technique for Flossing Baby Teeth
A comfortable and stable position for the child is helpful for the caregiver to maintain control and visibility. Having the child lie down with their head in the parent’s lap provides excellent access to all areas of the mouth. This positioning allows the parent to clearly see the contact points and use two hands for the technique.
If using string floss, a length of about 18 inches should be unspooled, with most of it wrapped around one middle finger and a small amount around the other. The working section of floss, held taut between the thumbs and index fingers, should be only about one to two inches long. This short length provides the necessary tension and control.
The floss must be guided between the teeth using a gentle back-and-forth, or “sawing,” motion until it passes the contact point. Avoid snapping the floss down onto the gums, which can cause irritation or discomfort. Once through the contact point, the floss should be curved around one tooth, creating a “C” shape that hugs its side.
The floss is then gently slid up and down along the side of the tooth, moving slightly beneath the gum line to dislodge any trapped plaque. After cleaning the first tooth surface, the floss should be curved around the adjacent tooth and the motion repeated. Before moving to the next set of teeth, a clean, unused section of floss must be unwound to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
Making Flossing a Positive Daily Routine
Consistency is a main component of establishing flossing as a daily routine. Flossing should be performed once daily, ideally at night before bedtime, immediately following the brushing routine. Linking the two activities helps cement them as a single habit in the child’s mind.
Parents can use positive language to explain the purpose of flossing, such as describing plaque and food particles as “sugar bugs” that need to be cleaned out. Allowing the child to choose a child-friendly tool, such as a colorful floss pick or a flavored floss, can give them a sense of ownership over the process.
If a child resists, the initial flossing sessions can be kept very brief, targeting just one or two sections and gradually increasing the duration over time. Staying calm and offering genuine praise for cooperation helps create a positive association. Modeling the behavior by flossing your own teeth reinforces that this is a normal, healthy activity for everyone.