Oral hygiene for children often focuses primarily on brushing, but interdental cleaning is an equally important part of a complete routine. Flossing targets areas a toothbrush cannot reach, effectively removing trapped plaque and food particles. Establishing this habit early helps safeguard a child’s dental health from the start.
Identifying When Interdental Cleaning is Necessary
The timing to begin flossing is not determined by a specific age, but by the physical arrangement of the teeth within the mouth. Flossing must begin as soon as any two teeth are touching each other. This contact creates a tight space where toothbrush bristles cannot penetrate to remove plaque. This point usually develops around the age of two to three years, often when the primary molars erupt and settle into place. Parents can check by attempting to slide floss between adjacent teeth; if resistance is felt, daily interdental cleaning is required.
The Importance of Flossing Primary Teeth
Introducing flossing for primary teeth is a preventive measure against early childhood caries, commonly referred to as cavities. Brushing is highly effective for the top and outer surfaces of the teeth, but it misses the interdental surfaces where food debris and plaque collect. Without flossing, these uncleaned areas become prime locations for decay to begin.
Cavities in baby teeth can progress rapidly and potentially affect the alignment and health of the permanent teeth developing below the gums. Flossing once a day removes the hidden plaque that secretes acids, stopping the localized destruction of tooth enamel. This simple step maintains the integrity of the primary dentition, which serves as a natural space maintainer for the permanent successors.
Practical Guide to Flossing Young Children
Caregivers must perform flossing for young children until they develop the necessary fine motor skills for independence, typically around eight to ten years of age. Pre-threaded plastic floss picks are often easier to manage than traditional string floss, especially when navigating the smaller mouths of toddlers. Floss picks require less dexterity and simplify the process of reaching posterior teeth. When using string floss, an 18-inch piece is recommended, with most of the length wrapped around the middle fingers, leaving a small working section taut between the index fingers. To clean effectively, gently guide the floss between the teeth, avoiding a snapping motion that can injure the delicate gum tissue.
Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C-shape” around the side of one tooth, sliding it gently up and down to scrape the plaque away. The process should be repeated for the adjacent tooth surface before moving on, using a clean section of floss for each new gap to prevent spreading bacteria. A helpful position for a parent is to have the child lay down with their head in the parent’s lap, which improves visibility and access to the back teeth. While children may begin to try flossing independently, parental supervision and assistance are still required for several years to ensure thorough plaque removal.