We all know the importance of daily brushing to prevent tooth decay. Flossing falls under this category too, although it may not be quite the daily habit that brushing is when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t take a back seat to brushing. Flossing helps remove food trapped between teeth, which if left there for too long, can lead to plaque buildup, tarter and ultimately gum disease. Getting your child to brush alone can be a struggle, so adding flossing to the mix may seem like a daunting task for even the most diligent parent. To keep your child on the path to a winning smile, consider following ideas to make flossing less of a chore and more of a game.
Pit Good Against Evil
Every child likes a story about the good guys versus the bad guys. And when the good guys win, that’s the best ending of all. Make up a story where the enemy is bacteria and floss is the hero. Then have your child pretend that he or she is the only one with the power to destroy the evil bacteria by flossing. Your child will relish the idea of being the ultimate hero of the story.
Use Music
Flossing along to a short, upbeat song can make the task less boring and the time fly by. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Even a tune like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” will do. Have your child floss along with the beat. And if you’re feeling creative, add your own words that pertain to flossing as an added twist.
Help Them Succeed
It might not be so easy for your little one to wrap floss around their fingers and hold it there to floss. The good news is there are other tools available to help your child floss a little easier. You may want to purchase floss sticks over traditional floss to help your child navigate the task of flossing. They’re relatively inexpensive and come in large packages, so they’re perfect for practicing. What’s more, floss sticks are small enough for little hands to hold, making it even easier for your child to floss more effectively.
If you are interested in learning more about how to help your child maintain a healthy mouth, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you. To schedule an appointment, please contact Scott T. LeSueur, DDS & Charles A Dodaro, DDS online or by calling our Mesa office at (480) 834-6991 today. We serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and all surrounding Arizona communities.